Imperial Square.

Row upon row of death row inmates were escorted onto the high platform, their hands and feet secured with Genetic Locks, eliminating any possibility of escape.

Among these people were white-haired elderly, robust middle-aged men of forty-five, but even more were teenagers and young adults in their twenties, and even children of just a few years old...

It was said there were seven or eight infants who had not yet learned to walk, recently taken in by the orphanage; this time, they too were swept up by the Wolf Soldiers of the Security Bureau.

They had to be fed milk upon their return.

Originally, they were also on the list for the mass execution, but later it was thought that proceeding in such a manner would seem distasteful, so they were removed from the list.

Of course, this did not mean they would not die.

It was just a change of method.

Those who associated with the rebel party were traitors.

Even if they wouldn't commit treason now, they would when they grew up...

If you don't remove the roots when you cut the grass, the spring breeze will bring it back to life.

The Royal Family was determined to carry out a grand purge, willing to endure whatever notoriety it brought upon them.

What's more, for every person who condemned it, there were those who praised it, and many more thought it was quite a good deed...

The security of the Empire, above all else.

Due to the large number of people, after consultation by the three departments, it was decided to execute these individuals in several batches.

Five hundred in each batch, one batch executed, another brought in.

It was as shocking as it was spectacular.

It also served as a stark warning to others.

Now, the first batch of five hundred inmates had taken their places.

They knelt on the ground like livestock, their expressions numb, their gazes hollow.

They had accepted their fates; resistance was pointless.

They just hoped for a quick death.

Without too much pain.

Countless citizens gathered for this festive occasion.

It had been many years since Imperial Square had seen such a large spectacle...

Some knowledgeable elders even educated the younger ones around them:

"This is nothing. When they executed Tang Li... Tsk, tsk, tsk..."

"They used fire... Do you know why they used fire? To make you die slower, not to let you die too easily..."

"It was horrific, I had nightmares for nights... listening to women and children crying by my ear..."

------

On the big screens flanking the square, a live broadcast of the execution was underway.

Excited crowds, prisoners awaiting death, and a group of dazzling officials on the high platform.

Tang Fei was there too, representing the Monitoring Bureau, providing on-site supervision for the execution.

Ensuring there was no deception or substitution.

Completely in line with judicial fairness and procedural justice, allowing for no errors.

Oh, the irony!

Shen Wuxiang was in charge of this public execution, sitting alongside the high-ranking officials from the three departments and the Military Committee.

Even though he sat with a stern face, silent, he remained the focus in the crowd.

Yan Wenli sat alone in the corner; known by the nickname "Mad Dog," everyone wisely kept their distance from him.

And he was content with that.

How could the Director of the Supervision Institute make friends?

He just needed to serve his masters well.

Time ticked by, every second - everyone waiting for that pivotal moment to arrive.

------

The Ninth Layer of Purple.

This is the clothing brand used exclusively by the Phoenix Royal Family.

Phoenix would sometimes have designers bring the season's latest clothing to the Phoenix Pavilion, where she would select from the comfort of her own home.

More often, she would make plans with Sheng Xinhua to go to the boutique Jiuchongzi for a fitting session on-site. Princesses are human too, and she—a young, beautiful girl—also enjoyed the thrills of a shopping spree.

Besides, compared to the dreary Phoenix Palace, she much preferred the free and lively atmosphere outside.

Today, just like usual, Phoenix and Sheng Xinhua made their way to Jiuchongzi's high-end custom shop.

A few days ago, she had received a message from designer Li Hongyu that Jiuchongzi's autumn and winter new collection was out, and today, feeling down, she decided to go out shopping.

Spending money can't solve problems, but it can please oneself.

"Xiu Xue, try this set... This merges the ancient Huaxia style with silk materials, it's both comfortable and good-looking..."

"And this set... This one is picky about its wearer; not everyone can pull it off, but Xiu Xue, being a natural clothes hanger, you'll have no problem..."

"Xinhua, this piece is inspired by your design ideas... Fiery and explosive, as if it could ignite everything..."

------

Li Hongyu was diligently introducing the items.

It wasn't for the sake of money.

She had no interest in making a single penny off these two; she would even be willing to pay them instead.

Because she was aware that by serving them well, she would be branding herself with a living sign of gold.

Which son or daughter from Phoenix City wouldn't order a few outfits from Jiuchongzi?

Besides, Jiuchongzi was the official clothing supplier to the Phoenix Palace.

Why did she have this opportunity? Wasn't it because of the charming and lovely Princess before her who was in charge of these matters?

Without her assistance, it would have been tough to get the clothes delivered inside.

How huge are these benefits?

If possible, she would even give most of Jiuchongzi's shares to Phoenix.

That way, she would be forever tied to the Royal Family.

Unfortunately, the Princess wasn't the least bit interested.

"Hongyu, why don't you sit and rest..." Phoenix waved her over and said, "You've been talking so much; aren't you tired?"

"That's because you two are here. If it were someone else... I wouldn't bother introducing personally, I'd let the managers handle it."

"But it's different with you two... Only I can introduce each piece personally so you two can understand the style and the thoughtful details hidden within every outfit..."

Li Hongyu moved over to sit in front of Phoenix and Sheng Xinhua, and took the initiative to pour more tea into their cups.

Even though everyone is 'friends,' there are still levels of friendship.

If Phoenix's cup was empty, Sheng Xinhua might pretend not to notice, but she couldn't.

"I can provide design inspiration too?" Sheng Xinhua, cradling a chilled glass of champagne, examined Li Hongyu with a smile.

She could see the warmth and respect carefully maintained in Li Hongyu's demeanor and, since she was happy to keep it that way, she didn't feel the need to comment.

Not pointing out what's obvious is the best way for adults to get along, isn't it?

"Of course." Li Hongyu's eyes twinkled as she looked at Sheng Xinhua and said out loud, "Clear-headed, independent, free... a woman who can wholeheartedly be herself, you have no idea how much I envy you."

Naturally, she also envied her for having a father who was the Finance Minister, as well as the close relationship with the Princess.

Everyone in their social circle knew that, being a Princess of the Empire, Zhong Yu Xiu Xue actually had very few friends.

However, Sheng Xinhua was the exception who could get rip-roaring drunk and wild in the Princess's boudoir...

"I'm envious too." Phoenix laughed and joined in, "Our Professor Sheng can like whoever she wants to like; she doesn't bother wasting a word on those she dislikes."

"Aren't you the same?" Sheng Xinhua winked.

Phoenix understood her hint but internally sighed softly.

Although her father no longer objected to her relationship with Tang Fei, she was acutely aware that his silence was due to his belief that such a relationship would never occur.

He wouldn't even mention it.

The more he remained silent, the more hopeless it seemed.

"Ah...."

"Who are you?"

Just then, a sharp voice broke the quietude of the room.

A good-looking man in white clothes sauntered in, his gaze instantly locking onto Phoenix sitting on the sofa, his voice icily clear, "Zhong Yu Xiu Xue... I need to borrow your head for a bit. You shouldn't mind, should you?"

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