Chapter 7 — Calling Off the Wedding at the Shen Estate

My dear Yan, do not let my beloved Chang Le suffer even a shred of grievance.

From that day until the moment of the execution, ten long days passed. The sounds of weeping and desperate pleas echoed incessantly through the dark, frigid depths of the prison. For ten days, the wailing never once ceased. Then, the tenth day arrived at the Meridian Gate. Every member of the Shen family, once so blindingly prominent and proud, was dragged onto the execution grounds. Though there was scarcely a mark upon them, their faces were ashen, their eyes sunken into deep, hollow sockets, and they stumbled with every step as if the earth itself sought to reject them. The square was packed with a sea of onlookers, and the common people cheered and applauded with every strike of the blade. I sat upon the high dais, my expression composed and still. Within Shen Yan’s gaze, only a burning, poisonous hatred remained. He suddenly curled his lips into a twisted smile.

Your Highness, what does it matter if we perish? Your own reputation has long since rotted away. In the future, every soul in this land will remember you as the princess who staged such a grotesque spectacle on her wedding day! Ha-ha-ha… we may be dying, but you shall be shackled by these slanderous whispers for the rest of your life!

Hearing this, I merely smiled—a smile as light and indifferent as the drifting clouds. Shen Yan, do you know where my princess manor is situated?

Shen Yan was taken aback. I spoke slowly, my voice clear and calm. It stands on Vermilion Bird Avenue, the most prosperous and noble street in the entire capital. It is surrounded by high walls and deep courtyards, and common folk cannot even draw near, let alone peer inside. I looked down at him and smiled again, entirely unbothered. Therefore, those buzzing, stinging rumors do not even possess the dignity required to reach my ears.

I paused, my voice not loud, yet it carried distinctly to every corner of the square. Moreover, the virtue of a woman has never been defined by the wagging tongues of the common masses. What kind of person I am is not for others to judge or critique, and it is certainly not the place of a traitor like you to offer a verdict.

The smile on Shen Yan’s face stiffened and shattered completely. The executioner raised his command plaque high into the air. The hour of the Horse has arrived—proceed with the execution!

The heavy plaque struck the ground with a dull thud. The executioners raised their blades in unison. Even in those final, fleeting moments, the elder matriarch of the Shen clan gripped her phoenix-headed cane—the very symbol of her status as the honored Lady of the State—until the wood was stained dark and slick with blood.

Months later, the Marquis of Wu-an entered the palace to petition the throne. I, Yan Suo, have harbored deep affection for Princess Chang Le for many years. Today, I humbly beseech Your Majesty to grant us your blessing in marriage.

The Emperor looked at Yan Suo, who knelt in the center of the hall, then turned his gaze toward me, standing by his side. Chang Le, what is your heart’s desire?

I nodded, a shy warmth blooming in my cheeks. On the day of the grand wedding, the crimson banners stretched for ten miles, and silks draped the entire city in celebration. From the imperial palace to the Marquis’s manor, every inch of Vermilion Bird Avenue was submerged in layers of flowing red fabric. The people of the city crowded every street corner to catch a glimpse of the procession. At that very moment, within the pressing throng, a man with a narrow, rat-like face muttered with biting spite, What is the use of such splendor? She is still nothing more than a lewd princess who caused such a scandal…

Before he could finish his sentence, an elderly vegetable vendor beside him spat firmly on the ground. Hearing a mangy dog barking first thing in the morning—how dreadfully unlucky!

A burly man selling steamed buns did not hold back either, casting a look of utter disdain toward the cynic. I thought you looked familiar. So, it is you—the wretch over thirty who cannot even afford a wife on the east side of the city.

Others in the crowd began to recognize him instantly. Oh! I know this man! He sits outside the teahouse every single day, whispering judgment on every young woman who passes by. He complains that one is too flamboyant and scolds another for lacking modesty, yet he himself does not even hold a decent job.

Another person couldn't help but laugh mockingly. It is no wonder you are still a bachelor. A man with true ambition spends his time building a career and providing for his family! Only a spineless failure spends his days regurgitating gossip about women just to feel a fleeting sense of superiority!

The man’s face turned a deep, bruised purple. He did not dare utter another word, slinking away into the shadows of the crowd in total defeat. Meanwhile, the wedding procession continued its slow, graceful journey amidst the genuine cheers and blessings of the people. I lifted the corner of my palanquin curtain. On both sides of the road, I saw only faces bright with smiles and warmth. For the thing that truly matters, and the only thing that will ever be remembered, is not the echo of rumors—it is the weight of justice.