A female coroner arrived at the Jingzhao Prefecture.

Chapter 437 Finale (9)

The purge and investigation of the imperial city took seven days to conclude.

This operation covered every corner of the outer nine cities and the inner palace, making it an unprecedented purge!

Song Zi had been operating in the palace for over twenty years, with numerous eyes, ears, henchmen, and confidants. He had infiltrated every palace, garden, and department, and even the imperial palace was not spared!

In an attempt to atone for their crimes, the old nanny and Qin Huai provided a list that was over thirty pages long, and together with the Imperial Guards, they arrested more than six hundred people!
The emperor was furious and issued an edict to punish them severely: those guilty of serious crimes would all be executed, while those guilty of minor crimes would be exiled thousands of miles away, reduced to the status of lowly people, and their families would be forbidden from entering the capital for three generations!
During this period, the four departments of the Court of Judicial Review, the Ministry of Justice, the Censorate, and the Prefectural Government cooperated well, thoroughly investigated several cases, completed the paperwork, and then issued judgments.

All the serious murderers, led by Song Zi, were sentenced to death in accordance with the law!

Guo Xuan was punished for multiple crimes, and the emperor personally issued an edict to confiscate his property and exterminate his entire clan!

With the end of the Song Zi era, all the civil and military officials of the previous dynasty who had colluded with and served Song Zi were purged by the emperor. Depending on their crimes, they were either dismissed from their posts, imprisoned, had their property confiscated and were exiled, or were executed immediately. The methods were swift and merciless!
This also includes members of the Song family!
On the third day after Song Yan returned to the capital, he, in his capacity as clan leader, demanded that the Jingzhao Prefecture continue to investigate and prosecute the corrupt elements in the Song family. Regardless of gender, age, or kinship, anyone found guilty should be brought to justice!
In this catastrophe, Liang Ruoming was the only lucky one to receive a lenient sentence: he was demoted two ranks, sent to a post outside the capital for five years, and had three years' salary confiscated. He not only saved his own life and that of his entire family, but also preserved his career.

Liang Ruoming, deeply grateful, kowtowed to thank the Emperor for his grace. Before leaving the capital, he sent a note to the Mu residence, arranging a private meeting with Mu Qingcheng.

"Master Mu, it was you who helped me out at the crucial moment. I, Liang Ruoming, will never forget this great kindness!" After bowing deeply, Liang Ruoming presented a stack of silver notes.

Mu Qingcheng frowned. "Lord Liang, are you trying to get me investigated for accepting bribes?"

Liang Ruoming hurriedly said, "I wouldn't dare! I... I just wanted to ask Master Mu to do me one last favor." "Go ahead."

"His Majesty has graciously pardoned Lady Guo and Guo Yuanke from their death sentences, and exiled them to Lingnan. I... I cannot meet with them. I would like to ask Master Mu to pass on this silver, hoping it will lessen their suffering. Also, please help with Pingping's funeral arrangements."

After Liang Ruoming finished speaking, he knelt down in front of Mu Qingcheng, his slumped shoulders making him look much more weathered.

Mu Qingcheng pondered for a moment, took the silver note, and agreed, "Alright, I will do my best. Lord Liang, please take care on your journey."

Liang Ruoming's cloudy eyes instantly filled with tears.

Another special figure is the King of Zhongshan.

On the day the public trial ended, the Prince of Zhongshan, who had been knocked unconscious by Shen Che, was dragged away by the imperial guards and thrown into the imperial prison.

By the time the King of Zhongshan awoke, everything had settled down.

Shen Che had already surrendered to the emperor, and the next day at court, he personally presented the military tally of the Prince of Zhongshan, pleading with the emperor to show leniency.

After several days of deep deliberation, the emperor issued an edict confiscating the Zhongshan Prince's mansion, demoting the Zhongshan Prince and the Princess of Ningchang to commoners, and exiling the father and daughter to Xuzhou, never to return to the capital! The heir apparent, Shen Che, was demoted to the title of Earl of Zhongyong, allowed to remain in the capital with a residence, and permitted to take the imperial examinations for officialdom!
With the support of key ministers such as the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Huai'an, and Qin Songyang, the imperial power was smoothly transferred, the emperor took complete control, and the Great Zhou court finally ushered in a period of peace and prosperity!