The carriage left through the Capital's north gate and traveled slowly toward the setting sun.
Inside, Golden Wolf General Ba Wu's hair hung loose, his external wounds still unhealed. He looked as bedraggled as could be.
Ever since Ren Ye and the others left the Capital, he had remained imprisoned. Only today had his "punishment" of dismissal from office finally been handed down. Under the Wuyao Kingdom's regulations, dismissed officials first had their salaries suspended, then were removed from their posts. Finally, they had to return to the region where they served, hand over their official seals, and settle the relevant work and accounts before fully reverting to commoner status.
For Ba Wu, however, this punishment was already the best possible outcome.
Although he had not actually accepted Ren Ye's bribe in the "land purchase" case, he had, after all, hinted at it and been willing to accept it. That still constituted attempted bribery. Had the emperor truly pursued the matter, even eight heads would not have been enough to save him from execution.
Being reduced to a commoner meant losing his power, but at least he could keep his life. He could still go on living.
The carriage moved slowly, its compartment swaying slightly, and before long, it passed out through the Capital's north gate.
It traveled another seven or eight li before slowly stopping at the roadside. Around it, over a dozen men in fitted martial attire rode tall horses, providing protection.
Inside the carriage.
"Having escorted you this far, it is time for me to return." Seated on the couch, Elder Jin addressed Ba Wu by his courtesy name, his expression kindly. "Jin Liang, although you will be a commoner from now on, do not forget your clan and blood relatives. Come back to visit when you