Chapter 899: Death
Zhang Yuanren who was kneeling began to kowtow.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
These three kowtows left their marks on the ground. Zhang Yuanren did not hold back nor did he use his protective energy when he kowtowed. Blood gushed down from his forehead as he pointed at Si Wuya and said, “The sun and the moon can attest to this old subject’s heart. The Zhang family has been loyal for generations. How can we allow a dirty-mouthed brat like you slander us? Your Majesty, please open your eyes to have a good look. You have to stand up for this subject.”
The series of ostentatious actions and words left Li Yunzheng flustered. Upon seeing such a sincere heart and valiance, how could his heart remain unmoved? He was just about to speak when he saw Lu Zhou raise his hand, stopping him.
It was just as Si Wuya had said, Li Yunzheng was still too inexperienced. Although he was knowledgeable, he was ignorant of the ways of the world. Just a small trick like this was enough to move his heart.
Si Wuya chuckled before he said, “You didn’t answer my question. Are you trying to pressure His Majesty?”
“How dare you!” Zhang Yuanren stared at Si Wuya and said in a trembling voice, “This old subject is loyal and devoted. How would I dare to commit such a crime!?”
Si Wuya feigned a confused expression and asked, “If that’s the case, why did you bring thousands of civilians into the palace and dress yourself in a mourning robe?”
“His Majesty wants to take the eight Great Generals down, it’s only natural that this old subject is the first to disagree. Isn’t His Majesty afraid of hurting the hearts of the people?” Zhang Yuanren asked.
The Zhang family had firmly tied itself to the eight Great Generals. After all, no matter how powerful the Grand Dukes were, as long as they did not have military power, the little emperor would not have any real power.
Everyone looked at Si Wuya, curious about how he was going to deal with the fearless old man and resolve this matter.
Si Wuya asked with a smile on his face, “Who told you that His Majesty is going to take down the eight Great Generals?”
Zhang Yuanren was not easily intimidated. In fact, he was very shrewd. He scoffed before holding up the imperial edict as he said, “Then, how do you explain this imperial edict?”
It was the imperial edict that summoned the civil and military officials and the eight Great Generals.
Si Wuya said evenly, “Why does the ruler of a country need to explain himself when he summons his officials?”
“...”
Zhang Yuanren felt stifled when he heard Si Wuya’s words. However, he quickly adjusted his attitude before he said, “His Majesty is young and inexperienced. The eight Great Generals are constantly guarding the ten paths and the borders. How can they be recalled at will? Moreover, His Majesty can discuss this matter in the royal court. All the civil and military officials can assist His Majesty as well. If His Majesty, the ruler of a country, acts alone, what need is there for the civil and military officials? His Majesty might as well kill them all!”
Upon hearing this, all the civil and military officials fell to their knees.
The scene was rather spectacular.
Si Wuya continued to say evenly, “The ten paths in Great Tang have long been dealt with. What I want to know is why His Majesty doesn’t even have the right to summon his officials? Lord Zhang, I only have one question for you: Does His Majesty have the right to see his subjects? You only need to answer yes or no!”
“...”
Everyone exchanged a look. Put everything else aside, if the ruler of a country did not even have the right to see his subject, how could he be the ruler of a country?
Upon seeing the effects of Si Wuya’s words, Zhang Yuanran raised his voice and said, “Of course, His Majesty has the right to see his subjects! However, is there anyone who doesn’t know that His Majesty intends to kill the eight Great Generals? Don’t try to confuse the masses with your words!”
Si Wuya shook his head and said, “In fact, these words were said to me by His Majesty; I’ve only repeated them. You said I’m trying to confuse the masses with my words; are you trying to say His Majesty is trying to confuse the masses with his words?”
“You!” Zhang Yuanren was rendered speechless.
At this time, Li Yunzheng rose to his feet and looked at Zhang Yuanren before he said, “Lord Zhang, Mister Si is my teacher. Therefore, I asked him to speak on my behalf. The Zhang family is valiant and loyal... But, you incited the people and the civil and military officials to force me to submit today... With just this alone, I can sentence you to death.”
Thud!
Zhang Yuanren fell limply to the ground. His body trembled as he pointed at Si Wuya and said, “Your Majesty! He harbors ill intentions! I’m willing to die as a show of my loyalty and determination. I’m doing this not for any selfish reasons but for the sake of the world!”
The civilians broke out in a commotion as they discussed fervently among themselves.
Since time immemorial people flocked together for the sake of benefits, and there was no one who did not do things for their self-interest.
Could an old man who was willing to die to show his determination and loyalty have no selfish interest?
Nevertheless, the common people did not care nor did they understand the twists and turns of the matter. In their eyes, Zhang Yuanren was a great hero who deserved to be respected!
Si Wuya frowned. Then, he raised his voice and infused some energy into it before he said, “Then, I invite Lord Zhang to die...”
Following that, Si Wuya lifted his hand and pointed at a pillar in front of the hall and said, “This sentence is mine...”
Everyone looked at Si Wuya in shock.
Even Li Yunzheng was stunned. “Teacher...”
It was only a trivial matter of earning infamy; Si Wuya had long gotten used to such things.
Nevertheless, Si Wuya’s words effectively pushed Zhang Yuanren to a corner. His eyes were bloodshot and his body trembled in anger. “You!”
From the beginning until now, Si Wuya maintained his composure. He said in an even tone, “Didn’t you want to prove your determination and loyalty with your death? Using death to threaten His Majesty, is this the so-called loyalty of the Zhang family? Why don’t you just die?!”
No one knew what was wrong with Zhang Yuanren.
Zhang Yuanren felt his blood boil as he lost his rationality. Like a wild horse, he charged toward the huge pillar in front of the hall. He found it rather strange that no one tried to stop him at all. However, just as he was about to hit the pillar, an expert dove down and stopped him.
“Father, don’t!”
Everyone looked at the newcomer.
“Zhang Jingyuan? “Wang Yun asked curiously, “Aren’t you the General of Jiannan Circuit? When did you return and enter the palace without permission?”
Zhang Yuanren and Zhang Jingyuan. “...”
Zhang Yuanren suddenly realized that his actions had harmed his son.
Si Wuya did not look at zZhang Jingyuan. Instead, he said to Zhang Yuanren, “Lord Zhang, it’s really admirable that you tried to prove your loyalty and determination with death... However, Zhang Jingyuan entered the palace without permission and disguised himself as a palace expert. What are his intentions?” Then, he said, “Men, apprehend him!”
No one moved at all. The situation was still unclear so none of them dared to make a move recklessly, not even if it was the emperor himself who gave the order.
At this moment, Lu Zhou stroked his beard and lazily waved his hand.
Yu Zhenghai bowed slightly before he shot out at lightning speed.
Upon seeing this, Zhang Jingyuan turned pale with fright. He continued to retreat as he sent out waves of energies with his palms.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Yu Zhenghai said indifferently, “You’re still too inexperienced...”
Bang!
The Great Dark Heaven Memorial shot out and landed heavily on Zhang Jingyuan’s chest. He spat out mouthfuls of blood as he was sent flying in the air.
Yu Zhenghai did not even give Zhang Jingyuan a chance to land. He moved at lightning speed and easily caught Zhang Jingyuan with one hand.
“Amazing!” Wang Yun exclaimed in shock and admiration. That man was just a disciple, but he was already so strong!
Lu Zhou nodded in satisfaction. He could manifest his Thousand Realms Whirling avatar to make everyone, including the common people, submit. However, that would only be disadvantageous to Li Yunzheng. Therefore, if there was a better way to solve this matter, he would not interfere. Apart from that, he was certain Xiahou Sheng still had trump cards up his sleeve in the capital. Otherwise, how could Xiahou Sheng act rampantly and also control the situation in the capital?
Yu Zhenghai dragged Zhang Jingyuan back with him before throwing Zhang Jingyuan to the ground.
With this, Zhang Jingyuan spat out another mouthful of blood.
At this moment, Zhang Yuanren’s face was twisted with hatred, and his heart was brimming with resentment. There were many reasons that forced him to remain silent, unable to plead for mercy.
Si Wuya was not in a hurry to kill Zhang Jiangyuan. Instead, he said, “Lord Zhang, your son will, naturally, be dealt with by the Supreme Court. Let’s leave this matter aside for now...” After a brief pause, he continued to say, “If you still plan to prove your loyalty and determination with your death, please continue. This time, no one will stop you...”
Zhang Yuanren’s eyes widened. “...”
Si Wuya said without waiting for the old man to reply, “Oh, don’t tell me it was just a trick of injuring oneself to gain sympathy and support?”
“A trick to gain sympathy and support?” The commoners exchanged a look.
At this moment, Wang Yun chimed in with a clear voice, “Lord Zhang, I have to say your trick is really good. However, do you think the commoners are so gullible that they’d be fooled by your act?”
The Grand Tutor, Guo Zhengping, seized the opportunity and quickly added, “The commoners can see for themselves if you’re truly loyal. Why did you ask Zhang Jingyuan to infiltrate the Palace?”
After that, Lu Tianning, the Grand Duke of Hu, spoke up as well. “Zhang Yuanren, everyone knows your family has a good relationship with the eight Great Generals. Over the years, the Zhang family has continued to prosper in the capital. Let me ask you, does the land under the sky not belong to the emperor? 30 years ago, the fertile land in Guannei Circuit’s Longxi used to belong to the common people; how did it become the Zhang family’s possession?”
Lu Tianning’s words were like a single pebble that stirred up a thousand waves.
These words caused a commotion among the common people.
Li Chang, the Grand Duke, took the opportunity to say, “We bore the infamy while you snatched the fertile land and benefited from it. Apart from that, you even have a spotless reputation. Do you really think you could have your cake and eat it too? If you’re dissatisfied, why don’t I get the Supreme Court to investigate this matter? In fact, we can have an open investigation so we won’t be accused of hiding things from the common people.”
“You!” Zhang Yuanren felt his blood boiling. The pressure on his chest grew heavier and heavier as well.
Zheng Ting, the Grand Duke of Yun, said, “You’re working with the royal guards and the eight Great Generals to confront His Majesty. Not only are you trying to force His Majesty to submit, but you’re trying to revolt as well!”
As accusations were thrown at him one after another, Zhang Yuanren seemed to have snapped as he rushed toward the huge pillar.
Bang!
After Zhang Yuanren crashed against the huge pillar, the entire place fell silent.
Li Yunzheng trembled inwardly as he looked at the blood that was dripping down the pillar to the ground.action