The following day.
The entire Capital gathered at the vegetable market. The aftermath of the Chen family’s attempted rebellion was a relentless series of executions; the severed heads were piled as high as mountains. Wanted posters for the Duke’s wife, Xu Shi, and her eldest son, Chen Sangtian, were plastered across every street. A reward of a hundred taels of gold was offered for information leading to either of them. As for Chen Yufu, she had been burned beyond recognition in a sudden fire within the Cold Palace.
***
The lanterns were lit, and the night was deep.
Inside Fengyi Palace.
Having consumed the antidote, the Empress had long since recovered. She was now dressed in a begonia-red gown, her hair let down from its formal bun. With the meticulous care she had given herself over the years, she appeared enchanting and radiant.
Chapter 23