The Duke Yansheng mansion had long since lost its former splendor. The once-towering courtyard walls were smeared with blood and excrement. The vermilion main gate lay face-down on the ground, left for the commoners to trample upon. Everyone understood clearly that the people were not merely trampling on a gate, but on the face of the Duke Yansheng himself.
The exotic rocks, rare plants, and ancient trees throughout the mansion had all been smashed and destroyed by the throngs of people. Some had even climbed onto the rooftops and begun prying up the glazed tiles—partly to vent their rage, and partly because they could sell them for money.
"Quick! Get inside and save the Duke Yansheng!" The magistrate of Shuntian Prefecture was on the verge of tears as he spoke. If anything happened to the Duke Yansheng, his own career would come to an end right there.
Chapter 1085