Chapter 61

At 4:50 PM, in the central square of Jilin City, the mass execution was about to begin.

Liu Hailan: "Why can't I see Sister Dai and those two people? Didn't she say she would help me save my mother and the villagers?" —— Searching the crowd in vain.

The executioner stepped forward to read the charges of the prisoners and the judgment issued by the acting governor.

Executioner: "Everyone, listen. The former empress was corrupt and tyrannical, indulging in luxury and refusing to reform, leading to internal strife and suffering for the people of Paradise Island. Fortunately, the new empress has saved the people of Paradise Island and restored peace and prosperity. Although the struggle to expel the instigators was difficult, to protect the hard-won victory, defend the revolutionary achievements, and safeguard the new social system, as well as to restore order and the economy on the island, we have no choice but to temporarily implement martial law, restrict freedom of speech, and prohibit all gatherings and associations of the Tidal Clan..." —— Speaking at length.

Liu Hailan: "Stop spouting nonsense. This is all for your dictatorial rule and to persecute us, the Tidal Clan." —— Filled with anger.

Executioner: "Unfortunately, some stubborn individuals do not understand our decisions made for the people. They secretly colluded with the former empress's forces, acting as her lackeys, attempting to overthrow the vibrant new system and restore the corrupt old one. We deeply regret the foolish resistance of a few villagers from Seashell Village. However, the state has its laws, and the family has its rules. In the absence of any other choice, we must take decisive action to set an example and deter those who are still hiding in the shadows... (omitting several hundred words) The time has come. Bring the ringleader, the village chief of Seashell Village, to the execution platform to be executed first, followed by the other prisoners."

The executioner and several mercenaries brought the village chief of Seashell Village to the execution platform (guillotine).

Bystander A: "That woman is the ringleader? She's quite beautiful. What a pity." —— Feeling sorry.

Bystander B: "She seems to have suffered a lot in prison." —— Feeling pity.

Liu Hailan: "Mom!" —— Unable to bear it any longer, she rushed forward.

I (narrator): "Child, you're being too impulsive. This is like throwing yourself into a stone, seeking your own destruction."

Liu Hailan: "That's right. Even if Princess Diana doesn't appear as predicted with the royal army, it doesn't matter. As long as it's not the end, I won't give up." —— Desperately rushing towards the execution platform. Faced with Liu Hailan's reckless charge, some of the mercenaries panicked, causing a slight disturbance on the execution grounds.

Acting Governor: "What's happening?"

Executioner: "Report to the Acting Governor, it seems the ringleader's family is trying to storm the execution platform and rescue the prisoners, causing chaos. It will be quelled soon."

Acting Governor: "The ringleader's family? Is it the girl the Governor ordered to be released?"

Executioner: "Yes."

Acting Governor: "Perhaps this is the Governor's intention." —— Pondering.

On the execution platform:

Executioner: "Catch her, catch her quickly!" —— Directing the mercenaries to capture Liu Hailan.

Liu Hailan was captured as expected.

Executioner: "Tie her up securely and execute her with the ringleader." —— Announcing the Acting Governor's order.

Liu Hailan: "Is this the final moment? Everything is over..." —— Tears streaming down her face.

"Wait a moment!!" —— A loud shout from the crowd.

Executioner: "Who dares to interfere with our official duties? Step forward if you dare!" —— Shouting.

Dai Li: "I want to step forward, but there are too many people..." —— As she spoke, the crowd around her scattered like they had discovered a leper, afraid to get involved.

I (narrator): "Wow! She's here, she's here. Play the theme song, the exciting moment is about to begin."

Dai Li: "They all scattered on their own? Great, I don't have to push through."

Liu Hailan: "Why are there only three people? Where's the rest of the royal army?" —— Thinking to herself.

Liu Hailan: "Don't come over, just go! Three people have no chance of winning!" —— Shouting.

Gordon: "At a time like this, you're still thinking of us? Truly... hahaha." —— Laughing.

Cheshire Cat: "..." —— Silent.

Dai Li: "I told you not to give up until the end, and you did. You're truly remarkable." —— Smiling.

After saying this, Dai Li, along with Gordon and Cheshire Cat, charged towards the execution platform.

In the gang leader's team:

Deputy Leader: "Leader, what should we do? Should we join in?" —— Eager.

Leader: "Join in? Are you helping to rescue the prisoners or helping the mercenaries to suppress them?"

Deputy Leader: "What are you talking about? Of course, we're helping to rescue the prisoners." —— Confused.

Leader: "You know nothing! They're not our people, why should we help them gain a reputation?"

Deputy Leader: "So you mean to help the Governor's office suppress them?" —— Surprised.

Leader: "An even dumber idea. Didn't you see how fierce those three were? Breaking through obstacles, slaughtering their way through like cutting melons and slicing vegetables, leaving the mercenaries' bodies scattered and blood flying. If you want to be cannon fodder, I won't stop you."

Deputy Leader: "They may seem strong now, but it's because their opponents are weak. Not every mercenary is as skilled as us. The Governor has secretly brought in regular troops, ready to join the suppression at any moment. If we don't show some effort, it will be hard to explain after the suppression is complete."

Leader: "Hmph, I knew this already. Do you think those regular troops are our allies? Listen to me, tell everyone not to act rashly, or they won't know how they die."

I (narrator): "What side is this leader on? His words have confused me."

The executioner: "Acting Governor, aren't you going to let the regular troops intervene?" —— Crawling back to the Acting Governor's stand, anxious.

Acting Governor: "Why the rush? Let them fight. After all, they're just cannon fodder, planned sacrifices. It will save the Governor's office a lot of money on hiring them..." —— Calm and composed.

The three reached the execution platform and rescued Liu Hailan and her mother, who were tied to the guillotine.

Dai Li: "What do you think? I keep my word, right?" —— Untying Liu Hailan.

Liu Hailan: "Yes, Princess Diana keeps her word. You are truly the embodiment of benevolence!" —— Shouting with excitement.

Bystander A: "Did you hear what that child shouted?" —— Hard to believe.

Bystander B: "I heard it. It's Princess Diana, she's back!" —— Shouting with excitement.

Suddenly, the central square was filled with shouts of "The prophecy has come true!", "Princess Diana is back!", "The royal army has landed!", "The time to retake the island has come!". As the shouts and slogans grew louder, the crowd became increasingly hysterical, rushing towards the execution platform, completely different from their earlier fear. The mercenaries, who had been trying to maintain order, now dared not use force or threats, fearing that they would provoke the crowd and ignite a powder keg, leading to their own destruction. They retreated and fled, even neglecting to guard the prisoners.

I (narrator): "It seems the Tidal Clan has been oppressed and persecuted for too long, and their anger is now fully unleashed."

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