The Marquis of the West, Ji Chang, stood to one side and looked at the bound Chong Houhu, his heart filled with reluctance.
The two were both regional marquises of Yin Shang, holding the same rank and having served in the same court for decades.
Even though Chong Houhu's crimes were heinous, Ji Chang was kind by nature and could not forget their bond as colleagues. He could not bring himself to order the execution for a long while. His brows were tightly furrowed as he sighed repeatedly, wanting to speak but stopping himself. He only wished to deal with Chong Houhu lightly and was unwilling to strike mercilessly.
Chong Houhu lay limp on the ground, his face ashen, yet he still stared fixedly at Ji Chang, hoping to invoke their old friendship and secure a slim chance at survival.
But the cries of the people below the platform grew louder and louder. Everyone wanted this vile criminal brought to justice.
Jiang Ziya knew well that if Chong Houhu was not executed, it would be impossible to quell the people's outrage, much less comply with Heaven's will. Xiqi's righteous cause of punishing evil on Heaven's behalf would also come to nothing.
Ignoring Ji Chang's troubled expression and attempted objection, he immediately gripped the command banner and shouted:
"Chong Houhu's evil deeds are beyond count, and he has incurred the wrath of both Heaven and man. If he is not executed today, the people's anger cannot be appeased!
Men, drag Chong Houhu and Chong Yingbiao, father and son, out for execution! Behead them before the public as a warning to others!"
Upon receiving the order, the Zhou Army soldiers immediately escorted the father and son toward the execution ground. Chong Houhu wailed and begged for mercy, but no one pitied him