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When the eighth-level fixed-type soul-guided artillery shell exploded, the old emperor was enjoying himself, playing music, and strolling with beautiful women in the palace.
The earthquake frightened the old emperor so much that he was deeply traumatized. After ordering Eunuch Wang to "quickly invite Master Kong from the worship hall," he suddenly tilted his neck and passed out.
Even Xu Tianxi didn't expect that the old emperor who was scared to death by the Mingdu explosion three years later in the original timeline would also be scared when he enjoyed the mini version treatment three years in advance.
When something happened to the emperor, it was impossible to submit a memorial the next day. The emperor's life had to be saved first before he could deal with the matter of killing his royal brothers and deposing his son.
After a day and a night of rescue by the imperial physician, the old emperor woke up, but his spirit was even weaker.
Kong Deming considerately gave the old emperor two days to recuperate and heal his heart, and at the same time sent people to the former Three Kingdoms Adventurers Association to collect relevant evidence.
After the morning court session on the fourth day, Kong Deming brought a large number of people from the Worship Hall and the witness Xu Guozhong to the court. He dispersed all the ministers and left only Crown Prince Xu Tianran and a group of royal princes to explain the cause of the earthquake.
He also accused Xu Guozhong, Xu Tianran and others of forming a clique for personal gain, selling out Mingdetang secrets, and attempting to rebel.
"Within three days, I have sent people to investigate this matter. The current Crown Prince Xu Tianran has been convicted of treason. I request that he be deposed from the position of Crown Prince."
Kong Deming stood calmly in front of the imperial steps, squinting his eyes as he talked to the old emperor who was dozing off on the throne. His tone was casual, and at the same time he glanced at Xu Tianxi behind him.
Xu Tianxi understood, and despite Xu Tianran's gloomy face, he took out the evidence that he and Jing Hongchen had collected in the original Three Kingdoms and began to make a statement.
"Half a month ago, a mysterious person from the original Three Kingdoms Adventurer Association issued a sky-high reward for a mission. The target was the ninth-level Conferred God Platform that the Hall Master Hingchen bought at an auction two years ago. "
"A few days ago, he added the location of the Conferred God Platform and several confidential places in Mingde Hall. The source of the reward came from the Crown Prince's Mansion. The Crown Prince of the current dynasty collaborated with the enemy and committed treason, and the evidence is solid!"
Xu Qi was so angry that he almost broke the wheelchair armrests. He shouted angrily, "Kong Tianxi, what hatred do I have with you? Why do you want to kill me?"
Hearing this, Xu Tianxi glanced back at Xu Tianran and said seriously, "This grudge really exists. Back then, I wanted to kill the evil soul master in Xingluo City, but your Highness the Crown Prince actually wanted us to openly stand with the evil soul master and bring disaster to our country and the Worship Hall."
"According to my investigation, you have had long-standing ties with the Holy Spirit Church, and they have not been severed to this day. It took two years to wipe out the evil spirit masters in the country, and your Highness the Crown Prince has provided them with a lot of convenience."
After saying that, he turned his head away from Xu Tianran's burning face, and looked at the old emperor, cupping his hands and saying, "Your Majesty, the remnants of the Holy Spirit Church have long since retreated to Tianhun, Douling Empire and other places. Xu Tianran colluded with foreign enemies, and his crime is even more serious."
Jing Hongchen stepped forward: "I second the motion!"
Ye Yulin and a group of level nine soul masters spoke up: "I second the motion!"
Who would want to hang out with those evil spirit masters? Besides, how could such a thing be done openly? You can hide your collusion, but you can't bring it to the surface unless you become the emperor first.
Xu Tianran was very anxious: "Father, I don't know about these things. It was Xu Guozhong who was resentful and secretly instigated the relationship between me and the Hall Master Hongchen. I have never done these things..."
The old emperor opened his eyes and said sleepily, "Master Kong said you are guilty. Could it be that he is wrongly accusing you? From today on, you are no longer the crown prince, and you will no longer enjoy the tributes of the princes. You will be demoted to the rank of marquis."
"Considering that you have made some contributions to assisting the country in these years, and that you have not caused great damage to Mingde Hall, I allow you to hand over all your property as compensation. Within three years, you are not allowed to leave the Prince's Mansion."
Xu Tianran's face suddenly turned pale, his pupils trembled, and he slumped down in the wheelchair, as if all his energy had been drained away in an instant.
Wasted? His position as crown prince was abolished just like that?
Without the position of Crown Prince, his power would be gone overnight. Wouldn't those brothers who fought with him tear him to pieces? What's the difference between what Father is doing and letting him die? !
The old emperor glanced at him and sighed in his heart, "Do you really think you can do whatever you want as an emperor? If your father had not reached an agreement with the Worship Hall in advance, how could he have sat on this throne?"
The palace is just a decoration, and the worship hall is the real place of power; the vast majority of the ninth-level soul guides in the Sun-Moon Empire are disciples and second-generation disciples of Master Kong.
He can decide the throne with a single word, but he simply looks down on the struggle for imperial power and thinks that these childish things are far less fascinating than soul guides.
Now that he is speaking in person in the court, it is not a memorial, but a way to give face to your father! Otherwise, he would have sent someone to chop off your head and throw it in front of your father. Would your father still be able to resist?
I won't cheer along. Thanks to Mr. Kong for helping me clean up the mess. It's you, my father, who has backbone! If I don't cooperate, it will be easy for him to let me "die of illness"!
As someone who came to power through a palace coup, the old emperor knew full well that the sacredness of imperial power was meaningless in front of a truly strong person. If you are not decent, don't blame others for finding someone who is decent to replace you.
He won't live for many years, but Confucius can still be active for a few more decades. Whatever Confucius says is what it comes down to. It's enough for me to have a good end.
"Except Xu Tianran, Xu Tianyuan and his gang have colluded with Xu Guozhong over the years, reselling rare metals and soul guides in large quantities, causing harm to our country. They should also be punished." Kong Deming said slowly.
Many princes of the royal family, including Xu Tianyuan, felt as if struck by lightning. Those with weak mental qualities trembled like sieves, while those who were stronger turned pale.
Xu Tianyuan, who was named, even knelt down in the court and begged Kong not to kill.
"Master Kong, please have mercy. Tianyuan was confused for a moment and committed a serious crime. I beg Master Kong to spare Tianyuan's life for his military exploits over the years..."
Kong Deming remained motionless, and just said, "You are not guilty of the death penalty for now."
Ye Yulin took out a list and handed it to the old emperor.
The old emperor glanced at them in a serious manner, waved his hand and said, "Mr. Kong has made great contributions to the country. All these guilty people will be dealt with by Mr. Kong. Whatever happens, it will be done."
Kong Deming nodded slightly and continued, "During this investigation into Xu Tianran's crime, the head of the Hongchen Hall and my disciple Tianxi have made great contributions."
"The soul technology that Tianxi has been in charge of during this period has made great contributions to our country. The Minghun Guards left behind have made many contributions in suppressing the evil soul masters. "
"The young geniuses such as the grandchildren of the Hall Master Hingchen have also made outstanding contributions. I would like to ask for rewards for them."
"This will also make it easier for them to deal with these lawless people."
The old emperor agreed without hesitation: "In this case, all of them will be promoted one level: Yuehou will be promoted to Duke, and be given the title of Guardian of the Nation; Hongchen Hall Master's grandchildren will be promoted to Earl, and I will enjoy the treatment of a Prince of a County and use the ceremonial guards of a Prince of a County. As for the rest, you can draw up a list and hand it over to the Ministry of Rites for supervision."
"Xu Guozhong's crime is unforgivable. He will be executed at noon three days later. This will be known throughout the country."
"Your Majesty is wise. These people are guilty and will be sent to prison to await trial."
Kong Deming nodded slightly and glanced at Xu Tianxi.
Xu Tianxi took a step forward and shouted loudly: "Minghun Guards, take down these corrupt and lawless thieves!"
Push! Push! Push!
A group of Flying Fish Spirit Masters suddenly rushed into the palace gate, escorting a group of princes out. Their movements were rude and overbearing, and they did not give these princes any respect at all.
A prince of the Xu family wanted to resist, but he heard Kong Deming say in a cold voice: "Anyone who resists will be killed without mercy."
The princes immediately stopped struggling and followed the Minghun Guards out obediently. The leaders of this group of Minghun Guards were none other than Xiao Hongchen and Ji Juechen.
While escorting these bastards out, Xiao Hongchen did not forget to secretly make a gesture to Xu Tianxi that everything was settled.
"That's all I have to say. Your Majesty, please have a good rest."
After greeting the old emperor, Kong Deming turned and left.
"Old Ji, please come with me to invite the former Crown Prince to rest in the Imperial Prison, serve him well, and tell us about his heroic deeds over the years."
Before leaving, Xu Tianxi called Ji Juechen and pushed Xu Tianran's wheelchair out the door to cooperate with the investigation.
It is understandable that the old emperor did not want to kill his son on the spot, but the necessary interrogation was still necessary.
Xu Tianran's face was gloomy and ferocious, and he roared: "Kong Tianxi, you've gone too far!"
Xu Tianxi didn't take it seriously and retorted, "Compared to what Your Highness the Crown Prince did to gain power, these things are not worth mentioning. Everything I did was for the good of the empire. It's Your Highness the Crown Prince who has too many delusions."
He smiled faintly, with a faint aura of deep aura in his eyes, and said: "Do you want to go over there decently now, or do you want to put up a fight before going over there? If you want to fight, I don't mind trying your skills."
Xu Tianran glanced at Jing Hongchen and Ye Yulin behind Xu Tianxi, then glanced at the old emperor who was pretending to be asleep with his eyes closed, and shouted angrily, "The prince has his dignity, I will go on my own!"
As he spoke, he turned his wheelchair, changed direction, and walked out of the palace gate.
"Don't worry. What we want now is your cooperation. We don't want your life yet. Tell us everything you have done over the years. Maybe your life will be better in the future."
Xu Tianxi said it casually, and it was unclear whether he was speaking to Xu Tianran or to the old emperor above.
Prince Xu Tianran's position as Crown Prince had been abolished, so there was no need for them to torture him to death in the imperial prison. Besides, his vicious brothers would probably not miss the opportunity to beat a fallen dog.
Xu Guozhong, who had been twitching in the hall since the emperor announced his fate, was kicked hard by Jing Hongchen and dragged out of the palace gate.
From this moment on, the capital city of Ming was in a state of panic. Kong Deming mobilized the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Instructor Corps to blockade many princes' residences and forcefully suppress all resistance.
Three days later, Xu Guozhong was beheaded at the east gate of the city in full view of the public. As Xu Tianxi shouted "behead", Xiao Hongchen threw out the decree, and Meng Hongchen, who was temporarily playing the role of a swordsman, picked up the sword and chopped off Xu Guozhong's hideous and terrifying head, and a wave of blood splashed three feet high.
As this formerly powerful royal prince, the old emperor's loyal minister, and ninth-level soul mentor was beheaded in public, a storm against the corrupt prince of the Xu family quickly broke out.
A month later, the execution ground was set up again. Among the princes of the Xu family, those with minor crimes had to pay money and go to jail, while those with serious crimes had their homes confiscated and their families exterminated, and the whole process was investigated thoroughly.
The crime extended from metal smuggling to harming the people, occupying people's property, taking human lives, and even providing shelter for illegal businesses such as human trafficking. All online related persons were arrested and interrogated.
Xu Tianxi was in charge of the investigation throughout the entire process. He encountered many assassination attempts by assassins in one month. On one occasion, a Titled Douluo was even involved, but they were all killed by Xu Tianxi and the ninth-level soul guide who protected him secretly.
On the day of the execution, more than five thousand heads flew up from Xingtai, including eight princes, twenty-three dukes, and countless royal relatives.
The blood of the royal parasites dyed the gate of Mingdu red. Under the setting sun, Xu Tianxi directed everyone to pack up their stalls, breathed a sigh of relief, and had a look of relief in his eyes.
Xiao Hongchen stood beside him with a smile on his face, and suddenly said, "After killing so many people, I'm afraid many of the living will regard you as an enemy, and who knows when they will trip you up in the future."
Xu Tianxi smiled and waved his hand, saying indifferently: "I know that some people now call me the Iron-faced King of Hell in private. Some people say that I got my title of Duke by stabbing the royal family in the back and taking the heads of these royal family members."
Xiao Hongchen chuckled: "So what are you going to do? Keep catching?"
"The big fish have been killed, so there is no need to bother with the remaining small fish and shrimp. What's more, they are right. Mr. Kong gave me this dukedom as compensation for killing people."
Xu Tianxi narrowed his eyes, staring at the brilliant sunset, and whispered: "But what I want is to kill all these guys with my own hands! Only if I keep an eye on them personally, I will be assured that no one will let them go!"
"In the Sun and Moon Empire, the only person who can bear the hatred of the royal family is the future guardian of my empire, the successor of Master Kong."
"What can the evil spirits do to me? If these blood-sucking parasites die, there will be more living space for the people. The blood at the city gate has flowed like a river, but the Sun-Moon Empire is thriving!"
"I will use their blood to embellish a stronger future for the Sun-Moon Empire!" His tone was full of arrogance, and he did not take those potential avengers seriously at all. This was absolute confidence.
Xiao Hongchen patted Xu Tianxi's shoulder vigorously, gave him a thumbs up and said, "You are responsible! You are worthy of being the man I admire most!"
Xu Tianxi smiled and asked, "You didn't just come to tell me this, did you? Is there anything else you want to tell me?"
"Oh, it's just a small matter. Do you still remember the exchange and study we agreed with the Xingluo Empire? Grandpa informed me that we will be able to go to Mingdou Mountain Range to take over in a while."
Xiao Hongchen said: "Although I don't think I can learn many good things in Xingluo Empire, it's always good to go out and see more."
"Okay, I will definitely take you there." Xu Tianxi replied with a smile, with some ripples in his eyes.
There are some things in the three empires that we can discuss with the Xu family...