Chapter 81: Good Person (1/2)

Seeing that Lu Yin wasn’t responding to his impassioned rant, Long Chu continued, “Your Majesty, do you know who controls the second ring’s army?”

Lu Yin stared back at the man, who continued to rage, “On the surface, that army is a reserve of the Thirteen Imperial Squadrons. In reality, it’s a war machine to monitor us. They’re the real guardians of the Capital Star, but they guard against its oldest allies!”

“So what do you want me to do?”

“Reassume military authority over the Zishan Family, become our commander. We are soldiers, not toys for nobles, and definitely not enemies of the Empire!”

Lu Yin smiled bitterly, “You place me on too high a pedestal, Commander Long. You’re a smart man and should understand my circumstances. Yes, I’m the Zishan King, but only as a pawn of His Imperial Majesty used to show his kindness to my ancestors. Him giving me the title is his restitution to the Zishan Family; reassuming power will be difficult.”

“How will you know if you don’t try, Your Majesty? We soldiers support you!” Long Chu shouted.

Lu Yin gestured for him to lower his volume, “This isn’t an urgent matter. Do you have any other issues, Commander Long?”

Long Chu sighed and sat down, looking troubled, “There is one more thing I hope for your help with, Your Majesty.”

“What?”

“General Sigmund Mathers was a supporter of the Zishan Family, but he has been arrested in the aftermath of Earth’s trial. The man was definitely framed, I hope you can try to save him.”

Lu Yin frowned, “Why are you so sure?”

Long Chu was gloomy, “His Imperial Majesty did not give General Mathers any opportunity to defend himself, and he sealed any news once he learned that Barudar had defected. Someone is evidently afraid of having new issues surfacing, and slandered General Mathers in front of him. They must mean harm towards the General, or His Imperial Majesty would not have convicted him so readily. Your Majesty, please save him.”

Lu Yin’s fingers drummed on the table as he fell deep into thought, while Long Chu stared at him with bloodshot eyes. It seemed like he hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in a long time. A long while later, Lu Yin looked back at the man, “Alright, I’ll go to His Imperial Majesty immediately and do what I can.”

Long Chu was pleasantly surprised, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Lu Yin nodded and had Xu San escort the man out. It was only once the commander was out that his gaze frosted over, “This is the second time they’ve dared to act against me, they really think I’m a pushover.”

But now, not helping would offend those who truly did consider themselves subordinate to the Zishan Family still. Although Lu Yin was unclear why Home had asked him to act out in this role, the title was definitely useful and the followers he gained from it would be future helpers. Offending them wouldn’t bode well in future moves. Thus, neither solution was a good one; this was a good play by Sicar.

Lu Yin squinted and muttered crossly to himself before leaving the Zishan Residence for the palace. News of the Zishan King pleading for General Sigmund quickly spread across the Capital Star, lighting up countless faces with ridicule.

“27 Corpse Kings escaped, and this seems to be the Neohuman Alliance’s style. His Imperial Majesty obviously knows Sigmund is innocent or he wouldn’t return, but a scapegoat is required or the Great Yu Empire would face pressure from the Innerverse. The Neohuman Alliance is a universal enemy across domains, and poses a threat as great as any individual domain. His Imperial Majesty cannot bear it, but this Zishan King wants to act recklessly. He’s just courting death!” Sicar sneered.

Raas was elated, “This will just make His Imperial Majesty uneasy. As long as Sigmund is alive, His Imperial Majesty will have to bear a huge pressure. Lu Yin is unclear of the circumstances and really assumes that the former subordinates of the Zishans respect him. In reality, the family has long lost its power.”

Sicar shook his head and smiled, “It’s not that he’s unclear of the situation, but he simply cannot understand it. Zishan King? Who would recognise him? Even the crown prince showed him some face to act benevolent, but he will soon realise his own downfall due to this arrogance,” Sicar looked at Raas and his face sank, “I heard you lost to Wukai in last night’s race?”

Raas was stunned and nodded in embarrassment, “There won’t be a next time.”

Sicar snorted, “What did you promise him?”

Raas was in a difficult position.

“Speak!”

Raas hesitated, “For you to plead for Sigmund in the royal court.”

THWACK! The Vice-Treasurer slapped his son back a few meters, “You useless son, daring to make such gambles. The court is for the Empire to discuss national affairs, and every resolution concerns countless planets. How did you turn it into child’s play, do you think you can explain this to His Imperial Majesty if he finds out? Go kneel in the courtyard, you’re not to move for three days.”

Raas covered his mouth and ran off with an ugly expression. Meanwhile, Sicar massaged his throbbing temples. He wasn’t the only one taunting Lu Yin’s ignorance that night.