Chapter 1268: Chapter 1268

With the death of the Duke Protector, the Ducal Residence was raided and confiscated. In the court today, the situation became overwhelmingly one-sided. No one spoke for the Ducal Residence anymore, and all the discussions revolved around how his crimes should be judged.

"According to the law, the Ducal Residence’s crime constitutes treason, and the plan was still ongoing. This crime warrants the execution of nine generations."

"That is inappropriate. The Ducal Residence’s influence has entrenched itself in the court for a century, with deeply intertwined connections to over half of the court officials. If we execute nine generations, more than half of those present here would be included among them.

The law is not without consideration for human sentiment. Such special circumstances should be handled specially. Your Majesty, I believe the nine generations can be spared; eradicating three generations would suffice."

Jie Huanzhi stepped forward, cupping his hands toward the Emperor and stated, "Your Majesty, as the year draws to a close, I believe a large-scale slaughter might destabilize the nation’s foundation. Moreover, we just experienced floods and warfare last year. Making a major move at this time would be unwise. The Ducal Residence’s attempt at treason is solely their crime and unrelated to others. If punishment is to be meted out, it should suffice to punish just the one household. In this way, the Emperor’s graciousness can shine through."

"Hmm, Minister Jie speaks reasonably. With the year-end approaching, it is indeed not a good time to enact excessive bloodshed. The Ducal Residence’s case weighs heavily on the state. I originally intended to oversee it personally to its conclusion, but I am aged and increasingly feel powerless. Therefore, I will entrust this matter to the eldest Prince to handle fully."

At this juncture, no one dared to voice dissent. Everyone was terrified by the Ducal Residence’s case. In any case, whatever the Emperor declared was what it would be.

Three days later, the Ducal Residence was annihilated. Over five hundred members of the family were executed.

Jin Zijin handled the matter with sheer brutality. Using the heavy snowfall to block the flow of news, he eradicated everyone in the Ducal Residence before anything could leak out. And what if the news eventually spread? He held their charges in his hands. Would they dare deny it? To do so would be to openly rebel.

As for the Ducal Residence’s lackeys, when the family still stood, they spared no effort to curry favor and collude with them. But once they were truly wiped out, no one remained loyal. Who would risk their lives to avenge the Ducal Residence? Everyone only cared about themselves, hastily severing their connections with the family to avoid being implicated.

On King Jin’s side, because he proactively confessed and expressed genuine remorse, he was imprisoned in the Zongrenfu.

As for his Madams, those who were pregnant had their children aborted but were allowed to live. They were imprisoned in the Zongrenfu for life.

Those who were not pregnant were returned to their respective maiden families.

All things considered, they too were victims.

But the Imperial Family’s face had to be preserved. Since there was no way to confirm which of these women had compromised themselves, they were all treated as if they had shamed King Jin. Even though he was imprisoned in the Zongrenfu, they were no longer deemed worthy to remain by his side.

Finally came the Empress.

When all was said and done, she suffered such a massive blow that she fell gravely ill and never recovered.

Mama Li, along with the Ducal Residence members, was dealt with. Those who served her were now gone. The vast Kunning Palace was no different from the Cold Palace.

"The Emperor has arrived..."

The eunuch’s voice stretched out, slightly grating. The Empress, lying in bed, opened her eyes.

Soon, the Emperor entered. The Empress glanced at him, then closed her eyes again, saying, "Your Majesty, this consort is unwell and afraid I cannot rise to pay my respects."

"I exempt you from the formalities," the Emperor said quietly.

He raised his hand slightly. Eunuch Wan led the others to tactfully withdraw, closing the doors behind them.

The Empress sneered and said, "Your Majesty, did you come in such haste to see if I’m dead yet? This consort remembers the promise I made to you—for the sake of sparing Xiaoran, I would take my own life to atone once the matter was settled. But now... now this consort doesn’t even have the strength to die. I beg Your Majesty to grant me a cup of poisoned wine to end this wretched existence."