Chapter 104: Resolution

Before the grand staircase adorned with eighty-eight strings of pearls, the scene was exceptionally chaotic; even the sky seemed to prolong the dawn. Over ten thousand people were wailing loudly, their tears directed at the infamous celebrities who had committed grave crimes.

Faced with the anguish and cries of their loved ones, the criminals who had rushed over felt a pang of sorrow. Though they were deeply wicked, many here cared for the law and order of the realm, sacrificing their personal selves for the greater good. Yet, they were unaware that the Empress had orchestrated a brutal act of righteous justice against her own kin—a cruel irony indeed.

Watching the situation unfold naturally, Le Xiaotian and Chen Fang exchanged a glance, both hoping this was not the Empress’s doing. Otherwise, when the truth was revealed years later, it would chill many hearts.

“Father, mother, forgive me. I had no choice,” a voice sobbed.

“If you remarry, I won’t stop you, but my child will never bear another’s name. Otherwise, my brothers will kill you and your husband—don’t test me!” came a fierce retort.

“How dare your son scold me? I have fought countless battles, and now I strive for the stability of the realm. You think I’ve brought shame upon you? Get over here!” roared another.

Amidst the shouts and howls, the criminals raised their megaphones. At the same time, the relatives cried out in despair. The chaos was complete. Fortunately, both sides remained within their respective secure zones; otherwise, a violent clash would have erupted.

Moreover, among those trying to mediate were relatives of the officials executed by shooting, alongside some disguised reporters. Despite many agents and soldiers having infiltrated the scene days ago, the lure of fame and fortune had blinded people once again. Many were driven mad by ambition.

Though the exact identities of the interlopers were uncertain, keen observers like Le Xiaotian and Chen Fang understood the situation clearly. Meanwhile, Ying Dengbo and Zhang Hao, having analyzed the developments, drew their own conclusions.

Soon, they descended the large pearl staircase from the north. The appearance of the criminal leaders somewhat calmed the chaos. Their presence attracted people from the south, west, and east, all converging here.

As Ying Dengbo and Zhang Hao stepped down, the atmosphere instantly tensed, reminiscent of days before when they had faced off. After all, eliminating these two leaders could resolve much.

All eyes turned to Le Xiaotian, but he neither spoke nor gave orders, simply continuing to smoke. Spotting his father, a young man rushed forward, tearfully pleading, “Dad, please stop this!”

Frowning sharply, Ying Dengbo’s gaze was fierce. “What, you think I’m wrong? Your uncle died for nothing?”

The young man bit his lip, trying to argue, but grief overcame him. “I… I…”

Waving a large hand, Ying Dengbo commanded, “If you still call me father, get home now. Take care of your grandmother, mother, aunt, and sister. Protect the family name, do you understand?”

Unlike the old imperial days when one’s crime meant extermination of the entire clan, Ying Dengbo had no intention of dragging his family into this.

At that moment, Zhang Hao’s mother, a poised woman in her forties, spoke softly. “Child, how have you been these past days?”

Zhang Hao nodded. “Don’t worry, I won’t disgrace you.”

Without tears or pleas, she calmly replied, “Good. I will see you through this.”

“I will tear him to pieces!” Le Xiaotian’s voice cut through the air sharply, accompanied by a piercing whistle and a flash of cold light.

In an instant, the tip of a sharp spear pressed against Zhang Hao’s mother’s throat, a thin line of crimson blood flowing forth.

In a heartbeat, over thirty thousand people simultaneously drew their weapons, cold sweat breaking out over their bodies.

Damn it, when did the commander appear? This meant a fight was inevitable!

Zhang Hao, however, remained calm. “What, you want to play the hostage game?”

Le Xiaotian’s eyes gleamed ruthlessly. “Ha, who said I want hostages? I just want to kill your mother.”

“Don’t you care about the thousands held hostage inside the Star Tower?” Zhang Hao asked.

Laughing coldly with blood-red eyes like a demon, Le Xiaotian pushed the spear deeper. “You think I’m a hero?”

Clenching his fists, Zhang Hao’s anger surfaced.

Just as many trembled in fear, Le Xiaotian smiled. “Zhang Hao, surrender. Let’s have a good, clean fight.”

Zhang Hao secretly exhaled. Though composed, he could not fully read this adversary.

He smiled in return. “Too bad. If I let them surrender, there’d be no battle. We have no way out, nor do we intend to.”

Satisfied that his objective was met, Le Xiaotian withdrew his spear and did not stop Zhang Hao from helping his mother.

Perhaps understanding Le Xiaotian’s intent, Zhang Hao addressed the relatives, “Everyone, go home. If you still consider them your kin, don’t interfere.”

Just as hope seemed lost, a son of an executed official surged forward. “We won’t leave! We want our family reunited! We—”

Before he could finish, Zhang Hao pierced his throat. The crowd shuddered.

This show of force made Le Xiaotian’s eyes narrow slightly; Zhang Hao understood the message. To prevent unnecessary casualties, both needed deterrence. He was no fool.

The ruthless warning had immediate effect.

“Dad, go home. It’s too dangerous here. Your son will honor you in the next life.”

“Go back. Don’t cry. Take care of your son for me.”

“Why are you still standing? Do you want me to beat you in front of everyone?”

The criminals knew surrender was impossible now. If relatives did not leave, there would be a merciless slaughter.

The relatives, too, were terrified—fearful for their own lives and for those of their kin, knowing Zhang Hao was a brutal criminal leader.

Among the crowd, relatives of executed officials and reporters grew restless. What was happening? This could not end like this!

Yet, despite their unwillingness, as one by one left, they had no choice but to flee.

As tensions eased, Le Xiaotian knew there was one more task. Raising his megaphone, he shouted, “The Empress is merciful; under these circumstances, you still have the chance to see your loved ones. If anyone surrenders now, I will give you a swift resolution.”

Ignoring him, Zhang Hao led the criminals toward the Star Tower once more.