After Prison, I Reached the Pinnacle of My Life
Shortly after her marriage, her husband’s family became embroiled in a brutal struggle for the throne. Her father-in-law was executed, the entire family was exiled, and her newlywed husband died of il
The northern wind howled, sweeping up snow in a chaotic dance. The sound of the Imperial Guards’ boots striking the hard blue-stone floor echoed like clashing metal, slicing through the dusk. At the end of the street, the common folk gathered on either side, packed so tightly not even water could seep through, their voices buzzing with disbelief and debate—a chorus that was swiftly drowned out by the thunderous hoofbeats.
Loyal ministers, valiant generals, protectors of home and country—now, their entire household had been condemned, their estate confiscated this day. The people watched, uncertain and afraid. Some read aloud the yellow proclamations, cursing them; others argued loudly, refusing to believe it. All were swallowed by the roaring wind and snow, their voices lost in the tumult.
The Imperial Guards split into two columns, racing around the mansion, crashing open the gate. Soldiers poured in like wolves and tigers. The leading officer let out a long sigh, waved his hand, and gave the order with a metallic clang. The mansion he once entered with reverence was, in an instant, reduced to chaos.
Cries and screams, shouts and hurried footsteps, all mingled with the roaring storm, and in a heartbeat, everything was thrown into disorder.
All vanished into the twilight.
...
The dead of winter, snow still heavy. By imperial decree, all male members of the Xie family had been executed. The women and children were sentenced to exile at the border as forced labor, transferred from the estate’s gates to the prison outside Iron Gate Temple