Before dawn, Shang Mian got up first. The Xuanyi Guard captain was waiting outside, whispering something. Shang Mian nodded and quickly walked out.
After Ruan Ning’s footsteps faded, she opened her eyes, sensing that he was hiding something.
“Jiaojiao, what’s wrong with Shang Mian’s body?”
The standard female voice replied, “He just had a blood transfusion and hadn’t fully recovered before rushing back to the capital. He used true qi to take you away and was injured. The system shows he has at most ten years left.”
Ruan Ning clenched her fist, realizing the danger he had placed himself in.
“Can he be cured?” she asked after a pause.
“The system has medical assistance. He can be cured if you’re willing to exchange. Alternatively, he can be revived by the system after death, restoring his body functions to optimal state,” the voice said.
Ruan Ning felt relieved; there was still hope.
Shang Mian, alongside the Xuanyi Guard, found Shang Mingsi hiding in a long-abandoned palace room. He was disheveled and filthy, shielding his eyes with his dirty sleeve when illuminated.
“Take him back. I want a clear explanation of his collusion with Northern Rong three years ago,” Shang Mian ordered.
Without resorting to torture, Shang Mingsi confessed everything after just one missed meal, detailing how he planned and operated, as well as the people involved. He remembered every detail clearly.
This was the first time he had truly defeated Shang Mian, a moment worth remembering for a lifetime.
“Check everyone on the list. Arrest and execute anyone missing,” Shang Mian ordered, glancing at the thick confession. Some were those who had advised him to take concubines to gain wealth and positions, willing to sell out warriors and even their own daughters. Such people deserved to die.
Young Master Xie hesitated. “My Lord, how shall we deal with Shang Mingsi?”
“Tomorrow, I will publicly announce his crimes and kill him myself,” Shang Yan replied casually.
“My Lord, please reconsider!” Xie urged. “As a new monarch, executing the former emperor may cause unrest among the old court officials who have just pledged allegiance. It would be better to confine him and quietly eliminate him.”
