Chapter 8 — Tyrant T /An S /At Throughout the Martial Court, Again Calling My Father Father-in-law

"Put the Queen under house arrest for three days."

"This is the testimony of the Ministry of Justice."

"This is the guard's testimony."

"This is the oral confession of the person who directly received the money."

Every word spoken. The countenance of the civil and martial mandarin changed once again. Until now. Everyone understands. Tieu Dien didn't want to ask about the crime. He had prepared all the evidence in advance. Don't give anyone a chance to argue back. Phuc An opened the last file. The voice became even colder.

"Day twenty-three."

"Empress Dowager Trieu led four guards carrying weapons to rush into Phuong Nghi palace."

"Forcing the Queen to write a request."

"If you don't write..."

He stopped for a moment. The main hall was so quiet that you could hear the sound of breathing.

"In the name of illness, harm is done."

Right after that. Four guards were escorted to the main hall. They knelt down on the ground. No one dared to raise their heads.

"It's... it's the Queen Mother who sent us..."

"Please, Your Majesty, please spare my life..."

The entire main hall was silent. No one dared to speak up. Everyone's eyes looked towards Queen Mother Trieu. This is no longer a matter of power struggles in the harem. This is a plot to harm the Queen. Plotting to harm the Central Palace. It's a great sin. Tieu Dien sat on the dragon chair. His eyes remained calm from beginning to end. Like all of this wasn't worth his anger. He only asked one question.

"The Queen Mother."

"Do you have anything else to say?"

Queen Mother Zhao trembled. She looked around the main hall. No one dared to look her straight in the eyes anymore. She slowly knelt down. This is the first time. After Tieu Dien ascended the throne. Empress Dowager Zhao knelt before him. But not for yourself. But because of the Trieu family. Her voice trembled until it was hoarse.

"Who knows what's wrong."

"Please, Your Majesty, respect our bloodline..."

"Forgive the Trieu family."

Tieu Dien looked at her. His eyes did not waver. A very long time. He just slowly stood up. Step by step go down the steps. Standing in front of Queen Mother Trieu. He looked at the woman who gave birth to him. Then calmly ask.

"When I kneel."

"Will you save me?"

Queen Mother Zhao's whole body was shocked. Lips trembling. But couldn't say a word. Tieu Dien smiled softly. That smile was cold to the bone.

"I was forced to kneel in the snow."

"Kneel all day and night."

"Passerby."

"See."

"Then turn around and leave."

"You're afraid of offending the Queen."

"Afraid of offending the Crown Prince."

"Afraid of implicating the Trieu family."

"You abandoned me."

His voice remained calm. But every sentence and every word is like a knife cutting. Queen Mother Zhao burst into tears.

"It's not..."

"Whoa..."

Tieu Dien gently interrupted.

"Don't call me."

"I used to call you mother."

"But people."

"Don't answer."

"So from that day."

"I don't have a mother anymore."

Queen Mother Trieu completely collapsed. She knelt down on the ground. Crying without a sound. All the courtiers bowed their heads. No one dared to make any sound. Tieu Dien turned around. Once again step on the dragon bed. The voice regained its usual coldness.

"Commitment."

"Strip all military power from the Trieu family."

"Descendants of the Trieu family for three generations are not allowed to hold positions in the military."

"All existing positions will be handed over to the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Justice for review."

"Empress Dowager Trieu closes Tu Ninh Palace from today."

"There is no holy decree."

"Don't take half a step out."

"Do not interfere in court main."

The sound of "Obey" echoed throughout the main hall. Queen Mother Zhao closed her eyes. In that moment. She suddenly understood. Tieu Dien did not kill her. Not because of softness. But because... Let her see with her own eyes the Trieu family's loss of power. Watching the once prosperous family come to decline. For someone like you. This is a punishment more painful than death. After the tide subsided, Tham Dien stood quietly in the hallway outside the palace. Tieu Dien walked to her side. He looked at the vast yard ahead.

"Fifteen-year debt."

"Finally paid it off."

Tham Dien said nothing. She just gently held his hand. Tieu Dien is no longer as stiff as before. He slowly squeezed her fingers. Like from today onwards. That icy past. It can finally be truly closed. 【Side story 3】 After Tu Ninh Palace closed, the palace was much quieter. No one dares to talk about Tham Dien's background. No one dared to pretend to be respectful in front of her, while behind her back they waited to see her fall from grace. It's just that Tham Dien didn't expect that the most difficult thing after the storm passed would not be having to deal with anyone. But living with Tieu Dien. The first night she moved into his room, the two of them sat on either side of the bed, with enough space between them to place a small table. Thanh Ha bowed her head and spread the blanket, the corner of her mouth holding back a smile to the point of trembling. Phuc An stood outside the door and coughed softly, whispering:

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, it's late at night."

Tieu Dien's face did not change color. Tham Dien's ears turned red again. When all the palace servants had left, the palace immediately became so quiet that it made people feel awkward. Tieu Dien looked at her. Tham Dien nodded. The two of them lay down at the same time. One person turned to face inside.