novellhall Chapter 598 - 578: Old Tactics, Still Effective
Chapter 598 - 578: Old Tactics, Still Effective
A single sentence caused the faces of the ministers sitting idly by to change color.
Everyone present was no fool.
Moreover, the provocation in Luo Zuchen’s words was extremely clear.
Everyone turned to look at the Great Wei Emperor, only to see him still wearing a gentle smile.
"When there’s resentment in the heart, it’s naturally not that easy to resolve.
What Mr. Luo said indeed makes sense.
Currently, the Shen Family is facing numerous difficulties and obstacles.
If there’s a problem and they can’t hold the eastern border pass, it’s truly a big issue."
The Great Wei Emperor spoke to Luo Zuchen in a friendly manner.
Such an attitude made him feel even more arrogant.
After finishing his words, the Great Wei Emperor’s gaze shifted to Shen Han.
"Shen Han, about the grievances between you and Mr. Luo, and the Shen Family.
What are your thoughts; are you willing to resolve them?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Han shook his head directly: "Your Holiness, Luo Zuchen is violent in temperament, having injured over a hundred aristocratic family heirs in the capital.
Saying he incites public resentment is not an exaggeration.
As a citizen of Great Wei, I, Shen Han, do not care for personal gain.
If I can risk myself to ensure the peace of my peers, I am willing to do so."
Shen Han’s words sounded quite noble.
For Shen Han, these were indeed fine words to say in public.
However, because of his presence, Luo Zuchen indeed stopped harming others for a long time.
All of his attention was focused on dealing with Shen Han.
"Alas, with both of you holding such attitudes, how should I mediate this grievance today?"
The Great Wei Emperor sighed, but his expression still carried the same gentle smile.
"Your Holiness, there’s no need for you to worry about such matters; these things are trivial.
We people can handle them ourselves."
Upon hearing Luo Zuchen’s words, the Great Wei Emperor waved his hand.
"You two, one is a powerhouse in the Immortal Realm, the other is a top young talent of Great Wei.
If anything happens to either of you, it would be a great loss for our Great Wei."
There was a hint of protection for Shen Han in these words.
Luo Zuchen’s face darkened slightly, looking displeased.
"As they say, long pain is worse than short pain.
A Fourth Grade young junior, though excellent, it’s still unknown if he can step into the Immortal Realm.
Your Holiness, keeping him here to oppose us will only make it hard for me and the Shen Family to find peace.
Moreover, this hatred runs so deep.
Even if I can’t do anything to him here in the palace, once we’re outside, we will always look for an opportunity.
He won’t find peace, living would be a torment."
Luo Zuchen’s words were extremely contemptuous.
Moreover, when he said these things, he actually intended to lull everyone.
Luo Zuchen was already looking for an opportunity; he wanted to act against Shen Han in this back garden.
In front of the Great Wei Emperor, it seemed to Luo Zuchen that Shen Han would feel completely safe.
Such a moment was ironically the most suitable time to strike.
After Luo Zuchen finished speaking, the Great Wei Emperor turned to look at Shen Han.
"Shen Han, Mr. Luo has absolutely no intention of sparing you, always seeking to take your life.
Concerns weigh on my mind that without a strong protector by your side, it would be difficult for you to walk Great Wei unharmed."
Upon hearing this, Shen Han saluted the Great Wei Emperor.
"Replying to His Holiness, there is already a strong protector beside this junior, so I have no fear in my heart."
Shen Han’s refusal made the smile on the Great Wei Emperor’s face slightly diminish.
The previous gentle smile gradually disappeared.
"The strong protector you speak of, is it not Dean Tianyi?
The elderly gentleman is the academy’s dean; how can he always be by your side to protect you?
To invite an Immortal Realm powerhouse for personal protection, to have them by your side, is not easy."
The Great Wei Emperor’s words caused Luo Zuchen’s face to slightly darken.
"Your Holiness’s words seem to show partiality toward Shen Han.
Could it be that you have no concern for the situation in the East?"
Upon hearing Luo Zuchen’s words, the Great Wei Emperor waved his hand.
"Mr. Luo, don’t be in a hurry; I still have a few words to say to this child Shen Han."
Speaking, the Great Wei Emperor even stood up, took a few steps forward.
"Shen Han, you should know for yourself how powerful this Mr. Luo is.
He has taught at Mountain Sea Academy for many years, and your talented elder brother was taught by him.
Even among the Immortal Realm, his strength is commendable.
Furthermore, Mr. Luo’s aunt, Luo Changping, is even more powerful than Dean Tianyi.
Escaping from the hands of these two aunts and nephews is no easy feat."
The Great Wei Emperor looked at Shen Han, speaking while waving his hand.
A middle-aged man walked in coldly.
This person had just been standing at the edge.
"This person’s name is Shan Lingnu, and though he seems ordinary, his strength matches that of an Immortal Realm powerhouse.
Most importantly, Shan Lingnu has no parents, no ties or attachments.
He fears no threats or revenge; with him protecting you, Shen Han, you can be worry-free."
As the Great Wei Emperor spoke these words, Luo Zuchen’s expression grew increasingly ugly.
Saying such things in front of him was an obvious provocation.
"Your Holiness’s words seem to indicate that the Imperial Court intends to favor him?"
The Great Wei Emperor heard this and waved:
"I am not favoring this child.
It’s just that Great Wei has always cherished talents, valued young people, and must protect him to some extent.
Otherwise, the common people would say I am foolish."
As he spoke, the Great Wei Emperor gestured, signaling the Shan Lingnu to step forward.
"Shan Lingnu, go and spar with Mr. Luo.
Let’s see if your techniques are well-learned.
Also, let Shen Han see if you can protect him."
"I understand,"
replied the Shan Lingnu, bowing as he revealed an iron chain in his hand.
He began to walk slowly toward Luo Zuchen.
Seeing this, a faint trace of anger appeared on Luo Zuchen’s face.
This trace of anger was due to the Great Wei Emperor’s contempt for him, not because he feared the Shan Lingnu.
"It seems His Holiness is truly not worried about the security issues in the East.
Since you still have the interest to test my power here."
Luo Zuchen no longer wished to pretend. In front of the Great Wei Emperor, he even started referring to himself as "this old man."
The Great Wei Emperor, upon hearing this, simply smiled and waved his hand: "Regarding the security in the East, I genuinely have some concerns.
But having a duel like this is no big deal."
As he spoke, the Shan Lingnu had already made his move.
Without giving Luo Zuchen time to say more, the iron chain in his hand swung out.
Two strongmen of the Immortal Realm clashed directly in the Peach Garden.
This formidable pressure, however, did not affect the people around them.
Yan, Qi, Wei, the three most powerful countries on this continent, all have their own heritage.
The Shan Lingnu, whom the Great Wei Emperor casually summoned, was currently in a deadlock with Luo Zuchen.
Luo Zuchen feared no injury, and facing him, the Shan Lingnu was also fearless.
The iron chain in his hand had turned fiery red as it swung, as if tainted with scorching magma.
Luo Zuchen’s cultivation technique mainly relied on the Abnormal Phenomenon Technique of scholars.
Yet, under the pressure of this iron chain, it seemed as though it could devour the Abnormal Phenomenon altogether.
As the clash of Immortal Realm fighters unfolded, strange phenomena arose in the skies.
The palace servants hurriedly stepped aside, fearing accidental touches.
After exchanging several blows, the Great Wei Emperor smiled and beckoned, calling the Shan Lingnu back.
"How is it? You should now have some understanding of the Shan Lingnu’s strength, right?
I actually came today already prepared.
If these grievances are hard to resolve, I will assign you such an Immortal Realm guard.
Wherever you go, this guard will follow you.
Additionally, the title of traitor for Luo Zuchen will also be reassigned.
So there’s no need to worry about him daring to act recklessly within the borders of the Great Wei Country."
As the Great Wei Emperor spoke, Luo Zuchen also stood, seemingly intending to speak harsh words.
Yet, before he could open his mouth, the Great Wei Emperor signaled him to sit down.
"Mr. Luo, there’s no need to mention the Eastern Garrison issues over and over before me.
Over the years, not a single general sent by the court to the Eastern Garrison has survived for long.
The Shen Family indeed has some means,
but the court naturally has other methods too.
In the past decade, although no generals were sent in,
tens of thousands of soldiers from the court have already been placed inside.
Don’t think of the Eastern Garrison as an impervious monolith; through the list of soldiers, it’s no secret."
Hearing such words, Lord Shan from the Ministry of War also smiled lightly.
"Luo Zuchen, don’t always think you’re the only smart ones in the world.
The techniques you use are always the same."
Seeing the Great Wei Emperor had openly spoken, Lord Shan ceased hiding.
With a few simple words, Luo Zuchen’s expression continuously changed.
Years of preparation, was it a farce?
Luo Zuchen was uncertain, unsure whether the Great Wei Emperor was bluffing, or if it was true.
But gradually, Luo Zuchen’s presence had begun to weaken.
"Within the borders of the Great Wei Country, everything is, of course, decided by me.
Shen Han, your entry into the palace today is a gesture of protection from us, a show of sincerity.
The strength of Shan Lingnu and Luo Zuchen is evenly matched; it’s more than enough to guard you.
As for his aunt, there’s no need to worry; we will find a way."
Hearing this, Shen Han naturally expressed his gratitude for the imperial grace.
But Shen Han knew well, benefits don’t come that easily.
"Prince Qingyuan has mentioned before, under my command, the Sixteenth Princess is around your age.
I am also pleased with you, child."
The Great Wei Emperor smiled, speaking with casualness.
And at this moment, Luo Zuchen seemed to realize it.
He had thought he had controlled the lifeline of the court, but, in fact, Luo Zuchen was just a pawn.
Today, he was here to play the villain.
By his very presence, he forced Shen Han to move closer to the Imperial Family completely.
Thinking of this, Luo Zuchen couldn’t help but twitch his mouth.
A sense of humiliation filled his entire being.
Believing himself to be a significant figure, he didn’t foresee he was merely a piece on the chessboard.
At this moment, all eyes were on Shen Han.
Coercion, temptation.
The methods may be old, but they work.
And the marriage is merely a test of obedience.
The Great Wei Emperor knew that Shen Han was unwilling, but the idea was to force a compromise even in reluctance.
Only in this way could Shen Han be made to do even more unwilling things in the future.