The day of Lady Yue Lan's execution arrived. The imperial square was filled with an eerie silence as crowds gathered to witness the rare and dreadful punishment of Lingchi.
Soldiers lined the area, ensuring order as Lady Yue Lan was brought forth. Dressed in plain white robes, her once-proud demeanor was replaced by a hollow, defeated expression.
Han Feng observed the proceedings from a balcony overlooking the square, his face a mask of calm authority. Xue Li was absent from the event as Han Feng didn't want to taint her eyes with something so brutal.
As the execution commenced, the Emperor's voice echoed through the square, addressing the gathered crowd. "Let this day be remembered as a testament to the strength of the empire and the justice that protects it. Treachery will not be tolerated, no matter how high the rank or how deep the ties. The Yue Clan sought to poison the roots of this great tree, but they have been cut down before they could do harm."
