Suo Lun truly was not exaggerating.
Now, he was genuinely very curious as to who Ash Liren’s biological mother was.
Everyone believed that Liren was Lady Lizhi’s biological daughter. Only an extremely small number of people knew she was not.
Tonight Suo Lun had also seen Lady Lizhi. It could be seen that she must have been a peerless beauty in her youth, evident from how beautiful Ash Shiluo was. But even so, she could not have given birth to a daughter as beautiful as Liren.
In terms of pure beauty, indeed only Princess Zhi Yan could rival Liren. Of course, now there was also Ji Xiuning.
But Liren was different from them. Zhi Yan and Ji Xiuning had been removed from the mortal world for too long, their celestial air too heavy, making it difficult to arouse men’s desire.
And Liren, because of the Dragon Yin Severed Meridian, her beauty was filled with enchantment.
Therefore, her body was filled not only with celestial air, but also with demonic power.
Her face was as elegant and otherworldly as Zhi Yan’s, yet more stunningly gorgeous than Gui Qinshao.
Such a woman, glimpsed in a single glance, truly gave one the feeling of one’s heart stopping. Truly it could drive men to madness.
Seeing Suo Lun staring unblinkingly, gazing at her in a daze, Liren sighed inwardly.
In truth, a few years prior, although she had also been peerlessly beautiful, she had not been so soul-stealing as she was now.
For some unknown reason, as the Dragon Yin Severed Meridian’s backlash intensified, her beauty grew increasingly astonishing. Now she already radiated a demonic charm.
Therefore, her previous wearing of a veil was not merely entirely to mourn Yan Ping, but because this face was truly so beautiful it shocked the world.
This kind of beauty was no longer merely due to facial features, but had reached a realm of the spiritual plane, the aesthetic plane.
…
However, Suo Lun’s soul-lost appearance was put on. At most, the first half-second of distraction was real.
Seeing his so annoying appearance, Liren also disdained turning her head away, still maintaining direct eye contact with Suo Lun.
Suo Lun said, “Liren, am I the first man to see you?”
Ash Liren pretended not to have heard, asking, “How did you win over my mother?”
“Very filthy. Do you truly wish to know?” Suo Lun asked.
Liren shook her head and said, “Forget it, I do not wish to know.”
Then, she glared at Suo Lun and said, “I must wash and change my garments. Are you still going to remain here?”
Suo Lun pretended to leave with some reluctance.
…
One shichen later!
Ash Liren wore a brocade robe, a golden crown upon her head.
Still no mask on her face, because this androgynous attire made her entire being filled with a charm that was neither male nor female.
To describe it in one phrase, she was a hundred times more enchanting than Dongfang Bubai.
Suo Lun once again gazed at her face with an annoying look, rambling, “Yesterday, to sneak into the City Lord’s residence, Tao Su disguised me as a woman. She was very surprised, because when I dressed as a woman I was prettier than her.”
“Pervert…” Liren said coldly.
Suo Lun said, “But seeing you in men’s clothing today completely defeats me. Neither male nor female, truly a demonic charm. You should wear your mask again in the future. I fear those men who see you will collapse from a stroke.”
Regarding Suo Lun’s praise, Liren completely treated it as wind passing by her ears.
This brocade robe and golden crown were the attire of the Rouran City Lord, bestowed by the King. Today was the first time she wore them.
“Does it fit?” Suo Lun said, “I had it custom ordered, because only I have a rough understanding of your figure. But some places are still a bit small, is it tight?”
As Suo Lun asked, he glanced towards Liren’s chest.
Although it was an androgynous brocade robe, the chest area was still towering, completely unconcealed, appearing breathtaking.
After all, Liren possessed mixed blood heritage. The size of the peaks upon her chest perhaps even exceeded Nai Er’s, magnificently abundant.
Liren took a deep breath, pretending not to have heard Suo Lun’s teasing, clenching her fist and enduring it.
Because she truly could not resist making a move, and would cripple Suo Lun in one go.
She felt that if Suo Lun continued provoking her like this, one day she would be unable to resist making a move.
“The hair at your back is somewhat messy. Shall I help you comb it?” Suo Lun asked.
Ash Liren suddenly turned around, staring at Suo Lun.
Suo Lun instantly felt his hair stand on end from her gaze.
“What did you just say?” Liren asked.
“You, your hair is a bit messy.” Suo Lun said.
Liren said, “You just said that last night you disguised yourself as a woman and followed Tao Su into the City Lord’s residence to see my mother?”
“Farewell.” Suo Lun acted decisively, immediately turning to leave, fleeing at flying speed.
But it was too late.
Ash Liren effortlessly restrained Suo Lun, completely preventing him from moving.
Liren said, “In a moment I must go to the City Lord’s residence. You will disguise yourself as a female warrior and follow me in.”
“There’s no need… is there?” Suo Lun pleaded.
“There absolutely is.” Ash Liren said, “Had you not brought it up, I would not have thought of such a good idea.”
…
Half a shichen later!
A commander of ten thousand cavalry accompanied by the Interior Secretary Min Zhuo entered Ash Liren’s residence, proclaiming Lady Lizhi’s orders for Ash Liren to enter the City Lord’s residence to accept interrogation.
Ash Zhuo truly could not contain his impatience. Without waiting for Zhi Li’s people to enter Rouran City, he could not wait to make a move against Liren, to drive her from power.
Because now Ash Liren was already the legitimate Rouran City Lord, Ash Zhuo had no authority to summon Liren for interrogation. Only Lady Lizhi possessed this power.
If Rouran City were regarded as a nation, Lady Lizhi’s status would be equivalent to the Empress Dowager.
In terms of legal principle, only the Empress Dowager alone had the authority to issue commands to the Emperor.
Seeing Ash Liren wearing the City Lord’s brocade robe and golden crown, Interior Secretary Min Zhuo could not help but stare blankly, then lowered his head.
Although Liren wore her mask once again, he still could not withstand her overwhelming charm.
Moreover, Liren wearing a mask also completely eliminated any worry that someone might say she was concealing her face, an imposter.
Because her ocean-like pair of eyes, her icy aura, her alluring delicate fragrance, her enchanting temperament, all without exception interpreted her uniqueness.
Behind her followed a female warrior in fitted clothing, carrying Liren’s sword.
Without doubt, this tragic female warrior was Suo Lun. Originally, disguised as a woman, his height was truly too tall. But Liren had many female warriors of mixed blood heritage by her side, several of them over one metre eighty.
As for Suo Lun’s face, there was also no worry of being recognised.
Because at this time, he was pretending to be a female warrior of the Wild Mountain Clan, his face covered in various tattoos, making his features completely unrecognisable.
“Mother wishes me to accept interrogation? Interrogate what?” Liren asked coldly.
Interior Secretary Min Zhuo bowed and said, “This subordinate does not know. You will know when you arrive.”
As Rouran City’s highest official, although Min Zhuo also felt it improper for a woman to inherit the City Lord position, he was not strongly resistant.
Because it was evident that Liren was temporarily holding the Rouran City Lord position on behalf of her son Yuanba. During this period, a great deal of governance would certainly still be handed over to Min Zhuo. He would still be heavily relied upon.
Were Ash Zhuo to become Rouran City’s highest power holder, he, Min Zhuo, would instead be suppressed.
However, his say in this matter was very small. Moreover, these past few days Ash Liren had been completely passive. Min Zhuo also did not wish to stand on the side of the loser, so he was also very distant towards Liren.
There were many people who thought like him.
“Then let us go.” Liren said.
Ash Liren, accompanied by the sword-carrying female warrior Suo Lun, left Ash Liren’s residence, heading towards the City Lord’s residence.
The moment she stepped out of Liren’s residence, several hundred cavalry surrounded her. This posture was rather like escorting a prisoner.
It seemed that Ash Liren’s ignoring of Ash Zhuo these past few days had instead made them more arrogant and rude, feeling that Ash Liren was weak and easily bullied.
…
Entering the deliberation hall of the City Lord’s residence.
Or rather, the deliberation great hall, because its area was at least four or five times larger than Tianshui City Lord’s residence deliberation hall. Moreover, its layout and arrangement more resembled the great hall of the Nu Lang Kingdom royal palace.
It could be seen how ambitious Ash Shimo had been back then. Becoming a vassal of the Nu Lang Kingdom was merely temporary. In the future, perhaps he too would establish a nation and declare himself King.
Unexpectedly, he later became obsessed with immortality, completely casting his political ambitions to the back of his mind.
And all of this was the result of the false Zuo Qiu’s (Yan Ping’s) instigation and deception. It could be seen how formidable Yan Ping was. Having graduated from the Dragon God Temple’s spiritual department, how skilled he was at beguiling people’s hearts.
At this time, the deliberation hall was packed full.
High-ranking officials, high-ranking warrior lords, high-ranking generals above the rank of thousand-commander, important members of the Ash Family, all were present.
A full four hundred or more people, yet this hall could still accommodate them.
As Rouran City’s Lady Mother, Ash Shimo’s wife Lady Lizhi no longer hid behind a curtain this time, but sat upon the highest throne, high above.
Beneath her seat, another chair was placed, and Ash Zhuo sat upon it.
Seeing Ash Liren enter, Ash Zhuo revealed a triumphant smile, his gaze turning cold as he said, “Liren, why still wear this mask upon your face? Are you hiding some expression?”
Ash Liren glanced at him coldly, saying nothing.
Suo Lun glanced at Ash Zhuo. This man was still too crude. He should not have been so eager to make his move, but should have waited until Zhi Li’s forces massively entered Rouran City before driving Ash Liren from power.
However, this man was ruthless and vicious, but his scheming was not particularly deep.
Looking again at Lady Lizhi, her eyes were red, visible evidence of a sleepless night. Moreover, her gaze never dared to look towards Ash Zhuo.
Seeing this scene, Suo Lun let out a breath of relief. This signified that Lady Lizhi had not changed her mind.
Ash Zhuo rose, walked down several steps of the platform, and addressed the several hundred civil and military officials present, saying, “This time, everyone has been summoned by Lady Lizhi’s command to interrogate City Lord Ash Liren.”
This was the first time Ash Zhuo called Liren City Lord, because she was about to be deposed. So calling her City Lord once was of no consequence.
According to Ash Zhuo’s plan, driving Liren from power was a very simple matter. Only Lady Lizhi needed to interrogate a few questions.
First question, was there a man called Yan Ziyu who was constantly within Ash Liren’s residence, the two frequently having deep conversations at night?
Second question, was this man called Yan Ziyu impersonated by Suo Lun?
Third question, was Ash Shiluo’s death related to Suo Lun? Was Ash Shimo’s incident related to Suo Lun?
Without doubt, the answers to these three questions were all affirmative.
Then, Lady Lizhi would immediately place the hat of adultery upon Ash Liren’s head.
Immediately following, she would also pin the crimes of colluding with outsiders to kill her younger brother Ash Shiluo, and framing her father Ash Shimo, upon Ash Liren’s head.
Once these two great crimes were established, Ash Liren would immediately be deposed from her City Lord position, even immediately imprisoned. If she did not possess peerless martial arts, even her life would be hard to guarantee.
This strategy, although crude, was absolutely effective.
Because Ash Liren did not have a single trusted subordinate. All the civil and military high officials were sitting by and watching.
As long as Lady Lizhi’s support was obtained, deposing Ash Liren’s City Lord position required only a fabricated charge.
Ash Zhuo making his move was not the crucial matter. The crucial matter was Lady Lizhi. With the City Lord position unstable, she was Rouran City’s nominal highest figure.
Therefore Suo Lun acted decisively, taking down Lady Lizhi.
…
Ash Zhuo came to the bottom of the platform, bowing towards the high and mighty Lady Lizhi and saying, “Lady Mother, I hear you have three questions to interrogate City Lord Ash Liren?”
“Yes.” Lady Lizhi said.
Ash Zhuo said, “City Lord Ash Liren, do you accept this interrogation?”
“I accept.” Liren said coldly.
Instantly, everyone even looked at Ash Liren with some sympathy.
The moment these words were spoken, it almost meant that Liren had become fish on the chopping block, to be slaughtered at will. Her deposition from the City Lord position had already become a foregone conclusion.
Lady Lizhi produced a sheepskin scroll, slowly saying, “I have three questions to interrogate Ash Liren.”
“Yes, Mother.” Ash Liren said.
“First question, thirteen years ago, to compete for command of the Rouran Cavalry Army, did Ash Zhuo poison his elder brother Ash Shilie? Is this true?”
“Second question, was the demon sorcerer Zuo Qiu introduced to Lord Ash Shimo’s side through Ash Zhuo’s recommendation? Thereupon beguiling with demonic words, causing Lord Ash Shimo to neglect governance, until he abandoned the mortal world and wandered beyond the heavens?”
“Third question, eight years ago, to kill the Rouran City Infantry Great Commander Meng Fang, did Ash Zhuo conspire with the Ye Lan Duchy, trapping Meng Fang and twenty thousand troops in a deadly situation, causing Rouran City to lose two hundred li of territory?”
Lady Lizhi did not know how many times she had rehearsed, reciting all three interrogation questions in one breath.
Last night, Suo Lun had forced her to write down Ash Zhuo’s most secret sins, a full dozen or so items. Ultimately, these three with the heaviest weight were selected.
When she recited the first question, Ash Zhuo was completely stunned.
The several hundred civil and military high officials present were also completely stunned.
Was this not an interrogation of City Lord Ash Liren? Was this not about driving her from power? How was it now turning against Ash Zhuo?
By the time Lady Lizhi recited the second question, Ash Zhuo already sensed danger and immediately wanted to make a move.
But he discovered he could completely not make any sound, could completely not move.
Because Ash Liren was standing right beside him, her jade finger pressed against his back, saying coldly, “If you have anything to say, wait until Mother finishes the interrogation.”
After Lady Lizhi finished interrogating the three questions, she said towards Ash Liren, “These three great crimes, human testimony and physical evidence are both present. Ash Liren, as City Lord, you are guilty of dereliction of duty. What should be done?”
Ash Liren said, “Mother, please calm your anger. Liren will dispose of this immediately!”
Then, she said coldly, “Ash Zhuo has committed these three great crimes, nearly treason, his sins unforgivable. Immediate execution. Sword, come!”
She extended her jade hand.
Suo Lun stepped forward, placing the Dragon Gold sword in her hand.
This scoundrel, taking the opportunity, deliberately pinched Liren’s hand. Ice-cold and soft, smooth and enchanting.
Liren’s delicate body trembled. This was still the first time, while she was conscious, that a man had touched her skin.
Inwardly grinding her teeth, she wished she could cut off Suo Lun’s head with a single sword. But this was a critical moment. She could not even glare at Suo Lun.
Vigorously drawing the Dragon Gold sword, Ash Liren asked Ash Zhuo, “Do you have anything left to say?”
Ash Zhuo was utterly terrified, his voice trembling, “Liren, do not kill me!”
“Whoosh…” The moment his words fell, Liren’s sword slashed down.
Ash Shimo’s head, filled with fear and terror, was directly severed. The wound at the neck was smooth as a mirror, frozen into ice, not even a drop of blood flowing out.
After a good long while, the blood from the great artery violently burst through the frozen ice, gushing out like a fountain.