After all, loyalty and righteousness were noble qualities deeply rooted in the Yanxia people’s traditions, passed down through generations. Anyone who claimed that Lu Chen was wrong would essentially be denying the heritage of Yanxia. This was a matter of principle, and whoever dared to challenge that would face dire consequences.
Li Zheng and his companions were seasoned figures in the political scene, well-versed in the art of maneuvering. They wouldn’t engage Lu Chen in a moral battle from the position he had staked out.
He was already positioned on the moral high ground, able to freely defecate and urinate without reproach. Going up against him would only bring needless suffering.
Since Lu Chen dared to openly declare himself as the Empress’s loyal subject in front of so many people, there was no need for them to continue arguing with him.
As third-ranking high officials with significant authority, why would they bicker with a soon-to-be-dismissed waste of a person?
So, Li Zheng chuckled heartily and then spoke with a “respectful” tone, saying, “Assistant Lu’s loyalty and righteousness are unparalleled. I admire him.”
Xie Hongyun also chimed in, “Assistant Lu’s unwavering loyalty to the Empress is clear for all to see. I am humbled.”
On the surface, they were praising Lu Chen, but in reality, they were taking the opportunity to flatter the Sacred King and provoke Lu Chen while he was present. In their view, the more they praised Lu Chen and acknowledged his loyalty, the more resentful Cangming Sacred King would become. They might even request that the Empress issue an order to expel this ignorant loyal fool from the court forever.
Otherwise, what use was there in keeping this obnoxious and blindly loyal individual around? To celebrate the New Year?
“Hmph!”
As if to fulfill their expectations, Jiang Chengwan coldly snorted at the right moment.
“I truly never expected that there would be someone in this world as wholeheartedly loyal as Assistant Lu. You’ve truly broadened my horizons.”
This statement caused Li Zheng and the others to smile knowingly.
In essence, Cangming Sacred King’s words were equivalent to passing a premature judgment on Lu Chen’s fate.
How could anyone dare, right in front of a courtier with great authority, to openly express loyalty to the Emperor? Wasn’t this akin to lighting a lantern in the toilet?
Did he really think that someone who had traveled all the way from Cangming to Luojiang was here just to help the Empress regain her power and restore the state?
“Don’t bother with distractions.”
Lu Chen didn’t give them any face and spoke coldly, “For such a monumental case, I believe it must be handled by the Three Law Departments according to the laws of Daya. It absolutely cannot be dealt with by anyone else. Otherwise, where would the dignity of the court be?”
He straightened his chest, refusing to back down, as he locked eyes with Jiang Chengwan. In the instant their gazes met, he continued, with the utmost seriousness, “Sacred King, your actions in leading the army into the capital to eradicate the faction of the demonic queen and save the Emperor from peril are greatly appreciated. However, every matter should be handled according to its proper place. Regardless of anything else, the Emperor is the sovereign ruler of the realm. Both you, Sacred King, and I are merely subjects. Those who serve as subjects must be loyal to the ruler, devoted to the nation, and adhere strictly to their duties, never overstepping their boundaries.”
At these words, Jiang Chengwan narrowed his eyes.
“Oh? Assistant Lu, are you accusing this king of overstepping boundaries?”
As the words fell, a surging force erupted from Jiang Chengwan’s body, instantly covering the entire Taiji Hall.
Everyone felt as if the air around them had frozen in place, even their breathing became slightly labored.
What formidable power! It was even stronger than the Empress’s Lingtian Phoenix’s authority! This was the might of the most powerful individual in the world, capable of controlling sacred relics… truly terrifying!