Dressing as Ziwei makes the Qing Dynasty more powerful

After more than ten days, Jihua Town, which had been devastated by the smallpox epidemic, gradually began to recover its former glory. The streets were no longer deserted, and shops on both sides were open for business.

Ziwei sat in the hall of the government office, coldly looking at the group of people kneeling below. "Cao De, as a father and mother official, can you punish the crime?"

Cao De stole a glance at her, then pulled up his sleeve to wipe his eyes. "Princess, please forgive me for my merits. It was all due to my confusion that I made the mistake. Since I took office, the living standards of the people in Jihua Town have improved a lot. Even if I haven't made any contributions, I have worked hard!"

Ziwei sneered, "Improving the people's living standards is your official duty, not a shield for you to evade crime. Furthermore, my investigation has revealed that since taking office, you've exploited the people, arbitrarily judged cases, and created numerous unjust cases. For so many years, you've engaged in corruption, bribery, and false reporting. These incidents warrant death by slow slicing. Only then can you be worthy of the people."

Cao De's face was pale and his whole body was trembling. He kowtowed and begged for mercy, "Princess, please spare my life! Princess, please spare my life! I know I was wrong. Please have mercy on me!"

Ziwei remained unmoved and continued, "And you, as officials of the imperial court, collude with Cao De and oppress the people. What crime should you be punished for?"

Those officials knelt down and begged for mercy, claiming that they had made the wrong decision only because of Cao De's threats and inducements. They expressed their willingness to reform and asked Ziwei to give them a chance.

Ziwei sneered and said, "You people really make me sick. Do you think I will let you go easily? I want to tell you that the net of heaven is vast and nothing can escape it. Any illegal behavior will not escape the punishment of the law. You people, just wait to be dealt with according to the law!" After that, Ziwei ordered Cao De and others to be taken to jail and await trial.

Seeing this, Cao De stood up angrily, his face flushed red, and he pointed at Ziwei with trembling fingers, his voice filled with uncontrollable anger: "You are just a princess! According to the laws of the Qing Dynasty, the harem is not allowed to interfere in politics. What right do you have to deal with us court officials!" His words sounded like thunder, making the ears of everyone present buzz, and also alerted several other officials.

However, at this moment, Fukang'an suddenly stood up, his eyes filled with indifference and majesty. His voice was even colder and more stern: "How dare you! If you dare to point at the princess again, I will chop off your hand!" His momentum was as cold as an iceberg, instantly suppressing the arrogance of Cao De and others.

Ziwei's lips curled slightly, a hint of pride flashing in her eyes. She gently stroked the token in her hand, then slowly raised it. The token shone with a golden light, and four large characters were engraved on it: "As if I were here in person."

Cao De and the others stared wide-eyed, scrutinizing the token. When they saw the words clearly, their pupils constricted instantly, as if struck by a powerful force. Their hearts began to tremble violently, and fear and surprise surged in their hearts.

Ziwei looked at their reactions and nodded with satisfaction. Her voice became dignified and firm: "Do I have the right to punish you now?"

Her eyes swept over Cao De and the others, finally stopping at Cao De. She continued, "Cao De and the other officials will have their official hats removed, their homes confiscated, and they will be publicly executed tomorrow at noon. The other suspects will be sentenced according to their crimes, and the Cao family members will be exiled. A portion of the proceeds from the confiscation will be distributed to the people, and the rest will be exchanged for supplies and sent to the military camp. General Fu Cha, I leave all this to you."

Fu Kang'an bowed respectfully to Ziwei and replied, "I obey your order." His voice was low and powerful, showing his absolute obedience to Ziwei's order.

As these words fell, the entire scene fell into a dead silence. This usually gentle and kind princess was unexpectedly so decisive and ruthless in her actions.

Mrs. Cao looked at her husband with complicated eyes. His face was ashen, no longer the glory of the past.

The next morning, Ziwei did not go to the execution ground to watch Cao De and the other criminals being tortured. These criminals deserved death, and their execution would bring relief and comfort to the people.

As expected, the execution grounds were packed with angry citizens early in the morning. Upon witnessing the appearance of the officials who had long oppressed them, curses and insults erupted in a deafening roar. Rotten vegetable leaves and rotten eggs rained down upon these once awe-inspiring officials, rendering them in a state of disgrace, worse than beggars.

Fu Kang'an deliberately delayed the execution, giving the people ample opportunity to vent their inner anger, while the executioner leisurely sharpened his knife in the audience, preparing to carry out the death penalty.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Cao sat quietly in her cell, gazing out the narrow window at the sky. She knew the execution was about to begin, but she felt neither fear nor sadness. Instead, she felt a deep sense of relief and comfort.

She recalled the past days, and saw those concubines who once flaunted their power in front of her were now crying with their faces covered. She felt a sense of satisfaction in her heart. They had finally tasted the bitter fruit, and she had also received the retribution she deserved.

Recalling her muddled life after marrying into the Cao family for so many years, Mrs. Cao laughed at herself, saying that she had failed her mother who had carefully raised her, and her nanny's care. Who could have imagined that Cao Qinmo, who was so decisive in her youth, would become so unbearable after getting married? How could she still have the face to live in this world?

When the bailiffs who were escorting them on the road urged her to go, they discovered that she had already bitten her tongue to commit suicide, and they quickly reported it.

Ziwei hadn't reacted to the news of her suicide. Only she knew whether this woman had truly let go. It was the first time she'd seen such a love-sick woman. She'd been mocked by her concubine, ignored by her husband, and yet, even then, she'd chosen to poison herself when she realized she was planning to harm her husband. Now, she'd secretly committed suicide, choosing to follow that man to the afterlife. She didn't approve of such a love relationship.

Love is a matter between two people. If a third person gets involved, is it still love? There are so many men in the world, why should you sacrifice yourself for a bastard?

Qianlong looked at the victory report in the memorial, clapped his hands in applause, and looked at the ministers below, saying with a smile, "The smallpox in Jihua Town has been completely eradicated by Princess Zichen. From now on, smallpox will no longer be a terminal illness. Hahaha, my daughter is really amazing. She can even solve this problem that has not been solved for a thousand years. It is really a blessing for the Qing Dynasty!"

After hearing what he said, Fu Heng felt relieved. He was glad that the brat was okay.