Douluo: Peerless Black Tortoise Moon God

Chapter 297 The Crown Prince is deposed, the Prince is executed, he is promoted to Duke of Zhenguo, the royal family sheds blood like rivers, and the sun and moon prosper.
When the Level 8 fixed-position soul-guided cannon shell exploded, the old emperor was enjoying music and music in the palace, traveling with his beloved concubine.

The earthquake terrified the old emperor, who, after ordering Eunuch Wang to "quickly invite Master Kong from the Imperial Ancestral Hall," suddenly collapsed and fainted.

Even Xu Tianxi didn't expect that the old emperor, who was scared to death by the Mingdu explosion three years later in the original timeline, would also be frightened if he enjoyed the mini version of the treatment three years earlier.

If something happens to the emperor, it's impossible to submit a memorial the next day. We have to save the emperor's life first before we can deal with the matter of killing his royal brothers and deposing his son.

After a day and a night of intensive care by the imperial physicians, the old emperor regained consciousness, but his spirits were even more low.

Kong Deming thoughtfully gave the old emperor two days to recuperate and heal his heart, while sending men at breakneck speed to the former Three Kingdoms Adventurers' Association to collect relevant evidence of his crimes.

On the fourth day, after the morning court session ended, Kong Deming led a large group of people from the Imperial Hall and witness Xu Guozhong to court. He dispersed the officials and left only Crown Prince Xu Tianran and a group of royal princes to explain the cause of the earthquake.

They then filed a lawsuit against Xu Guozhong, Xu Tianran, and others for forming cliques, selling Mingdetang secrets, and plotting a rebellion.

"Within three days, I have sent people to investigate this matter. The Crown Prince Xu Tianran has been found guilty of treason. I request that he be removed from his position as Crown Prince."

Kong Deming stood calmly before the imperial steps, squinting as he spoke casually to the old emperor who lay on the throne with his eyes closed, pretending to be asleep. At the same time, he gave Xu Tianxi behind him a look.

Xu Tianxi understood, and with Xu Tianran's ashen face, he took out the evidence of crimes that he and Jing Hongchen had gathered from the original Three Kingdoms and began to give his testimony.

"Half a month ago, a mysterious person from the former Three Kingdoms Adventurers' Association posted an exorbitant bounty for a mission. The target was the level nine Conferred God Platform that the Red Dust Hall Master had purchased at an auction two years ago. A few days ago, the location of the Conferred God Platform and several secret locations of the Mingde Hall were added. The source of this is the Crown Prince's Mansion. The Crown Prince of the current dynasty has colluded with the enemy and betrayed the country. The evidence is conclusive!"

Xu Tian was so angry that she almost crushed the armrest of her wheelchair, and roared, "Kong Tianxi, what grudge do I have against you that you would try to kill me!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Tianxi glanced back at Xu Tianran and said seriously, "There really is a grudge. Back then, when I wanted to kill the evil soul master in Xingluo City, Your Highness actually wanted us to openly stand with the evil soul master, bringing trouble to our country and the Hall of Worship."

"According to my investigation, you have a long-standing relationship with the Holy Spirit Cult, which has not been severed to this day. It took two years to eradicate the evil spirit masters in the country, and Your Highness the Crown Prince provided them with a lot of assistance."

Having said that, he turned away from Xu Tianran's burning face and bowed to the old emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, the remnants of the Holy Spirit Cult have long since retreated to places like Tianhun and Douling Empire. Xu Tianran's collusion with foreign enemies is an even greater crime."

Jing Hongchen stepped forward: "I second that proposal!"

Ye Yulin, leading a group of level-nine soul masters, declared, "We second that proposal!"

What decent person would want to associate with those evil spirit masters? Besides, how can such a thing be done openly? You can only collude in secret, it's unacceptable to bring it into the open, unless you become emperor first.

Xu Tianran's face turned extremely anxious: "Father, I know nothing about these things! It was all because Xu Guozhong harbored resentment and secretly sowed discord between me and the Master of the Red Dust Hall. I have absolutely not done any of these things..."

The old emperor opened his eyes, and said wearily, "Confucius said you were guilty. How could he have wronged you? From this day forward, you are no longer the crown prince, no longer entitled to the offerings of a prince, and are demoted to the rank of marquis."

"Considering your contributions to the administration of the country over the years, and the fact that you have not caused any major damage to Mingde Hall, I hereby allow you to hand over all your family property as compensation. For the next three years, you shall not leave the Crown Prince's residence."

Xu Tianran's face turned ashen, his pupils dilated, and he slumped into his wheelchair, as if all his energy had been drained away.

Was he deposed? His position as crown prince was just gone like that?

Without the title of Crown Prince, his power vanished overnight. Wouldn't his brothers, who had fought against him, tear him apart? What difference was there between Father Emperor sending him to his death?!
The old emperor glanced at him and sighed inwardly, "Do you really think that being emperor means you can do whatever you want? If your father hadn't reached an agreement with the Imperial Household Department beforehand, how could he have gotten this position?"
The imperial palace is merely for show; the Hall of Offerings is the true place of power. The vast majority of level nine soul masters in the Sun Moon Empire are disciples and grand-disciples of Master Kong. He can decide the throne with a single word, but he doesn't care about the struggle for imperial power at all, believing that such childish things are far less fascinating than soul tools.

Now that he personally attends court and speaks, it's not just a formality, but a sign of respect for your father! Otherwise, if he simply sent someone to chop off your head and throw it in front of your father, would your father be able to resist?

I won't join in the applause, thanking Confucius for cleaning up my house—it's all because of your father, I have backbone! If I don't cooperate, it's just a matter of him making me "die of illness" along with him!

As the one who rose to power through a palace coup, the old emperor knew all too well that the sanctity of imperial power was nothing more than that in the face of true strength. If you don't act with dignity, don't blame others for finding someone who knows how to act with dignity to replace you.

He's only a few years old, while Confucius is still full of energy for at least several decades. Whatever Confucius says goes, and he just wants to have a peaceful end.

“Besides Xu Tianran, Xu Tianyuan and his gang have colluded with Xu Guozhong over the years, trafficking large quantities of rare metals and soul tools, causing harm to our country. They should also be dealt with,” Kong Deming said leisurely.

Many princes, including Xu Tianyuan, were struck dumb, their bodies trembling like leaves, while those with weaker mental fortitude turned deathly pale.

Xu Tianyuan, who was named, even knelt down in court, begging Confucius not to kill.

"Lord Kong, please have mercy! Tianyuan committed a grave mistake in a moment of confusion. I beg you, Lord Kong, to spare Tianyuan's life in consideration of his many years of military achievements..."

Kong Deming remained motionless, only saying, "Your crime does not warrant death for now." Ye Yulin then took out a list and handed it to the old emperor.

The old emperor glanced at them with a serious expression, then waved his hand and said, "Confucius has made great contributions to the country. These guilty people should all be dealt with by Confucius. Do whatever you want."

Kong Deming nodded slightly and continued, "The Red Dust Hall Master and my disciple Tianxi have made great contributions to the investigation of Xu Tianran's crimes."

"Tianxi has made great contributions to the country with the Soul Spirit technology he has been in charge of during this period. The Ming Soul Guards he left behind have made great contributions to the suppression of evil Soul Masters. The young geniuses such as the grandson and granddaughter of the Red Dust Hall Master have also made outstanding contributions. I request that they be rewarded."

"This will also make it easier for them to deal with these lawbreakers properly."

The old emperor readily agreed: "In that case, all of them shall be promoted one rank: Marquis of the Moon shall be promoted to Duke, and granted the title of Protector of the State; the grandchildren of the Master of the Red Dust Hall shall be promoted to Earl, and he himself shall enjoy the treatment of a Prince, and use the ceremonial guard of a Prince. As for the rest, you shall draft a list and submit it to the Ministry of Rites for supervision."

"Xu Guozhong's crimes were unforgivable, and he was sentenced to death. He was beheaded at noon three days later, and the news spread throughout the country."

"Your Majesty is wise. These people are all guilty and should be taken to the Imperial Prison for trial."

Kong Deming nodded slightly and gave Xu Tianxi a look.

Xu Tianxi took a step forward and shouted loudly, "By the Minghun Guards, seize these corrupt and lawless bandit kings!" Thump! Thump! Thump!
A group of Soul Masters in flying fish robes rushed into the palace gates, dragging a group of princes out with their rough and domineering actions, showing no respect for the princes whatsoever.

Prince Xu attempted to resist, but Kong Deming coldly said, "Anyone who resists will be killed without exception."

The princes immediately stopped struggling and obediently followed the Minghun Guards out. The leaders of this group of Minghun Guards were none other than Xiao Hongchen and Ji Juechen.

As he escorted these bastards out, Xiao Hongchen didn't forget to secretly give Xu Tianxi a gesture that everything was settled.

"These are the matters I wish to report. Your Majesty, please rest well."

After greeting the old emperor, Kong Deming turned and left.

"Old Ji, come with me to invite the former Crown Prince to rest in the imperial prison. Take good care of him and tell him about his great deeds over the years."

Before leaving, Xu Tianxi told Ji Juechen to push Xu Tianran's wheelchair out the door to cooperate with the investigation.

It's understandable that the old emperor didn't want to kill his son on the spot, but the necessary interrogation was still required.

Xu Tianran's face was gloomy and ferocious as he roared, "Kong Tianxi, you've gone too far!"

Xu Tianxi didn't take it to heart and retorted, "Compared to what His Highness the Crown Prince has done to seize power, these things are insignificant. Everything I have done is for the sake of the empire. It is Your Highness who is delusional."

He smiled faintly, a deep aura flickering in his eyes, and said, "Do you want to go over there with dignity now, or do you want to resist before you go? If you want to fight, I don't mind testing your skills."

Xu Tianran glanced at Jing Hongchen and Ye Yulin behind Xu Tianxi, then at the old emperor who was pretending to be asleep with his eyes closed, and shouted angrily, "The crown prince has his dignity, I will walk by myself!"

As he spoke, he turned his wheelchair around and headed towards the palace gate.

"Don't worry, what we need now is for you to cooperate. We don't want to kill you yet. Just confess all the shady things you've done over the years, and maybe your future will be a little easier."

Xu Tianxi said something casually, it was unclear whether he was speaking to Xu Tianran or to the old emperor above.

Since Xu Tianran's position as crown prince has been revoked, there is no need for them to kill him in the imperial prison. Moreover, his vicious brothers will probably not let go of this opportunity to kick a man when he is down.

Xu Guozhong, who had collapsed and convulsed in the main hall after the emperor pronounced his fate, was kicked hard by Jing Hongchen and dragged out of the palace gate.

From that moment on, the city of Mingdu was filled with unease. Kong Deming mobilized the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Master Corps to seal off numerous princely residences and forcefully suppress all resistance.

Three days later, Xu Guozhong was beheaded at the east gate of the city in front of everyone. As Xu Tianxi shouted "Break!", Xiao Hongchen threw out the imperial edict, and Meng Hongchen, who temporarily acted as the executioner, drew his sword and cut off Xu Guozhong's hideous and terrified head, and blood splattered three feet high.

With the public beheading of this once high-ranking royal prince, a loyal minister of the old emperor, and a level nine soul master, a storm of criticism against the corrupt prince of the Xu family quickly erupted.

A month later, the execution ground was set up again. Those of the Xu family princes who committed minor crimes were sentenced to pay money and go to jail, while those who committed serious crimes had their homes confiscated and their entire families exterminated. The investigation was carried out thoroughly along the way.

The crimes extended from smuggling metal to harming the public, seizing private property, disregarding human life, and even providing protection for illegal businesses such as human trafficking. All those involved online were taken down and interrogated.

Xu Tianxi oversaw the investigation throughout the entire process, encountering multiple assassination attempts within a month. On one occasion, even a Title Douluo was involved, but all of them were killed by Xu Tianxi and the level nine Soul Masters who were secretly protecting him.

On the day of the execution, more than five thousand heads flew up from the execution platform, including eight princes, twenty-three dukes, and countless members of the imperial family.

The blood of the royal parasites stained the city gate of Mingdu red. Under the setting sun, Xu Tianxi directed everyone to pack up their stalls, let out a soft breath, and looked gratified.

Xiao Hongchen stood beside him with a smile, and suddenly said, "Having killed so many people, I'm afraid many of the survivors will see you as an enemy, and they might try to trip you up at any time in the future."

Xu Tianxi smiled and waved his hand dismissively, saying, "I know, some people are already calling me the Iron-Faced King of Hell in private. Some say that I got my title of Duke by betraying the royal family and exchanging the heads of these royal members."

Xiao Hongchen chuckled: "So what are you planning to do? Keep catching them?"

"The big fish have been killed, so there's no need to bother with the small fish and shrimp. Besides, they're right, the Duke that Kong gave me this title is compensation for making me kill people."

Xu Tianxi narrowed his eyes, staring at the magnificent sunset, and said in a low voice, "But what I want is to kill all these guys with my own hands! Only when I keep an eye on them will I be able to be sure that no one will let them go!"

"In the Sun and Moon Empire, the only one who can bear the hatred of the royal family is me, the future guardian of the empire and the successor of Confucius."

"What can demons and monsters do to me? When these bloodsucking parasites die, the living space for the people will be much larger. The city gate is awash in blood, but the Sun and Moon Empire is thriving!"

"I will use their blood to paint an even stronger future for the Sun and Moon Empire!" His tone was arrogant, completely disregarding those potential retaliators; this was absolute confidence.

Xiao Hongchen patted Xu Tianxi on the shoulder and gave him a thumbs up, saying, "You've got a lot of responsibility! No wonder you're the man I admire most!"

Xu Tianxi smiled and then asked, "You didn't just come here to tell me this, did you? Is there something you want to say?"

"Oh, it's nothing. Do you remember the exchange and learning agreement we made with the Star Luo Empire? Grandpa told me that we can go to the Mingdou Mountains to hand over the work in a while."

Xiao Hongchen said, "Although I don't think I can learn much from the Star Luo Empire, it's always good to go out and see more of the world."

"Okay, I'll definitely see you off," Xu Tianxi replied with a smile, a hint of emotion flickering in his eyes.

There are some matters that can be discussed with the Xu family in the three great empires...

(End of this chapter)