Those words would have been better left unsaid. Prince Ninghe had only just accepted the imperial edict when his hand trembled at the words, nearly dropping it to the ground. He hurriedly gripped it tight with his fingers and forced a smile. "What Eunuch Ma says is true. I will certainly enshrine the imperial edict properly."
Pity showed in Ma Shunde's eyes. Clearly, Prince Ninghe still did not understand what this meant. Ma Shunde did not waste any more words, merely glanced at the people behind Prince Ninghe and asked with a sinister smile, "Is everyone in your residence here?"
Prince Ninghe turned back and carefully swept his gaze over them. "They're all here..."
He looked again, then hesitated. "It seems only Mr. Gui is absent."
Having survived a calamity, he did not wish to stir up further trouble and offend anyone. Since the eunuch had asked, he answered truthfully.
"Should I have someone look for Mr. Gui?" Prince Ninghe even asked.
Ma Shunde said coldly, "No need to trouble Prince Ninghe."
Then he shouted, "His Majesty's verbal decree: Prince Ninghe has committed transgressions, and petty men's slander was also to blame. Other than Prince Ninghe and his wives and concubines, all residence guards, servants, maids, retainers, and guests of the Prince's Residence are guilty beyond the law's pardon. Execute them all. Leave not a single one alive!"
"Yes!" The armored soldiers who had long since surrounded the place shouted in unison. In an instant, they drew their blades and hacked at the servants and maids around them.
"Ah! Save me, Your Highness!"
"Spare me... ah!"
"No! Save me! Princess Consort, save this servant!"
In an instant, Prince Ninghe's Residence became a living hell. At the single cry of "Kill," the Imperial City Office and imperial guards—elite forces of the