Chapter 284: Emperor Yu's Justice
Upon hearing Emperor Yu's quiet murmur, the ministers who had been denouncing Li Hao turned pale.
Those defending Li Hao were also slightly stunned.
When the young man had risen to fame in Liangzhou, some had praised him, saying he alone could equal a million soldiers!
At the time, many thought such praise was exaggerated, too extreme. After all, what did a million elite soldiers represent? They could sweep across the frontier, unmatched!
Later, they realized the praise was indeed exaggerated, too much so.
A mere million troops could not compare to that young man!
Could a million soldiers save Liangzhou?
Could they save Qingzhou? Could they save Youzhou? No, they could not.
The Li family gathered three million elite troops in Qingzhou, yet they were beaten back, forced to retreat and huddle within Qingzhou City, relying on a top-tier formation to barely hold on.
But that young man appeared for less than a day and killed the demon leaders, the wild god avatars, and sliced through the endless demon tide outside Qingzhou City with a single sword.
This was not a power that numbers could match.
Like the True Master of Qiandao Palace, who stood guard over Dayu, he was a presence that no army dared to challenge.
Millions or even tens of millions were meaningless before such a supreme being!
Even if the army consisted of top-tier elites, led by Four-Stand generals with Three-Immortal vanguards, it would still be useless.
Thus, Emperor Yu's words, though softly spoken, brought clarity to everyone.
Eight million Buddhist disciples—a staggering number, covering the nineteen states. But when compared to that young man, as Emperor Yu said, it was not enough, far from enough!
Xia Linglong, coming back to her senses, felt her spine straighten, her eyes brightening.
The Buddha Lord was dead; eight million disciples could not replace Li Hao, dream on.
At this point, the officials who had been denouncing Li Hao realized the situation, their faces turning grim. Buddhist disciples numbered in the tens of millions, spread across countless cities in each state. Usually, facing such a vast force, any individual would bow and step aside, but not that young man.
His status was already akin to that of the True Master of Qiandao Palace, transcendent.
"Your Majesty, though eight million Buddhist disciples might not match that young man, his actions are unjust!"
One of the ministers persisted, gritting his teeth: "He is only a third-class duke. Today he dares to kill the Buddha Lord; tomorrow he will dare to kill us. Such a person is a tiger waiting to pounce!"
"Indeed, beneath the heavens, all land belongs to the king. If we retreat in the face of his strength, then in dealing with demons, should we also retreat? What difference does it make?"
Xia Linglong nearly burst a blood vessel, her soul seemingly ready to leap out of her body in rage: "You fools! What nonsense are you spouting?!"
"Are you truly willing to forsake all principles for the small benefits the Buddhist sect offers? Do you intend to invite the True Master to kill General Haotian, a hero who saved three states, just to cater to your treacherous desires?!"
"Treacherous ministers in power, this is truly foolish and laughable."
Some scholars couldn't help but laugh in anger.
They knew these people weren't just stupid—they were malicious! What sounded like extremely foolish statements were actually full of malice and self-interest.
If they didn't say such things, how could they protect their own gains?
"General Xia, this is the court. You can't openly insult us. I am a third-class marquis; I deserve respect!"
An official angrily retorted.
Xia Linglong's eyes were filled with murderous intent. Were it not for being in court, she would have cut these people down with a sword.
"Calling you fools is an insult to fools. Let me ask, with the demon threat unresolved, if we strip that young man of his titles, given your criticism of him, won't he rebel against the court?"
Xia Linglong's eyes were icy as she spoke each word clearly, "If he allies with the demons, who will take responsibility?"
"If that happens, we can only ask the True Master to slay him!"
An official said.
Xia Linglong almost laughed in rage, but her expression grew colder: "Is that so? Then we'll see if you can persuade him. He killed the Buddha Lord; his strength is unknown but at least top-tier Peaceful Dao, possibly even Enlightenment realm, rivaling the True Master. Can the True Master suppress him? You seem quite confident."
"Since you speak so lightly, as if killing is as easy as cutting grass, here's a simple solution. Today, you propose stripping him of his titles. Let His Majesty announce it to the world, making it clear it was your idea. If he comes for you, then you can explain it to him."
Hearing Xia Linglong's words, the ministers who had denounced Li Hao turned pale.
A madman who dared to kill the Buddha Lord—who would provoke him?
"Protecting the imperial capital is your duty, General. You're shirking your responsibility."
"We speak for justice. The Buddha Lord cannot die without explanation. What will the Buddhist disciples think? If they rebel, who will quell the unrest?"
Someone continued.
Xia Linglong sneered, about to retort, but Emperor Yu's voice rang out: "Enough."
With just two words, he halted the farcical debate.
"Among the Buddhist disciples, is there anyone who can slay demons in place of General Haotian?" Emperor Yu asked calmly.
The ministers exchanged glances. Of course not. The Buddha Lord was the top leader, and he was dead.
"With demons watching us closely, summer bringing drought to Jizhou, and refugees in Cangzhou…"
Emperor Yu's voice was calm, unhurried, "My lords, your opinions should consider the world's reality. Without the world, where is justice?"
Hearing Emperor Yu's words, Xia Linglong and her supporters felt relieved.
The ministers denouncing Li Hao looked grim but had to admit, Xia Linglong's argument was valid.
That young man's status and strength couldn't be easily moved.
"But under Dayu's iron rule, all lawbreakers will be punished!"
Emperor Yu's tone suddenly turned cold, "Any violators of the law will be dealt with according to Dayu's laws. No exceptions, not even for the royal family. Crime demands punishment; merits cannot erase crimes!"
"Merits are merits, faults are faults. Merits can compensate for faults, but not erase them!"
Hearing this, Xia Linglong and her supporters turned pale, shocked at Emperor Yu's words.
The ministers denouncing Li Hao were stunned but then delighted.
Emperor Yu's gaze swept across the officials as he slowly said, "The Buddha Lord's death grieves me. From today, the palace will abstain from meat for seven days in mourning for the Buddha Lord's spirit!"
"After seven days, I will burn incense at Shengde Temple."
"Your Majesty is wise!"
The denouncing ministers couldn't help but exclaim.
Xia Linglong's face was pale. She looked sharply at the emperor.
Emperor Yu noticed her gaze but showed no change in expression as he slowly said: "My lords, do not worry. The Buddha Lord's merits are immense. I cannot let him die without explanation. I will have the Monster Suppression Department and the Ministry of Justice investigate this thoroughly."
"?"
The court was stunned.
Xia Linglong's shock hadn't turned to words when she realized what he meant, feeling a bit dumbfounded. She glanced at the emperor with a strange look.
Only you… Your words really twist things around.
The ministers who had been shouting were dumbfounded. What did this mean?
The Buddha Lord was dead. Was an investigation necessary? So many Buddhist disciples witnessed it. Wasn't it clear enough? "Your Majesty, the Buddha Lord's death was witnessed by many Buddhist disciples. How could it be false?" Someone couldn't help but say.
Emperor Yu didn't respond. Instead, a minister stepped forward, saying coldly: "Your words are too absolute. This case is full of doubts. Just because it was witnessed, does that make it true? Do you know the abilities of top-tier Peaceful Dao or Enlightenment realm experts?"
"Do you know what abilities demons of these realms have?"
"Even minor demons have illusion spells to deceive mortals."
"I believe His Majesty is wise!"
"Why would General Haotian kill the Buddha Lord for a thief? Can you give a reasonable explanation?"
"What if demons impersonated General Haotian to sow discord and exploit the situation?"
"Moreover, can General Haotian really kill the Buddha Lord? The Buddha Lord has cultivated for two thousand years, yet General Haotian has only cultivated for sixteen years. If he can kill the Buddha Lord, isn't that suspicious?"
"Are you suggesting General Haotian is a peerless prodigy?"
Hearing this minister, those who had denounced Li Hao felt like they had a foul lump stuck in their throats, unable to speak.
Xia Linglong and her supporters were thrilled, almost clapping.
Well said! If you want to play justice, we can play justice. Let's see who does it better!
And as it turns out, the emperor does it best.
"Indeed, justice must be served!"
Xia Linglong immediately said, "Since His Majesty promised justice, I trust him. We cannot let the Buddha Lord's death go unexplained. We must investigate thoroughly!"
"..."
The denouncing ministers were speechless.
The Buddha Lord's death unexplained?
It was clear as day, wasn't it?!
Was the emperor serious, or was he covering up? Many looked at Emperor Yu, puzzled. They had come to file complaints, harboring their own motives. Given the young man's power, wasn't the emperor suspicious or fearful?
Serving an emperor was like serving a tiger.
Once suspicion arose, the charge would be established! Thus, they came to nudge things along.
But it seemed they misread the emperor's intentions.
Was he afraid of the young man's strength, unwilling to confront him?
Or did the emperor genuinely trust the young man, forgiving such a grave mistake?
Wasn't the emperor worried about the young man usurping the throne?
They pondered, unable to understand. But combined with the emperor's earlier question about the eight million disciples, perhaps he was cautious of the young man? If so, could they add more weight, giving the emperor confidence?
As they mulled it over, Emperor Yu said to the elder leader: "Minister, you may inform the Buddhist sect that I will ensure justice for them. Once the true culprit is found, regardless of who it is, they will be brought to justice and handed over to the Buddhist sect!"
The elder's face turned pale, trembling, "Your Majesty, this matter, this matter…"
"It seems today you only wish to discuss this. In that case, court is adjourned. Do not forget the droughts, the demon threats, and the many people awaiting our aid. I expect your reports tomorrow!"
Emperor Yu said.
Chu Jiuyue immediately announced the court's adjournment.
"Your Majesty…"
The denouncing ministers, unwilling to give up, wanted to speak, but Emperor Yu had already risen and left.
Many began to feel regret, sensing they had chosen the wrong side. Would the emperor remember this?
...
...
In the imperial garden.
Chu Jiuyue accompanied Emperor Yu on a walk.
"That young man is quite a headache, acting too boldly!"
Emperor Yu sighed, casually plucking a petal and gently crushing it before tossing it into the pond, where goldfish leapt to eat it.
He smiled, hands behind his back, walking and sighing.
Soon after they entered the garden, a eunuch reported that several ministers requested an audience.
Chu Jiuyue glanced at Emperor Yu, who waved him away.
Chu Jiuyue understood, turning to follow the eunuch to the garden gate, seeing the ministers who had denounced Li Hao earlier, now four or five together, still seemingly intent on their cause.
"Eunuch Chu, regarding the Buddha Lord…"
Chu Jiuyue quickly shushed them with a finger.
They froze.
Chu Jiuyue glanced at the garden, lowering his voice, "Do not mention the Buddha Lord again. His Majesty once visited Boundless Mountain to discuss the Dao with the Buddha Lord. Their bond is deep. Today, His Majesty is holding court with great effort, deeply saddened…"
"..."
They exchanged puzzled glances.
Really?
No jesting from the emperor… Was it true?
Seeing their doubtful looks, Chu Jiuyue frowned, "Do you distrust me or His Majesty's bond with the Buddha Lord?"
"But the Buddha Lord's death was clear…"
Chu Jiuyue quickly interrupted, lowering his voice, "Don't mention the Buddha Lord again. His Majesty is already deeply saddened. He skipped dinner upon hearing the news yesterday. You seek justice for the Buddha Lord; don't you think His Majesty does too? But without a thorough investigation, letting the real culprit go free—would that be your desired outcome?"
They exchanged glances.
"Go, don't sadden His Majesty further." Chu Jiuyue waved them away.
Seeing this, the ministers could only leave. One, before leaving, asked, "Is His Majesty truly saddened?"
Chu Jiuyue's expression turned stern.
The minister realized his blunder, forcing a smile before leaving.
Watching them depart, Chu Jiuyue smirked inwardly. These fools had no idea of the emperor's deep affection for the boy.
Saddened?
Indeed, deeply saddened, so much so that he could barely hide his smile.