Heartless decision-2
All the people from crown prince faction felt their this was cutting the heart of their meat but to keep it remaining beating this sacrifice they were forced to accept. Duke Shi who was also present was now kneeling beside his daughter. He knew it should be done like this and with Shiyou on jade throne the things lost today is bound to return thus calmly accepts the decree unlike his wailing daughter.
Even he at this moment wanted to strangle her for it seemed her brain was filled with water and leading to such results. Shiyou was in full agreement with his fathers decision and appeared as if in a great conflict between the love for his mother and righteousness as a crown prince.
Dethroning an empress was a grand move along with the demotion of her paternal family. Having done so without any hesitation the emperor seemed righteous but also a heartless person. For everyone knew it was because of the Shi that he was able to climb up. But as the matter was not to their interest they rather enjoyed the show.
Empress having her father by her side and punished was clear of the warning and threat from the emperor that further slip will result to extermination of the entire clan thus became quite only tears flowing like river.
While Leiran was at great shock and fear. She dreaded for what will become of her if even her empress mother and powerful maternal grandfather was punished so heavily. And not one of them begged for mercy nor were against this decree.
Emperor finally casting his gaze towards the source of disaster gives another decree "Zhen has failed as a father...but Princess Leiran also failed as a daughter..not once but twice she behaved indecently...though young she is of age where she knows of do's and dont's...after the last matter Zhen even had changed for more attentive and well known tutors...even reprimanding previous tutors despite there innocence but as of present...
Zhen is confident that it is not the tutors at fault but rather Zhen's daughter who seems to be possessed by devil...never learning...wicked and malicious nature running through her veins like blood...Zhen feels it is unfortunate to have such daughter and a princess who time and again attracts calamity likes bees to flowers...
As not to have this source of disaster any further when one day she might bring us to ruins...Zhen removes her title of the princess...her name is to be removed from the imperial clan tree...further she is not to receive any surnames of her paternal or maternal family...she is to be tattooed as a disaster on her head...she is to be paraded in the entire capital and made an example to pass on the message that even if connected by blood to Zhen...no one from huajin should be daring and malicious towards esteemed lord of the valley who even Zhen's ancestors regarded highly...nor should take the peace between nations as a light matter...she is to face the capital punishment tomorrow in the mid afternoon when the sun is brightest...
Though as a father it pains Zhen's heart but as a ruler and proper human simply cannot let other party suffer injustice and humiliation for ones emotion...Zhen once again pleads for the understanding of all the nation and more so from Nanling and esteemed lord...
Zhen hopes with Leiran's blood spilled the matter of today's will be put behind...and more effort is applied for the peace and better future...Zhen also humbly requests for all the envoys to help Zhen as a friend in need and make this countries meet a grand success...
Zhen hope today's adversity is received favorably and that we replace weapons with jade and silk...for we all are people who have thousands below whose responsibility and future lies on our shoulders..for the next generation to flourish in peace and prosperity our present course of action is vital...hence more than for Zhen...Zhen hope for that bright future we make this countries meet a grand success with good memories onwards"
Leiran had long fainted from hearing her punishment while empress was sobbing with her tears as endless river. The crowd was in silence after hearing such harsh punishment followed by the wise and heartfelt speech later.
The envoys of Nanling had a wooden face making it unable to know their current feelings. But emperors actions indeed speak loudly serving worthy justice to the suffered party. With this Nanling cannot and should not remain stubborn but at end it would depend on the main person who was the main party with grievance Yusheng the lord of the valley.
This matter was clear to everyone including emperor that the rest was depending on Yusheng. As long as she accepts then Nanling will also have to accept the given answer.