Living a Good Life
At the execution square, Princess Jade Hayes ordered the House of Zhao to gather and witness the public execution of Zachary Yan and Edward Yu.
The House of Zhao had seen bloodshed day after day lately—heads rolling at the slightest provocation. They were so terrified, most were nearly out of their wits.
Even those bold enough to stir up trouble lost all courage after witnessing dozens of heads from the House of Zhao fall to the ground.
One by one, the members of the House of Zhao cowered like quails. Some fainted on the spot at the sight of blood gushing from the corpses like fountains.
While the House of Zhao trembled in fear, the common folk were overjoyed, clapping and cheering with delight.
Zachary Yan, Edward Yu, and their cronies had swaggered around Charleston for decades, oppressing countless citizens and committing endless evil. The people had always suffered in silence, but now, seeing these villains finally brought to justice, they were so ecstatic they wanted to set off firecrackers in celebration!
"Once the heads are chopped off, have the House of Zhao clean up the execution site. There's so much blood—it'd be bad if it scared the children." Princess Jade Hayes gave the order to the Qin Royal Army, then turned to Neil Zhao and said, "Neil, take two squads and search the homes of Zachary Yan and Edward Yu. Those two old foxes must have hidden plenty of good stuff—make sure you confiscate everything for the state."
Neil Zhao straightened up and replied energetically, "Yes, ma'am! I swear I'll sweep those two scoundrels' homes clean—not even a blade of grass worth a coin will be left behind!"
"Let's go, back to the palace!" Princess Jade Hayes led Lolo back to the Palace of Qin, in exceptionally high spirits.
Zachary Yan and Edward Yu were the toughest bones in the House of Zhao—both wielded enormous power, and Zachary Yan was even the president of the Anchester Chamber of Commerce.
Princess Jade Hayes had originally wanted to thoroughly deal with those two, racking her brains for a suitable excuse.
But now things were much simpler—the two fools couldn't hold back and delivered the evidence themselves, allowing Princess Jade Hayes to take them down in one fell swoop. It was truly satisfying!
Back at the Palace of Qin, Princess Jade Hayes changed into her own clothes. Neil Zhao returned with his men.
"Reporting to the Queen, we have thoroughly searched both men's residences. Here is the confiscated property for Your Majesty's inspection." Neil Zhao waved his hand, and a team of Qin soldiers carried in so many chests that they filled half the hall.
"Tsk, those Zhao brothers really did fleece the people for all they were worth." Princess Jade Hayes clicked her tongue at the sight of so many treasures.
"Here are the land deeds, property deeds, and a pile of servant deeds for their household slaves," Neil Zhao said.
Princess Jade Hayes took them all, then looked at Neil Zhao. "Neil, being able to topple those brothers so quickly is largely thanks to you. With so much loot, didn't you think of keeping some for yourself?"
Neil Zhao was stunned for a moment, then shook his head. "Wealth is just worldly possession. All I want is revenge for my lost family, not these riches."
Princess Jade Hayes looked at Neil Zhao and sighed. "I understand your need for revenge, but life is more than just vengeance. The days ahead are long—think about your future. Here, that chest is yours. You've done well this time, consider it my reward to you."
Princess Jade Hayes generously waved her hand, then turned and headed toward the inner hall.
Neil Zhao stood there, replaying Princess Jade Hayes's words in his mind, looking a little dazed.
Lola followed Princess Jade Hayes for a few steps, then turned to see Neil Zhao still in a stupor. She said, "What's with the daydreaming? The Queen rewarded you—take it home, buy a house, and live a good life."
"Live a good life..." Neil Zhao repeated the phrase over and over, and a hint of moisture appeared in his eyes, which had seen so much hardship.