Beheading for Public Display

The Wei Dao Si prison.

Chu Shiqing, disheveled in his sleep robe, looked dazed, no longer possessing his usual air of superiority.

Outside the cell door, Liu Qing emerged from the darkness, only her deep-set eyes visible beneath her mask.

Seeing Liu Qing, Chu Shiqing demanded, "What exactly happened? Didn't I tell you to stop Xia Qi'an from investigating the tax silver?"

Liu Qing shook her head slightly and said slowly, "You've been able to do whatever you want in Jinling all these years... it's made you increasingly reckless."

"The brothers... are very disappointed in you!"

Upon hearing this, Chu Shiqing realized Liu Qing had betrayed him: "You ungrateful wretch... if I hadn't mentored you, you'd just be a beggar on the street."

Liu Qing's tone was calm, "If it weren't for my gratitude for your past kindness... do you think you could have become the Snake Guard commander?"

"In terms of ability, in terms of martial arts cultivation... you, Chu Shiqing, are nothing... If it weren't for the brothers running around for you, could you have enjoyed so many years of wealth and status?"

"What makes you think you're someone important? Without the Snake Guard brothers working for you, what are you, Chu Shiqing?"

"You..."

Hearing this, Chu Shiqing sat down on the ground, his expression dejected.

However, Liu Qing was still unhappy and continued, "Let's talk about Li Gen! He served you diligently for over a decade, and after his death, he didn't even get any compensation! His old mother couldn't afford to eat. If it weren't for the brothers taking turns helping her out, she probably would have starved to death long ago! You knew the brothers' situation. But did you, Chu Shiqing, ever ask?"

"And Su Mu... although he's not a Snake Guard, he also worked for you... what was his final outcome?"

"Don't blame the brothers for being ungrateful! It's simply that you, Chu Shiqing, aren't worth us risking our lives for!"

Xia Qi'an, listening to her conversation with Chu Shiqing from behind, felt a complex mix of emotions, like a tipped-over bottle of five-flavor sauce.

He knew very well that the reason they had been able to capture the Four Ghosts of Xiangyang so smoothly this time was clearly the result of Liu Qing and other Snake Guards working behind the scenes.

Liu Qing had used Xia Qi'an.

However, he didn't mind.

Because in any world, people used each other.

Chu Shiqing's downfall was definitely a good thing for him.

For both parties, it was the best outcome.

Afterward, Xia Qi'an stepped forward, holding his saber, and said sternly to Chu Shiqing in the cell, "By order of the Tiger Guard! Chu Shiqing is to be immediately interrogated for instigating the Four Ghosts of Xiangyang to rob the tax silver. Chu Shiqing, you'll come with me!"

Xia Qi'an's expression was impassive, and he spoke in a professional tone.

He didn't have much of a grudge against Chu Shiqing; he simply didn't want to be controlled by him in the future.

Therefore, he had nothing to say to Chu Shiqing and wouldn't engage in any gloating or kicking him while he was down.

Inside the Wei Dao Si branch.

The atmosphere was solemn and dignified.

Tiger Guards Si Nanzhai Xing and Ye Qiutong sat together on the high platform, exuding an imposing aura.

The remaining six Snake Guard commanders stood below, looking majestic and solemn.

All members of the Wei Dao Si within Jinling had arrived.

The Wei Dao Si branch was crowded, yet the scene was so quiet that one could hear a needle drop.

As a result, Xia Qi'an could only stand outside the main entrance to listen to the proceedings.

Tiger Guards held high and respected positions within the Wei Dao Si.

One could not hold the position without being a martial artist of the Creation Realm.

The promotion requirements for Snake Guards were not as strict regarding martial arts cultivation.

Therefore, these six Snake Guard commanders were all cultivators of the Dragon Transformation Realm.

Si Nanzhai Xing, who appeared to be in his thirties, was tall and burly. His handsome, masculine features bore a striking resemblance to Si Nanyue.

Si Nanzhai Xing's gaze was piercing, like two bolts of lightning, and he looked at the trembling Chu Shiqing below the platform, saying, "The Wei Dao Si has always been relatively lenient in its daily management of personnel.

But there are certain bottom lines that cannot be crossed! As a commander of a prefecture, don't you understand this basic principle?"

"Today you conspired to seize tax silver! Tomorrow, would you dare to overthrow the Great Li Dynasty Court?"

Hearing this, Chu Shiqing trembled and begged for mercy, "This subordinate dares not! This subordinate was simply blinded by greed for a moment! I hope Your Excellency will consider that this subordinate has served the Wei Dao Si for many years, and even if there are no merits, there are at least hard efforts. Spare my life!"

Tiger Guard Ye Qiutong scoffed upon hearing this, "Hard efforts? Nearly a hundred of your Snake Guards have jointly impeached you... based on this alone, your death today is not unjust!"

"To be a commander to this extent... you, Chu Shiqing, are truly one of a kind!"

At this, Chu Shiqing was completely despairing.

Xia Qi'an hadn't expected Liu Qing to arrange this either and couldn't help but give her a thumbs-up in secret.

Liu Qing acted as if she hadn't noticed.

Si Nanyue inadvertently caught Xia Qi'an's subtle gesture and couldn't help but frown slightly.

At this moment, both witnesses and evidence were complete.

More Snake Guards filed a joint accusation.

Chu Shiqing's fate was sealed.

Immediately after, Si Nanzhai Xing shouted, "Members of our Wei Dao Si have always been highly respected in the secular dynasties and are granted numerous privileges in our daily affairs!"

"Precisely because of this, we members of the Wei Dao Si must uphold our principles. If everyone were to act as recklessly as Chu Shiqing, how could our Wei Dao Si still maintain its reputation! What dignity would be left?"

"Given the severe impact of this matter, we will show absolutely no leniency regarding Chu Shiqing's case of embezzling tax silver!"

"Xia Qi'an, Liu Qing, where are you?"

"Reporting!"

"Reporting!"

Xia Qi'an and Liu Qing stepped out from the crowd!

Seeing them emerge, Si Nanzhai Xing nodded and said, "You two will be credited with a great service!"

"Your subordinate..." Xia Qi'an started to say something polite, but Liu Qing stopped him with a look.

Then Si Nanzhai Xing continued, "Chu Shiqing deserved his death! Today, you two will carry out the execution!"

"Right here at the Wei Dao Si branch, in front of all your colleagues... behead him as a public example!"

Xia Qi'an hadn't expected this turn of events.

Knowing Liu Qing had a close relationship with Chu Shiqing, he glanced at her before loudly stating, "My lord! I alone am sufficient for this execution!"

Si Nanzhai Xing nodded upon hearing this, "Then you shall carry it out!"

In response, Liu Qing simply gave Xia Qi'an a grateful nod.

Following that, Xia Qi'an brought his blade down in a swift, clean stroke, drawing the saber at his waist and severing Chu Shiqing's head as easily as slicing through vegetables.

With the execution complete, the people in the Wei Dao Si gradually dispersed.

Seeing that the matter had concluded, Si Nanzhai Xing rose and walked towards Si Nanyue, his gaze earnest and full of tender longing.

However, Si Nanyue seemed completely oblivious.

Ignoring Si Nanzhai Xing's hopeful gaze, she turned and called out to Xia Qi'an, "Come with me!"

Xia Qi'an had intended to go home and practice Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track.

But he was suddenly called by Si Nanyue. Puzzled, he could only obediently follow her to a secluded corner.

"What are your orders, Administrator Si Nan?" Xia Qi'an asked cautiously.

Si Nanyue said softly, "Regarding the sale of scented soap! Tomorrow, summon Yang Wei to my manor so we can discuss this matter together!"

Seeing Si Nanyue bring it up proactively, he figured she had already made up her mind.

Xia Qi'an exclaimed with delight, "Administrator Si Nan truly has a discerning eye!"

Si Nanyue suddenly changed the subject, questioning him, "You seem to be getting quite close to the Snake Guards lately..."

Xia Qi'an's expression turned flustered, and he quickly explained, "Not at all... It's just that recently, many missions have been successfully completed thanks to Liu Qing's assistance. Our relationship is purely personal."

"She's using you to bring down Chu Shiqing and take over as the new Snake Guard Commander... Can't you see that?" Si Nanyue advised him kindly.

"I know... but it's fine... It's better for everyone now that Chu Shiqing is gone!" Xia Qi'an said dismissively.

"Perhaps, the relationship between the Hound Guards and the Snake Guards won't be as tense in the future either," he added.

"From what you're saying! Is it my fault that things have reached this point?" Si Nanyue asked, narrowing her eyes, her words carrying a hidden meaning.

Xia Qi'an chuckled obsequiously, "It's all Chu Shiqing's fault... it has nothing to do with you, Administrator Si Nan!"

"But Liu Qing is different from Chu Shiqing! With her leading the Snake Guards, perhaps our Hound and Snake Guards can work together in the future, with no more friction!"

Si Nanyue mused, "Perhaps!"

The next morning, the sun was shining brightly.

Xia Qi'an and Yang Wei, arm in arm, arrived at Si Nan Manor precisely on time.

Last night, they had already discussed the specific plans for selling the scented soap in detail and drafted a written agreement.

He had also entrusted others with preparing all the necessary personnel, venues, and tools for making the soap.

Today, as long as Si Nanyue agreed and signed the document, production could officially begin.

Upon entering Si Nan Manor, Xia Qi'an and Yang Wei unexpectedly encountered Si Nanzhai Xing.

This undoubtedly confirmed their father-daughter relationship.

Yang Wei couldn't help but exclaim, "Brother! I never thought I'd get to associate with such a prominent figure as Administrator Si Nan. It's all thanks to you!"

"Alright! The good times are still ahead..." Xia Qi'an said to Yang Wei with a smile.