As soon as Song Qingqing spoke these words, the entire Gao family residence was thrown into chaos.
Gao Feng's face immediately darkened.
"The marriage between the Song family and the Gao family was an arranged engagement since childhood, and the wedding was about to take place. How can it be annulled just like that?" Gao Feng's expression turned icy as he looked at Song Qingqing. "What does this say about my Gao family's reputation?"
Gao Yang was also taken aback. He didn't expect that his fiancée would come to annul their engagement right after his reincarnation.
This plot was set!
But thinking further, for the prestigious Gao family to be publicly humiliated by the woman's request to break off the engagement was akin to tearing the facade apart—it was a matter of pride and could even lead to an unforgivable feud!
Song Qingqing spoke again, "This matter was a mistake on my Song family's part, but it was a decision made by the entire family. I, Qingqing, am powerless to stop it. My father has specifically asked me to inform the Duke of Dingguo that should the Gao family encounter any trouble in the future, the Song family will certainly offer their full support."
Gao Feng's face was filled with rage. "Get out!"
"Tell Song Li, that old fool, that even if we were to break the engagement, it must be the Gao family who does it. What does your Song family think they are?"
Despite Gao Feng's fury, Song Qingqing remained calm.
Water always flows downward, and people always seek higher ground—that is an immutable truth. The Gao family had once been at the top, but now, with the Empress ascending the throne, the entire Chang'an was about to witness a shift in power.
As long as Gao Tianlong, the Duke of Dingguo, was alive, the world would still show him respect. But how many more years could he live?
Gao Yang carelessly tore off the imperial edict, which was destined to lead the Gao family to decline!
Her future husband, Song Qingqing's, would undoubtedly be a man of great talent and power, unlike Gao Yang, a mere nobody!
"Then my Song family will wait for the Duke of Dingguo's esteemed visit," Song Qingqing finished and turned to leave with her attendants.
Gao Feng's face was pale with anger, his fists clenched tight.
This was a huge disgrace.
But Gao Yang couldn't help but smile.
"You wretch, you're being publicly dumped, and you're still smiling?" Gao Feng suddenly turned his furious gaze on Gao Yang.
Gao Yang smiled and said, "Father, what's wrong with breaking off an engagement with such a vain woman?"
"In her eyes, with the new Empress on the throne and the power shift, the younger generation of the Gao family is without any capable person, destined to decline. Otherwise, she wouldn't have come to annul the engagement as soon as I issued the edict for talented individuals. It's just that she's afraid the Song family might be implicated!"
Gao Feng's expression changed as he looked at Gao Yang.
Gao Yang understood this better than he did.
But wait, wasn't this rebellious son supposed to marry Song Qingqing no matter what?
Something wasn't right—something was definitely off!
With a sigh, Gao Feng said, "Forget about the annulment. This matter will not end so easily. The current priority is the Empress' examination in the Golden Luan Hall."
"I will take you to the palace immediately. Once we're in the Golden Luan Hall, it all depends on your own abilities. Don't aim to impress the Empress, just don't make any mistakes!"
"Otherwise, not only you, but even the entire Gao family will face the consequences!"
...
Gao Yang followed Gao Feng into the imposing palace of Da Qian, passing through several red palace gates, heading straight for the Taiji Hall.
"Your Majesty, the son of the Minister of Revenue, Gao Yang, has arrived outside the hall!"
"Announce him!"
A noble voice rang out.
Gao Yang was immediately pulled into the Taiji Hall by Gao Feng.
At this moment, the civil and military officials lined up on either side of the hall, and their curious gazes immediately fell upon the two of them as they entered.
After paying respects, Gao Yang finally lifted his head and looked straight ahead.
On the dragon throne sat Wu Zetian, wearing a golden dragon robe, her face absolutely beautiful, her phoenix eyes exuding an aura of authority.
She radiated a noble presence that made it hard to look at her directly.
Gao Yang's mind began to race.
The Empress had just ascended the throne and was eager to accomplish something grand. If he could attach himself to her, the Gao family's former glory would be restored.
His good days would last much longer.
Wu Zetian's phoenix eyes fell on Gao Yang, and she looked somewhat disappointed.
She had expected that someone who dared to issue the imperial edict for talented individuals would be a once-in-a-lifetime genius.
But when Gao Yang's dossier was presented to her, even the Empress was momentarily silent.
Yet, there was no rule without exceptions. Since she had summoned the edict recipient to meet in the palace, she had to issue a decree.
But the Gao family was a well-established military family in Da Qian, loyal and unwavering.
She just hoped that in front of all the officials, Gao Yang wouldn't cause her too much trouble.
Wu Zetian spoke lightly, "My first question: when you have personally killed an enemy's entire family, and you feel a sense of satisfaction seeing their bodies everywhere, but then you find a child in the house, what would you do?"
Her voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable authority.
Gao Yang froze for a moment.
This question from the Empress was rather unusual.
The officials in the hall fell into thought.
Wu Zetian's fingers slowly tapped rhythmically on the armrest of the dragon chair, her gaze fixed on Gao Yang.
This question seemed easy, yet there was hidden meaning.
Da Qian's court was decaying, party struggles were severe, and regional kings were rebelling, with many powerful clans.
To deal with these evildoers and create a peaceful world for the people, one must ensure that evil people face their own punishment!
She Wu Zetian didn't lack talented people skilled in literature and military strategy, but she needed someone to deal with the evildoers.
Gao Yang thought for a few seconds, then looked at Wu Zetian and said, "I would tell them to remember my face. The next time we meet, I won't show mercy."
The room fell silent.
Wu Zetian's expression showed disappointment, a hint of dejection.
If the enemy's child witnessed the whole family's slaughter and wasn't eliminated, wouldn't that child come back for revenge in ten or twenty years?
To act out of kindness and mercy, putting the entire family at risk, was foolish in Wu Zetian's eyes!
She was about to gesture to end the discussion, but suddenly, Gao Yang's voice rang out again.
"After I say that, I would turn and leave, then suddenly turn back and laugh."
"Ha ha, kid, we meet again."
The officials all turned to look at Gao Yang, their mouths twitching.
Wu Zetian's hand that was tapping the armrest suddenly stopped, and her phoenix eyes lit up.
Gao Feng had been relieved.
The response about not showing mercy the next time was in line with Da Qian's benevolent and righteous ways.
But then, his son immediately added that he would laugh and turn back!
So now, no mercy would be shown?
He closed his eyes and then gritted his teeth, stepping forward. "This wretch has no talent and has offended Your Majesty. It's my failure to discipline him, everything is my fault. Please punish me, Your Majesty."
"Why would I punish you?" Wu Zetian smiled faintly and spoke calmly.
For a moment, Gao Feng was stunned.
Da Qian governed by law, and to punish a child for a small mistake went against moral principles.
Could it be that Wu Zetian liked this answer?
As Wu Zetian spoke, the officials in the hall also looked surprised.
Then, a voice rang out.
"Your Majesty, killing is not the same as decapitation. In the past, the enemy's grudge was settled by bloodshed. But for a child who is defenseless, killing them would be too brutal!"
"A cold-blooded person like this, once in power, will bring disaster to the region!"
Gao Yang turned his gaze and saw a young official in official robes, speaking with calm authority.
Following his words, an old white-haired general in armor also spoke, "Cui Zhuangyuan is right. Our Da Qian men use their swords to fight in battles, not to slaughter the defenseless!"
"A child like that, to slaughter them, is simply barbaric!"
Gao Yang narrowed his eyes. The white-haired general was Wang Zhong, the general who had long been the enemy of his grandfather, Gao Tianlong.
As Wang Zhong spoke, many ministers echoed his words.
Gao Feng's face darkened, his fists clenched.
The Gao family had been lying low for too long.
Wu Zhao's phoenix eyes glanced at Gao Yang, but she did not speak.
She was curious to see how Gao Yang would respond.
Whether it was General Wang Zhong or the newly crowned Zhuangyuan, Cui Xinghe, both were difficult figures to deal with.
Even she, Wu Zhao, found them troublesome.
Gao Yang smiled faintly, first turning to Wang Zhong and saying, "What General Wang says is very reasonable. My big blade certainly doesn't strike the old or young, but I do have a small knife."
Wang Zhong: "???"
The entire court: "???"
Cui Xinghe's lips twitched, and he coldly remarked, "Such smooth words can hardly conceal your brutal nature!"
Gao Yang looked at Cui Xinghe and continued, "Zhuangyuan Cui is known for his noble character, and I admire him greatly."
"But I am just an ordinary person, unable to spare him and allow his family to live in fear for the next ten years."
Cui Xinghe looked at Gao Yang, "How do you know that, after ten years, he would come back to avenge his family?"
Gao Yang smiled and said, "According to Your Majesty's assumption, if that boy's father had known the principle of cutting the grass to eliminate the roots, there would have been no family destruction today."
"On the contrary, if the grass is not removed, ten or twenty years from now, there might still be a disaster of family extermination looming over me."
"I can live with guilt for a lifetime, but I cannot live in constant fear for the rest of my life."
"Cutting the grass to eliminate the roots—this is the lesson his father taught him!"
At these words, Cui Xinghe's pupils contracted.
Wu Zhao's phoenix eyes sparkled with interest.
Gao Yang continued, speaking confidently, "Of course, the earlier turn and walk away, followed by suddenly looking back, was just a joke."
"If I were in this situation, I would give him a few pieces of silver, then say to General Wang, 'I don't strike the old or young with my big blade, let him go.'"
"Next, I would observe where he goes—who he seeks refuge with, or who takes him away—and eliminate them all!"
"Of course, his sudden appearance is a bit unusual. In my humble opinion, it might be a diversion. We should guard against hiding places such as under the bed, inside cabinets, or in rice barrels, where his siblings might be hiding."
"If there are any, they should be eliminated as well!"
"When striking, a normal person's heart is typically on the left side, but there are some whose hearts are on the right side. It's best to strike one blade on each side."