Yu Zidi's death marked the end of the struggle for the throne.
Those Imperial Court officials who had supported him throughout the succession battle were swiftly apprehended.
Some attempted to flee.
Others desperately pleaded for mercy.
A few even tried to distance themselves from Yu Zidi, claiming they had merely obeyed his orders.
None of it mattered.
Every official who had willingly participated in Yu Zidi's conspiracies was dragged away under heavy guard.
Soon afterward, the palace guards escorted another group into the square.
The Empress.
The Imperial Consorts.
The various Queens.
The women who had once ruled the Inner Palace with unquestionable authority.
Now, every one of them wore pale faces.
Their luxurious robes were stained with dust.
Their elegant hairstyles had long since fallen into disarray.
Gone was the arrogance that had once made countless palace maids tremble, only fear remained.
