Qin Zhao smiled and spoke, "If you want to die, it's easy. Just write a self-incriminating edict. Write down all the evil deeds you have done to me since childhood, make it public to the world, and I will fulfill your wish and send you on your way."
Qin Zheng opened his eyes and angrily retorted, "I am the emperor, how can I be wrong? I am not wrong! You will never make me admit my mistake!"
"Hehe, then there's nothing I can do."
At that moment, Yu Qingzhu entered, carrying medicine. Qin Zhao said to her, "Yu Qingzhu, continue treating him, do everything you can to save him. No matter what precious resources you need, just ask for them."
Yu Qingzhu replied, "Alright, I will do my best."
Upon hearing this conversation, Qin Zheng immediately couldn't lie still. He struggled to sit up, seemingly wanting to confront Qin Zhao.
With a gentle push from Qin Zhao, he fell back onto the bed like a falling stone.
"I'll ask you once again, will you write the self-incriminating edict? If you dare to answer with a 'no', I won't come back, and you will miss your only chance for redemption!"
Qin Zheng stared into Qin Zhao's clear and bright eyes, and gradually a sense of regret appeared in his gaze.
He regretted not killing Wei Chen when she was known as the Purple Star of the Ziwei Empire.
Even if it meant the destruction of the Yue Kingdom, he would have done it!
Compared to the downfall of the Yue Kingdom, Qin Zheng found the humiliation he was currently enduring even more unbearable!
After a moment, Qin Zheng gave up resistance and nodded slightly, saying, "Fine, I will write it."
Each word felt like tears of blood, causing him immense torment!
Qin Zhao, on the other hand, was overjoyed and exclaimed loudly, "Someone, bring pen and paper!"
In no time, a palace maid brought pen and paper, presenting them to Qin Zhao.
Qin Zhao casually handed them to Zhou Quande and said, "Qin Zheng, you dictate, and you write."
Zhou Quande responded, "Yes, Your Majesty."
He ordered someone to bring a low table and sat down on the floor.
Qin Zheng, with a voice as weak as a thread, began to speak, "I envied Zhao Yang, the Purple Star of the Ziwei Empire. Therefore, when she was still young, I fed her various unknown medicines that disfigured her.
But in front of others, I pretended to dote on her, causing her to be hated and feared by various powers.
No one was willing to associate with her, and she grew up in loneliness.
When she was nineteen, I made her the Crown Princess.
At the same time, I intentionally promoted other princes, creating the illusion that they would soon be appointed as the Crown Prince.
All of this was just to make her enemies and guide the princes to work together to eliminate her.
Later, I sent her to the battlefield with only five thousand elite soldiers.
The real purpose was to hope that she would die on the northwest border!
Zhao Yang chose to rebel because of me!
All the guilt is mine, and it ends with me.
I alone will bear..."
Qin Zheng's voice gradually faded away and finally dissipated completely.
Yu Qingzhu walked over to check his breath and turned to Qin Zhao, saying, "He's dead."
Qin Zhao nodded, "It's about time."
Zhou Quande finished the final stroke and said, "Your Majesty, I have completed recording the self-incriminating edict of the former emperor."
·
The next day, Qin Zheng's self-incriminating edict was made public!
The whole world trembled, and the people hurriedly spread the news to one another!
There was an uproar in the capital.
On that day, Princess Qin Ling rushed to the imperial palace, causing a commotion outside the Jingyang Palace, demanding to see Qin Zhao.
Qin Zhao, who was reviewing memorials, heard some commotion outside and said to Linglong, "Go and see who's causing the disturbance."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Linglong replied.
Linglong ran back and forth and returned, saying, "Your Majesty, it's Princess Qin Ling. She insists on seeing you."
"Let her in."
Qin Ling was allowed to enter and knelt before Qin Zhao.
Qin Zhao asked, "What brings Princess Qin Ling here?"
With tears in her eyes, Qin Ling solemnly said, "I'm sorry, Ninth Sister. I have misunderstood you all these years. I have always given you a cold shoulder and targeted you, failing to be a proper elder sister. I wish to make amends. Please, Your Majesty, show me a clear path."
Qin Zhao looked at her and said, "You do deserve punishment. If you truly repent, go to the harsh and cold northern region and stay there for a few years. Additionally, improve the living conditions of the people there."
Qin Ling choked up and said, "Yes, I will follow Your Majesty's orders."
After a pause, she asked, "May I still call you Ninth Sister in the future?"
Qin Zhao replied, "It depends on your performance. If you enable the people in the northern region to live better lives, I will forgive you and consider you my sister once again."
Qin Ling firmly declared, "Very well! I will achieve results and prove myself to you."
Qin Ling acted swiftly and, three days later, departed for the northern region with six servants and a hundred guards.
After the period of rest ended, Qin Zhao appeared in the court, and the officials looked at her differently.
Huo Jun learned from the self-reflection decree that Qin Zhao had suffered so much in the past, which made her feel a tinge of sorrow.
To varying degrees, everyone's impression of Qin Zhao improved.
Qin Zhao began as usual, saying, "Speak if you have matters to report, leave if there is nothing."
The Minister of Justice said, "Due to the proclamation of the former Emperor's self-reflection decree, there has been an upsurge of support and admiration for the Emperor among the common people. It has gained significant momentum, and if not properly addressed, it may become a breeding ground for certain individuals to take advantage of!"
Qin Zhao responded, "There is no need to interfere excessively. Assign someone to keep an eye on the people's activities."
Next, the Minister of Rites, Zhao Xuan, spoke, "Your Majesty, I have prepared a list of names and had artists paint portraits of the young nobles. I would like to ask when the selection ceremony will be held?"
"Tomorrow," Qin Zhao replied.
Zhao Xuan hesitated and said, "... Isn't that too hasty?"
"When I don't choose, you all are anxious. When I want to choose quickly, you find fault with me. Are you finding fault?" Qin Zhao retorted.
Zhao Xuan immediately knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I did not mean that."
"That's enough, no more words. Let it be tomorrow. There is no need for elaborate preparations. Let them go to the Imperial Garden, and I will select a few people there," Qin Zhao commanded.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Then, the Minister of Revenue, Chen Min, said, "Your Majesty, your strategy to issue national bonds has been well received. We have already sold 15 million taels worth of bonds!"
Upon hearing this, Qin Zhao's mood improved, and she said, "The people of Yue Country do have money. I am greatly pleased."
Chen Min continued, "However, I find this matter somewhat suspicious."
"Oh? Tell me more. Let all the officials contribute their ideas," Qin Zhao requested.
"It's like this. On the second day of selling the bonds, they were completely bought out by a wealthy merchant and the common people. But a large portion of them were purchased by the same person!"
This remark piqued Qin Zhao's curiosity.
She asked, "Who bought it?"
Chen Min replied, "A moneylender."
"Is that person in the capital?"
"Yes."
"Very well, have someone come to see Us."
After the court session, Qin Zhao anxiously waited for news from Chen Min.
Finally, in the late evening, at the Yun Guang Hall, she saw the extravagant woman.
In the study, Qin Zhao carefully observed the person before her.
The more she looked, the more familiar this person's figure became!
Qin Zhao said, "What's your name? I feel like I've seen you somewhere before!"
