The officials cheered and the emperor took his seat.
The eunuch stepped forward and waved the horsetail whisk in his hand. His voice was clear and resounding throughout the court. "Since the court meeting has begun, the path for discussion has been opened. Officials, submit a memorial."
Bao Xiren raised his head and exchanged glances with Di Huaiying in the Ministry of Justice. Then, he stepped out of the crowd.
"I, Bao Xiren, the governor of the capital, have a memorial!"
The emperor first looked at Sun Lang. General Shentse, who was standing at the front of the military class, looked straight ahead. His expression was calm, and he did not show any unusual behavior.
Then, he looked at Bao Xiren.
At such a young age, he was one of the three assistants in the capital. This young man was intelligent, capable, and hot-blooded. He was an official that every emperor liked very much. This kind of official had ideals and did not care about personal gains and losses. He also did not form cliques for selfish ends. He was driven and dared to do things. For the sake of his beliefs and morals, he could disregard the consequences. He could become a sharp blade that could cut through all obstacles in the hands of a wise emperor.
The emperor saw Bao Xiren's expression and eyes. He was determined and stubborn. He was intelligent and stupid, shrewd and dull. He did things based on the balance in his heart. He could persevere in investigating the truth of the battle on Dahuang Mountain when Sun Lang disappeared for two years. He could also unhesitatingly become enemies with Sun Lang after he returned to the capital.
It seemed that his actions were contradictory, but there was a set of unwavering logic in his actions. When Sun Lang's actions and position threatened the stability of the country and the happiness of the people, he did not hesitate to become the enemy of the other party. This was the highest standard of his conduct as a person and as an official.
The emperor's gaze swept across the crowd. These people were the helmsman of the country, the pillars of the court, the people who ruled the country with him, and the so-called loyal officials. However, among the elites of the country, there were too few officials like Bao Xiren. More people paid attention to their own land and the power in their hands.
Otherwise … how could this dog be so arrogant!
He looked at Sun Lang again. The greatest traitor in the history of the Empire was now standing on the golden palace with an extremely ridiculous giant sword in his hand. He looked down on the imperial power, had no emperor or father, and was extremely arrogant. However, none of the civil and military officials dared to raise any objections.
A bunch of selfish and despicable people!
The Emperor suppressed the anger in his heart and coldly swept his gaze over the officials in the golden palace.
He wanted to build an unprecedentedly powerful empire. He wanted to be an eternal and immortal emperor. Therefore, he needed loyal and selfless subjects, not these overcautious and indecisive fools. Fortunately, he only needed to endure for a while. That day was not far away.
But first … I have to deal with you.
Thinking of this, the Emperor nodded.
The chamberlain who turned around to ask for the Emperor's order saw this and loudly said, "Approved!"
Bao Xiren stepped forward, tidied his clothes, and knelt on the ground. His voice was calm and firm. "This official, the capital governor Bao Xiren, requests Your Majesty to listen. There are three things I want to report."
"First, Shentse General Sun Lang led the army to attack the Copper Sparrow Terrace. He gathered his private army in the front and set up a private prison in the back. Not only did he violate the law, but he also disturbed the people's hearts. This official once led the army to question him, but was evaded in the name of military affairs. Today, I will report this matter to the emperor in the court. I hope Your Majesty will investigate this matter."
"Second, the Fire Sword Saint Chi Lianyan died on the streets. Before his death, he had a quarrel with General Shentse. The inexplicable death of the Seven Luminaries Sword Saint shook the capital and shocked our allies. Your Majesty must investigate this matter."
"Third, as the ancient saying goes, 'those in position plan their own affairs'. Commander Of War Sun Lang fought on the battlefield in the past, and his achievements surpassed the six armies. He illuminated Tianyuan and was conferred the title of General Shentse. His achievements were worthy of his position, but he had no duties. This caused the famous general of the era to wander around the capital, doing nothing. Your Majesty, please investigate this matter carefully."
When the officials began to report, they were supposed to report one matter at a time. Bao Xiren had already broken the rules by mentioning three matters in one breath, but no one objected … because these three matters could more or less be considered one matter.
It was the matter of Sun Lang. It was the matter of Sun Lang.
The golden hall was completely silent. Everyone stole glances at Sun Lang, only to see that the General was concentrating on picking at his fingernails. That astonishingly large sword was floating beside him, as if it was being held in the air by an invisible hand. It was like a door was standing beside him. It looked extremely awkward.
Even though they were talking about him, he didn't seem to care at all.
After a while, the Emperor said indifferently, "Beloved subject?
Beloved subject Sun Lang? "
Sun Lang turned a deaf ear to it. His eyes were solemn as he held his breath and concentrated on scraping the small thorns sticking out from the side of his fingernails. He was so serious and so forceful that he even scraped a string of sparks on his fingernails. His mouth made strange "tsk, tsk" sounds of impatience and failure.
The Emperor took a deep breath and said in a heavier voice, "Sun Lang!"
Shentse, who was wearing a dark red military uniform, immediately strode out. His posture was ramrod straight. At the same time, a forceful, heavy, and energetic voice boomed out, "Yes!"
This voice was so abrupt and loud that it made many of the officials tremble in fear. There were even fine rustling sounds in the golden hall. This shout even shook off the dust that had accumulated on the roof.
The Emperor furrowed his brows and said in an unfriendly tone, "I just called you. Didn't you hear?"
Sun Lang's face was blank. "I heard."
The Emperor said coldly, "Then why didn't you answer?"
Sun Lang lowered his head to look at himself and felt even more confused. "Didn't I come out to answer?"
The Emperor's voice became colder and colder. "I was talking about before!"
Sun Lang's eyes widened. With a face full of shock, he said, "That 'beloved subject Sun' was calling me?
Beloved subject? "
The Emperor didn't say anything and looked at him with an even more unfriendly gaze.
Sun Lang immediately showed a blushing expression. "Ah, I'm really sorry, Your Majesty. It was my oversight. I thought Your Majesty didn't like me and wanted me to scram far away. I didn't expect that even this kind of official would still be a 'beloved subject' in Your Majesty's heart. I'm really flattered and moved to tears. Ah, I never thought that 'beloved subject Sun' was actually calling me …"
The more the Emperor listened, the more he felt that something was wrong. He knew that Sun Lang was mocking him in a roundabout way. In his heart, he was even more displeased. He coldly said, "Now you know that the capital governor's three memorials are all related to you. I called you out because I want to hear your opinion …"
Sun Lang nodded and said sincerely to the Emperor, "Thank you for the invitation."
"…"
The Emperor showed an expression of discomfort.
After Sun Lang finished speaking, he turned around and looked at Bao Xiren who was silently kneeling there. He raised his voice and said, "I oppose all of what Official Bao said. Even if I disagree, it will be of no help!"
Bao Xiren said faintly, "Why do you say that, Commander in Chief?"
Sun Lang smiled. "It's nothing. I just wanted to show off."
Official Bao raised his head. Although he was still in a kneeling position, there was an awe-inspiring aura in his eyes. He looked at Sun Lang in a manner that was neither servile nor overbearing. "Commander in Chief, you are an important official of the military class and a famous general of Tianyuan. Your every move is watched by the court and admired by the world. Therefore, please be careful with your words and actions and be a good example to the other officials!"
The Emperor said faintly, "Beloved subject Bao, stand up and speak."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Bao Xiren stood up nimbly. His gaze was fixed on Sun Lang.
Although he was one of the three assistants, he was the capital governor of the imperial capital. For him to be able to sit in this position at such a young age, he could be considered to have a prosperous career and a promising future. During his time in office, he was diligent in government affairs and had an excellent reputation. Because of this, the influential officials did not dare to bully him. He was truly a young and capable official. Although the influential officials of the imperial capital did not like him, they had to admit that he was a capable person.
However, it was just like how all the young talents of the late Tianyuan era had to face a common shadow. Even if Bao Hei Zi's future was bright and he was successful and famous, he would still be overshadowed by Sun Lang.
In the golden hall, the capital governor stared at the Shentse General without flinching. Just like how he had confronted the influential officials countless times, his gaze was as firm as ever.
However, no one thought that he would win, not even himself.
But he still stood there, because he felt that he had to stand there.
Sun Lang smiled. There was a hint of helplessness in his eyes.
Just as he had expected, Bao Hei Zi had chosen hell mode. What a reckless idiot.
Since you want to be the Emperor's sword, I'll grant you your wish.
General Shentse said slowly, "A few days ago in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, I've already told His Majesty everything. The inside story of the Copper Sparrow Terrace, Chi Lianyan's death, and all sorts of suspicious points have been explained in detail. I've already reported all the questions that Lord Bao has raised to His Majesty. This is a matter of national importance and it's indeed inappropriate to speak of it so early …"
Bao Xiren raised his eyebrows. "I'm afraid your words won't convince the public."
Sun Lang said indifferently, "Why would I need to convince the public? I only need to convince His Majesty."
"But this is a matter of the imperial court."
Bao Xiren said in a low voice. "Let's take a step back and assume that you have no authority and are acting on your own. First, you don't have a valid reason. Second, there's no one to supervise you. What if you take this opportunity to attack those who don't?
His Majesty and all the officials in the imperial court will be kept in the dark. You can do whatever you want and the imperial law will only exist in name. This is simply child's play. This must not happen! "
"Furthermore, the Copper Sparrow Terrace is only one of the reasons. Chi Lianyan's death is even more suspicious. Forgive me for being blunt, but before Chi Lianyan's death, he had the most disputes with you. In other words, if he died on the street, you will not be able to escape suspicion. Do you want to let General Shentse investigate this matter on your own?"
Sun Lang turned to the Emperor. "What do you think, Your Majesty?"
The Emperor said indifferently, "Lord Bao's words are meant to serve the country. You must know that a country has its laws and a family has its rules …"
Sun Lang nodded. "I understand, Your Majesty."
Hmm?
The Emperor's heart skipped a beat.
What is this bastard plotting?
Everything Bao Xiren had said today was a secret edict he had written last night. In other words, this was his plan. He wanted to make Bao Xiren a sharp knife to stab Sun Lang.
After Sun Lang attacked the Copper Sparrow Terrace, he claimed that the Sky Demon was behind it. Then, he searched the entire city and used the name list as a pretext to make a fuss. He made all the influential guests of the Copper Sparrow Terrace feel insecure. This was all part of this traitor's evil plan. The so-called Sky Demon was completely fabricated out of thin air.
He had intentionally allowed Bao Xiren to intervene in this matter. Naturally, he hoped that the iron-headed and shrewd Jing Zhaoyin would be able to find evidence, clarify the truth, and rationally deny Sun Lang's fallacious reasoning and heresy. At the very least, he wanted Sun Lang to be distracted and exhausted from running for his life, so that he would reveal a flaw, allowing him to strike the enemy down.
This included the matter of Chi Lianyan.
In his heart, the Emperor was certain that Chi Lianyan's death was the work of his partner. Since the other party had flatly denied it, he could only pretend to be confused. But why didn't he put the blame on Sun Lang?
Bao Xiren was openly investigating the truth, while he was secretly tampering with things. Once Bao Xiren obtained strong "evidence," he would definitely fight Sun Lang to the death. No matter what the result was, Sun Lang would be in a difficult situation.
For someone like Bao Xiren, who was capable but stubborn, as long as he was used in the right place, he could also play a very powerful role.
It was a pity that such capable subordinates were too few and far between …
He had already drawn up today's plan. Bao Xiren would start the matter, and he would beat the drum from the side. He would openly and logically press him step by step. The other officials who had a criminal record in the Copper Sparrow Terrace would also follow suit. After all, they didn't want to be caught by Sun Lang.
But he couldn't push Sun Lang too far. Otherwise, this fellow would jump over the wall.
The goal of this stage was to force Sun Lang to make appropriate concessions and compromises. That was, he would agree to the court sending elite forces to assist in the inspection. Then, he could justifiably send out the Four Great Hunters of the past to begin a new round of battle with Sun Lang. Another plan would thus begin.
Among the Four Great Hunters, Bao Xiren's temperament was stubborn and he was hostile to Sun Lang. Song Huifu was not much better. Ke Nan had already fallen out with Sun Lang the day before yesterday. Di Huaiying, because they were from the same sect, had to advance and retreat together with the other three. Even better, their master was the retired Wu Hou. In the eyes of the neutral party, the fierce battle between Wu Hou's disciples and the Shentse General was a very clear political signal.
If in the future Sun Lang was on a whim and killed any of these four people by accident, it would draw out the old man Wu Hou. Then, there would be fun to watch.
Or, if he didn't kill anyone, I could go with the flow and help him.
But now …
Sun Lang's reaction seemed to be a little strange.
He actually very simply said, "I understand your Majesty's meaning."
What kind of scheme did this fellow have?
The Emperor's thoughts turned.
The warning signs were already raised. Sun Lang was without a doubt a very difficult opponent to deal with. Not only was it reflected in his strength and temperament, it was also reflected in his style of doing things. This person's way of doing things was like a heavenly steed soaring across the skies, not sticking to one pattern. He was especially good at using tortoise fists. Whenever he threw a punch, he would blindly attack.
What did he want to do this time?
As expected, he had guessed correctly.
He only heard Sun Lang sigh.
The sigh faintly sounded out, filled with fatigue and calmness. It was as if a general who had been on the battlefield for a long time had seen through fame and glory, as if a prodigal who had been playing in the world for a long time had seen through the world of mortals.
"That day, this subject mobilized the troops to attack the Copper Sparrow Terrace without permission because I had received extremely confidential information. The opportunity was fleeting and the matter was extremely confidential. I had no choice but to act decisively. Although mobilizing the troops without permission is a great taboo of the Imperial Court, this subject has a clear conscience and is willing to bear the consequences and accept the punishment."
He showed a relieved smile and said in a low voice, "This subject does not regret what I did that day. After all, I succeeded in one strike. I found the most important evidence and caught the tail of the enemy.
"This subject found a lot of shocking evidence in the underground chamber of the Copper Sparrow Terrace. It was bloodstained and extremely cruel. It was inhumane. Lord Bao has also seen this evidence with his own eyes. He is honest and magnanimous, loyal and pure. He will definitely investigate this matter to the end. This subject believes that he will find the truth …"
The Emperor was stunned. "You …"
Without waiting for the Emperor to speak, Sun Lang immediately continued, "That's right. This subject offended countless colleagues that day. The rumors in the Great Barren Mountain have not stopped. I am under suspicion and reproach. How can I recklessly judge the affairs of the state? I am an old soldier of Tianyuan. It is already a blessing from the heavens that I am still alive. How can I participate in such a major case?
Your Majesty, please find someone else … "
The Emperor said, "Wait …"
Sun Lang ignored him and clasped his hands toward the equally stunned Bao Xiren. "Lord Bao is a capable subject. He is loyal and devoted. In the heart of the Imperial Court, his reputation is much better than this subject's. I am very relieved to entrust the matter of the Copper Sparrow Terrace to him. That day, when the Copper Sparrow Terrace was raided, he was the first to arrive at the scene. He followed this subject to see the bloody evidence and was also filled with righteous indignation. He swore that he would get to the bottom of the truth.
I believe that he will do it. "Therefore, this subject recommends Lord Bao to take over … to take over this matter. He will find peace for the innocent souls of the Copper Sparrow Terrace and make all the sinful scum pay the price. He will return the Imperial Capital to its former glory.
"As for the matter of Chi Lianyan …"
At this point, his face was filled with infinite regret, sadness, and sorrow.
General Shentse said softly, "He is Chi Lianyan's younger brother. In the battle of the Great Barren Mountain, I watched Chi Lianyan die on the battlefield. I failed to save his life. Now, I have to watch his younger brother die in front of my eyes. I am very regretful and I blame myself. If I didn't force him step by step, perhaps Chi Lianyan wouldn't have died. From this point of view, I have nothing to say that I am the one who killed him."
"I am indeed a suspect in Chi Lianyan's murder. I am indeed a suspect in his death. This is a reasonable inference made according to the law. I have nothing to say."
"This subject also requests Lord Bao of the Capital Magistrate to investigate this matter. This subject is willing to be interrogated by Lord Bao as a suspect. I will cooperate with the investigation until the truth comes to light. This will comfort the souls of the two brothers in heaven."
At this point, Sun Lang showed a slightly bitter and lonely smile. "This subject understands Your Majesty's meaning. This subject's own affairs are still in a mess, so I will not meddle in other matters. There are many capable people in the court. This subject will be relieved to leave these matters to them. I will first do my own thing."
"This subject should have died long ago. I have been absent for two years. I am grateful that Your Majesty did not abandon me and still bestowed me with a high position and generous salary. This subject is grateful to the point of tears. I wanted to rub my palms together and do something great, but … but …"
He spoke in such an emotional whisper, exuding an extremely powerful aura of a one-man show. One sentence after another, it was impossible for anyone to interrupt.
General Shentse raised his head and looked at His Majesty. He bowed deeply. "As for the third matter, the issue of this subject's authority … Now that I am still a suspect, I dare not meddle in state affairs. The day before yesterday, Chi Lianyan announced on the street that this subject had slaughtered his colleagues in the Great Barren Mountain. Another subject of the same court reprimanded this subject in front of the Imperial Ancestral Temple for having no monarch or father. Today, Lord Bao's stern reprimand has awakened this subject from his dream. I am so ashamed that I dare not accept this official position …"
At this point, his voice was choked with sobs.
His back was tinged with loneliness. He no longer had the heroic spirit of the past.
He had once harbored lofty ambitions and was once all-powerful. However, after returning to his homeland two years later, his dreams that had yet to be erased had been dealt a heavy blow by reality. His heroic past had been criticized, and rumors had turned into sharp blades that had pierced his tired body until it was riddled with scars. This might be the end of a hero.
— Hey, wait a minute. Don't f * cking add scenes for yourself!
The Emperor, Empress, Bao Xiren, and many others roared in their hearts.
However, this bastard was so focused on acting that no one knew how to respond.
Just as the Emperor was about to say something to control the situation, General Shentse suddenly covered his mouth. There seemed to be sparkling tears in the corners of his eyes.
This famous general who had won every battle on the battlefield seemed to be unable to control his emotions.
"Forgive … forgive this subject's impoliteness …"
There was an obvious change in his voice, as if he was crying. Then, he abruptly turned around, lowered his head, and rushed out of the hall. The officials only felt a gust of wind sweep past them. In a moment, General Shentse was already running out of tears. In the blink of an eye, he had disappeared without a trace.
— Fuck you, wait a minute!
The Emperor subconsciously reached out his hand, but he couldn't catch anything.
Bao Xiren was stunned.
In the awkward silence, Yan Song, who was in the crowd, lowered his head.
He knew that Sun Lang had gone to put up posters.