CHAPTER 172: CHAPTER 172: WHO WILL LISTEN TO THE WORDS OF THE DEAD?

But at this moment, another voice emerged.

The talk was that the War King is nothing but a petty person, sanctimonious.

The reason he distributed porridge was to win people’s hearts, and that money was but the fat of the people.

Moreover, some said the War King conspired rebellion, had long prepared horses and soldiers ready to launch a revolt against the Emperor. The embezzled military pay was spent there.

This talk only spread today, but it was just reheating old news; previously, those in power smeared the War King’s reputation using these words.

Now, everyone believes in that folk song, and more importantly, compared to the Imperial Family’s clumsy PR tactics, Pei Shu’er crafted meticulously, not only composing the folk song but also made up countless good deeds done by the War King.

Compared to those empty grand titles, Pei Shu’er’s good deeds seemed much more vivid and believable.

Especially since Pei Shu’er paid, those actors performed very eagerly.

Pei Shu’er selected them carefully; those with poor acting skills were out, too flamboyant were also out.

And those selected actors were mostly elderly women; these people are the main gossip spreaders.

"Hey, have you heard? The War King once saved a little beggar around the Capital, and now that beggar has become a Commander."

"Have you heard? The War King once got cut by an enemy to save a family, nearly lost his life."

"The War King is so kind-hearted, even if he truly intends to rebel, I still admire him."

"Shh, these words shouldn’t be spoken, wouldn’t it bring trouble to the War King?"

And those who defamed the War King were surrounded by others.

"You say the War King embezzled military pay, show us the evidence?"

"This... I also heard it from others."

Pei Shu’er, hiding among the crowd, shouted, "Ungrateful wretch! If not for the War King, the Capital would have perished long ago, yet you hide behind others stirring trouble."

"I think we need to teach this rascal a lesson. Hit him!"

Once these words were out, those already angered people rushed to beat the man.

With Pei Shu’er stirring emotions everywhere, those spreading anything about the War King were soon handled properly; eventually, those people dared not emerge.

And the War King’s reputation, after this "fan abuse" incident, instead made the people more convinced of the War King’s innocence.

After discussing the news with the Ministry of Justice, the guards immediately relayed it upwards.

And at this moment, inside the Imperial Palace, the Emperor hadn’t slept all night, continuously revising memorials.

After seeing the memorials submitted by the civil servants again, he furiously swept them onto the ground.

Even numerous submissions from the scholars of the Imperial College.

He was extremely enraged.

"These people are truly stubborn; the War King’s guilt is already determined, now even freeing him would just make him a worthless person."

"Why didn’t people submit petitions earlier?"

At this moment, the Minister of the Ministry of Justice and Capital Governor arrived, exchanging glances, waiting for the other to speak.

Finally, the Capital Governor spoke.

"Emperor, that momentum might be uncontrollable, today I already sent people to spread the news, yet those people were beaten."

It was the first time, previously, it was those people spreading the news, then the populace listened, even if discontent, dared not act.

After several days, as more people spread the news, everyone believed it.

But now, those people suddenly became fierce, not even daring to pass it along, how can it be believable?

The Emperor sneered, "It’s merely the War King’s remnants causing trouble, we’ve prepared adequately, these people are merely having a fleeting moment."

"Soon, these people will be nothing but a pile of yellow earth."

"Whose words do the dead hear?"

The Capital Governor quickly agreed, "Indeed, Emperor, we’ve already fully prepared, even if they had wings, they couldn’t escape."

The Minister of the Ministry of Justice hurriedly added, "The War King’s embezzlement is a crime worthy of death, eradication of conspirators is Emperor’s justice and the nation’s fortune."

The Emperor, feeling good, spoke.

"Take me to the Meridian Gate, I wish to supervise the execution personally."

With this said, he sighed, "Consider it meeting the end of his companionship with me."

Li Xide dared not say anything; saluting, he beckoned for the palace maid to groom the Emperor.

Along the way was a mighty procession.

As they approached the Meridian Gate, everyone kneeled harmoniously; the Emperor’s lips curled, seemingly, these people still respected him greatly.

He faintly smiled, ready to gesture everyone to stand at ease.

However, these people didn’t chant as usual, "Long live the Emperor."

These people knelt, banging their heads heavily, some tears flowed.

"We plead the Emperor to reassess the War King’s embezzlement case; the War King is wronged!"

"We plead the Emperor not to be deceived by treacherous men, don’t chill the hearts of loyal subjects."

His face turned very ugly, how even these ignorant commoners, are defending the War King?

Daring to plead for the War King in front of him.

Everywhere he looked, masses of people heads densely packed, some even continued knocking their heads loudly.

If asked who the Emperor of Dayan is, some commoners wouldn’t know.

Yet mentioning the War King of Dayan, not only citizens of Dayan, even those enemies at the border know.

He took a deep breath, his heart involuntarily filled with hatred towards the War King.

Yan Haoxuan ruled for thirty years, never gained such popularity, let alone widespread unanimity.

The War King was good, but his mistake was being too accomplished and overshadowing the sovereign.

In the face of imperial authority, what does a War King count for?

Li Xide, seeing the situation getting out of control, shook the horsetail whisk, speaking loudly.

"The War King case has been investigated, he was not wrongly accused."

With these words, the Dragon Chariot continued forward, yet civilians kneeled all along, chanting "Emperor retract the command."

The Emperor took a deep breath, barely maintaining his benevolent ruler smile, Li Xide remained silent at the back.

Finally reaching the Meridian Gate, the numbers grew even more, like ants; only masses of heads were visible.

Along with the neatly deafening voices.

"We beg the Emperor to retract the order; the War King is wronged."

The clamor indeed vast, the Emperor’s face was extremely grim, wishing to kill these lowly folks.

Why, why plead for the War King, the evidence was already ample.

He had anticipated, some would plead for the War King, but never imagined nearly the entire Capital came.

These brash people, taking advantage of the law’s inability to punish all, audacious enough!

The Emperor’s face solemn, voice lowered, furious.

"Why are there so many pleading for the War King?"