Chapter 3
It has been decided, is it to be conveyed here today
She remained silent, quietly waiting by the side. The guard went over to report, and after a while, he returned, pulling her outward. She felt uncertain, stumbling along as she followed, until she was brought to the space between two litters. The guard, with a menacing demeanor, pushed her, causing her to stagger, "Wait, the prince will have something to ask shortly"
"I beg your pardon, Your Highness. You have not locked your lips, and the instructions are unclear; you cannot blame me for this. " After finishing, I bowed to the prince again, "Your Highness, you are wise. I am but a minor servant, someone of no standing, and I do not have the audacity to challenge you. As long as it is your command, I would not hesitate to administer anything, be it a drop of crane's blood or even crane's red, I would pour it down... I apologize for my foolish words; please forgive me. You are benevolent and cannot bear to see Lord An suffer. Although we make a living in this line of work, we are not entirely devoid of compassion. As long as it is your command, I would not hesitate to administer anything, be it a drop of crane's blood or even crane's red, I would pour it down... I apologize for my foolish words; please forgive me. You are benevolent and cannot bear to see Lord An suffer. Although we make a living in this line of work, we are not entirely devoid of compassion. However, what the prince does not know is that there are many rules at the execution ground, and the master has instructed us well since the day we entered the profession. The crane's blood is used when the blood vessels are blocked, all pent up inside; we executioners aim for a dramatic scene. With one stroke, bam—blood splatters high..." She tilted her head and thought for a moment. In her eagerness to save her life, she did not even realize what she was saying. Their family had fallen into decline at the hands of the Yu Wen clan, so she felt a natural fear upon seeing these yellow ribbons.
At a critical moment, a person emerged from behind the sedan chair. Their tone was not as hurried as that of the anxious individual, the enunciation was precise, and the speech was slow, yet every word was delivered with clarity. They said: "On such a hot day, Seventh Brother, please calm down. A small matter like this hardly warrants such a great display of anger."
She smiled and said, "The delay is also a delay in your affairs, what does it have to do with me?"
Ding Yi busily fanned him with a fan, "Senior Brother, calm down, everything is over."
She is an apprentice, and she also has her share of cleaning the execution ground, working under the scorching sun to spread soil over the blood; she is certainly much more industrious than he is
She mumbled, "I haven't done anything wrong either, isn't this just to avoid making mistakes! Asking questions, what questions are there to ask?"
I dare not think, the more I think, the more anxious I become. In the southwest corner, the corner horn is blowing loudly, and the legal advisor is raising his voice to read out the charges. At this moment, there is no time to consider those matters, so I hurriedly presented the ghostly dagger to my master
The prince was filled with anger, asking, "What are you looking at? Even when death is imminent, you dare to meet my gaze? Among the lower classes, there are always troublemakers; even if they have a well-proportioned face, a troublemaker is still a troublemaker. Although the crimes committed may not warrant death, the royal authority and laws beyond the criminal code cannot be desecrated. Offending the prince is enough to warrant a fate worse than death.
That person is getting too bold, Wu Changeng noticed and pressed his voice to scold, "What time is it? Still chattering!"
She straightened up and looked around; her master and senior brother had both returned to the yamen, leaving only her and a few servants. Suddenly, she heard that the prince had summoned her, and she guessed it was likely due to the incident with the crane's blood earlier. Feeling a bit apprehensive, she knew she had no choice but to respond affirmatively. With her head lowered and hands hanging by her sides, she hurriedly ran to the execution platform.
At a quarter past noon, the executioner took his position, and the red cloth covering the large knife was removed. Two small red flowers on the back of the blade contrasted sharply with the gleaming edge of the knife, creating a peculiar juxtaposition. The onlookers, who had been climbing trees and chattering excitedly, fell silent at this moment. The timekeeper called out loudly, "The auspicious time has arrived," followed by the sound of a cannon firing. In a daze, one could hear the whistling of the blade slicing through the air, followed by a dull thud. Blood gushed forth uncontrollably, quickly staining the surrounding yellow earth.
With the vermilion mark made, it is time to proceed with the execution. As the summer solstice passed by her, she quietly stuffed a piece of ginger into his mouth, as instructed by the master beforehand, both to bolster courage and to awaken the senses. Executioners possess varying levels of skill; the proficient ones execute their craft with precision, ensuring that the head is severed cleanly without falling, facilitating the family in collecting and stitching the remains. As for a novice like the summer solstice, one cannot expect a flawless execution; a steady and cautious approach is the correct principle. If the force is not applied properly, a single stroke could get stuck at the nape, resulting in significant loss of vitality. As for a novice like the summer solstice, one cannot expect a flawless execution; a steady and cautious approach is the correct principle. If the force is not applied properly, a single stroke could get stuck at the nape, resulting in significant loss of vitality.
While she was lost in thought, someone tugged at her sleeve from behind. Turning around, she saw a person dressed in a long robe handing her a small bottle, signaling with their eyes and saying: "This is crane top blood. Make sure to feed it to An Ling Ba Wu when the opportunity arises."
The messenger who was displeased retorted from the side, "Such words cannot be spoken; you should inquire whose command it is before hastily sending someone back to their grandmother's house. Now that things are looking grim, you cannot just dump the blame on others!"
That person let out a sound, among these individuals, he is the most idle; seeking him out is to flatter him, showing a lack of discernment!
This time, the situation is more ominous than auspicious. Anling Bawu has already lost his head, yet that prince remains so relentless; he is likely not someone easy to deal with.
Crane's Blood is a unique medicine created by Crane Nian Tang, said to relieve numbness and pain throughout the body. Although the medicine is effective, it cannot be used indiscriminately, as executioners have many taboos; any slip-up could bring misfortune in an instant. She feels pity for those awaiting execution, yet cannot compromise her master's rules for that reason. Glancing at the execution ground, she pushed her hand forward and said, "I apologize, but one must focus on their own duties; I only handle the blade and do not concern myself with anything else."
The voice drifting down from above carried a chill, making one shiver even in the heat of July. "You are Wu Chang-geng's disciple?" She responded affirmatively, as that prince had not summoned her. With a fan in hand, he waved it, creating a gust of wind, and sneered, "I thought you were a formidable figure, but it turns out you are just an underdeveloped young lad! You have quite the nerve; do you dare to disobey my orders?"
Ding Yi couldn't help but shrink back a little, "Don't get agitated, let's talk it out... I see that although Master An has committed a crime, he remains quite defiant, showing no fear at the execution ground. Even if he is given a dose of 'crane top blood', he may not appreciate it... In fact, when a person reaches this point, they no longer feel pain when life and death are at stake, truly.
She paused, and there was no response from above; the black boots did not move from their place. She thought that if luck was on her side, she might just escape a calamity, after all, those words were quite reasonable. Unexpectedly, the official under the prince did not buy it, and shouted in a loud voice: "The prince is acting on someone else's behalf. The matter has not been resolved, and it is difficult to explain to them. You have embarrassed the prince, do you understand? The prince's face is precious; even if I were to skin you, it would not be enough to repay him. You have spoken a truckload of words, all in consideration of the difficulties faced by your executioners. Their difficulties are of no concern to others!"
He glanced around and said, "What are we waiting for? Drag it down! Notify Daxing County to come and collect the head, that's settled."
A group of people was passing by the door, and the sound of the abacus beads was so loud it made her head ache. She turned her face away, as if she could avoid it; once she got past this section, it would be fine. In the scorching heat of summer, staying under the sun for too long could lead to heatstroke
Such noble and privileged individuals may not be swayed by reason, but humbly admitting a mistake might yield results. He then bowed his head and said: "Please, Your Highness, understand that I did not know that the medicine was given by you. If the person in charge had informed me earlier, I would have certainly ensured that your orders were carried out properly."
Displeased with his interference, they sent him away. The prominent figures on the execution platform had not yet dispersed, and the area around the platform was crowded with onlookers. She, along with several constables, carried mulberry branches to clean up, covering the bloodstains with pre-prepared soil. Flies buzzed in swarms around her ears, the ground was hot, and waves of heat mixed with the smell of blood assaulted her nostrils, a scent truly unbearable.
He Nian Tang is well-known in the city of Si Jiu, not only for its authentic medicinal soups. When the common people insult someone, they might say, "Go to He Nian Tang to buy some wound medicine," which is certainly not a compliment. Directly across from He Nian Tang is the vegetable market, and it is said that sometimes people come knocking at midnight, wanting to buy medicine. When asked what is wrong, they say their neck hurts, indicating that there are ghosts at play. If one has a large scar from losing their head, how could it not hurt? Therefore, whenever a criminal is executed, the staff at He Nian Tang shake their abacus in front of the door, making a clattering sound, which is said to drive away ghosts and dispel evil spirits.
The criminals were lined up from east to west, and the executioners under the large canopy had also taken their seats. She looked up at the platform, her eyes dazzled by the sunlight, making it difficult to see clearly as she transitioned from light to dark. After counting, she saw five individuals, all dressed in formal court attire. In the center was a prince, a prince of the highest rank, whom even the governor of Shuntian would have to flatter. However, the dragon has nine sons, each with their own characteristics. One of the leaders was lively, frequently whispering to the officials beside him, while another sat as steady as a mountain, remaining completely still. The prince in the center was of the highest rank, whom even the governor of Shuntian would have to flatter. However, the dragon has nine sons, each with their own characteristics. One of the leaders was lively, frequently whispering to the officials beside him, while another sat as steady as a mountain, remaining completely still. Dingyi couldn't help but tug at the corner of her mouth; such a person, if not blind and foolish, must be forged from iron and water.
Clinging to the edge of the carriage and looking up at the platform, it was already the moment to bid farewell with cupped hands. She recognized the Governor of Shuntian, but unfortunately, he had gone that way, and distant water could not quench nearby fire. The one she was to convey a message to was an unknown prince; she stole a glance, and two teams of guards were escorting the imperial descendant. Her heart raced with a pounding sensation, a premonition of impending disaster. At this moment, there was no time to think too much. A pair of gilded black boots entered her line of sight, and she hurried a few steps forward. Without waiting for anyone to speak, she knelt down and bowed her head, saying, "I am Mu Xiaoshu, here to pay my respects to the prince."
Having descended from the city gate tower, she respectfully followed her master with a knife in hand. There were many people escorting prisoners in the yamen, and she blended into the crowd, moving forward. The weather was exceptionally fine, with the sun shining so brightly that it was hard to open one's eyes. The cloth strips binding her chest made it hot and stifling, leaving her breathless. Fortunately, there were only three prisoners, so it wouldn't take long; they could endure this heat, and the princes in the main hall could not withstand it either
Just as she was holding back her energy, a guard approached her and said with a cough: "You, put down the work in your hands, the prince has summoned you, go and pay your respects!"
After the officials finished executing the person, those without relatives to claim the body would be taken to the west of the city for burial, while those with families waiting to collect the remains would be left unattended. Summer Solstice had entered the profession; although he could not compare to his master, at least he was managing his duties smoothly. However, this person was not very capable, trembling so much that he could barely stand after leaving the scene, and he did not dare to look back. His arm rested on Ding Yi's shoulder, his teeth chattering audibly.
She hurriedly shrank her neck, leaving the other person only able to stare blankly. The master asked her what had happened, and she casually brushed it off with a few words, but inside she felt uneasy, always sensing a gaze following her, seemingly coming from the execution platform beneath the large shed. She felt a bit frightened; could it be that this crane's blood was not entrusted by the bereaved? Or was it that An Lingba Wu had some connections with a certain high official, engaging in private dealings?
Do you know who gave you this medicine? If it delays the task, you will bear the consequences
On tiptoe, one can see that a canopy has been erected at the entrance of the Crane Year Hall, and all the street-side shops have set up tables in front, preparing wine, white rice, and steamed dishes. This is a farewell for the prisoners. There may be no music on the road to the underworld, but there cannot be a lack of food and drink. If a prisoner is willing to graciously partake in a meal, then this establishment has accumulated great virtue, and the King of Hell will make a note in the account book. This establishment can then hang up large red couplets to celebrate, making it even more lively than a wedding celebration.
That is different, different...
On the summer solstice, he lay on the side with a mournful expression, seeing two drops of blood splattered on his sleeve, feeling nauseated. He sobbed, "I hate my parents. Even if they die of poverty or hunger, they shouldn't have sent me to learn this trade. What is this called?" He spread his hands in front of her, "Look, do you see? My hands are stained with blood. I won't be able to sleep soundly tonight. Let's keep each other company this evening!"
The area of Caishikou is not large, and the execution platform occupies the space. As the crowd is about to disperse, a few bamboo sedan chairs are parked at both ends. Dingyi does not dare to look up, only hearing the polite exchanges of greetings, all of which are formalities and pleasantries.
She pushed him gently and said, "Go back and wash up, take a rest. From now on, you are the master. I still have work to do. Complaining to me won't help!"
The separation of body and head appears somewhat strange. The previously wailing family, startled by this scene, seemed to forget their cries, but suddenly coming to their senses, they erupted into even more heart-wrenching howls. Ding Yi could not bear to witness this scene; the dead are dead, and the living must endure suffering and torment, for having experienced it, like a nightmare they dare not revisit
She frowned and swatted his hand away, "Can you be a bit more mature? Acting all fussy like a woman! Look at how the master has been handling things for seven or eight years, and when it comes to you, you turn out like this!"
As soon as the words fell, several fierce guards pounced from behind. In this vast world, is this a matter of taking a life so lightly? Ding Yi's mind buzzed, and she looked up in astonishment—what a prince he was, with a rather handsome face, yet possessing a heart poisoned by deadly wine. To consider taking her life over such a trivial matter, the words about the Yu Wen family producing beasts were confirmed here.
Indeed, this young man is reckless! That prince squeezed out a few words through his teeth: "You speak with such certainty, yet I do not believe you. You must die once to know whether your words hold any truth."