Chapter 166: The Wish to Pacify the Realm, and the Fear!

The crowd held their breath, all eyes fixed on Dai Zhong, waiting for his decision.

Yu Ke was also anxious; the position of Minister of Justice concerned the stability of the capital and the order of officials—its importance went without saying.

In recent years, the Ministry of Justice, due to its broad authority—including oversight of officials—had stirred the sensitive nerves of many court ministers, who openly or covertly expressed their discontent.

Every day, a thick stack of memorials from the Censorate accused the Ministry of Justice.

At this moment!

If the Minister of Justice were to make even the slightest misstep, it would give the many ministers already stirring with ambition the perfect excuse.

They would surely seize the opportunity to strike, directing their accusations straight at the Ministry of Justice.

Most importantly!

The most terrifying outcome would be if His Majesty lost trust in the Ministry of Justice.

Once His Majesty harbored suspicion, the Ministry's existence would be like a candle in the wind, ready to be snuffed out at any moment.

This was not what Yu Ke wanted to see; after all, the Ministry of Justice truly served the people.

Without the Ministry of Justice, the powerful and local gentry would grow even more reckless.

After hearing Yu Ke's words, Dai Zhong shook his head.

"A true man must die with purpose!"

"But my life is precious too."

Yu Ke hurriedly said: "Minister, you still have a bright future ahead—His Majesty trusts you, the people adore you…"

Dai Zhong did not respond directly, but continued on his own: "I have three great wishes in life; if I cannot fulfill them, even in death, I will not close my eyes."

At this moment!

Outside, the clashing of armored plates and heavy, urgent footsteps echoed.

Especially noticeable.

Several among them heard it too, sensing that a large force of troops had already entered the Imperial City Bureau.

Xie Linghao and Zhang Lin exchanged glances, both knowing full well that the grounds outside the Imperial City Bureau must now be swarming with soldiers.

The whole city was in turmoil.

Today's events, one after another—first the Heavenly Drum destroyed, now this upheaval at the Imperial City Bureau—left them filled with helplessness and uncertainty.

With the Heavenly Drum destroyed, the Imperial City Bureau had no reason to exist.

Both men felt their hearts in chaos, unsure what blame or punishment awaited them.

As for the Young Protector!

Xie Linghao and Zhang Lin could not help but feel a pang of sorrow; perhaps the capital would become his burial ground.

There is no greater tragedy for a hero than this.

Wang Shi'an's madness slowly faded, replaced by an eerie calm.

On his handsome face, a cruel sneer appeared, piercing straight toward the three of you.

"Wait to die!"

He whispered coldly, as if he had already pronounced your fate.

Yu Ke felt disheartened; it seemed Dai Zhong had no intention of capturing Lu Chen at all.

Once the Imperial Guards arrived, the situation here would spiral beyond control, let alone be explained.

The old man, who had held the post of Vice Minister of Justice for twenty years, sighed.

His anxious heart had finally settled; the earlier urgency vanished, and a measure of dignity returned.

He looked at Wang Shi'an, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes—this young man's impulsiveness and naivety filled him with weary resignation.

After today, this old man will retire and return to his hometown! Nothing to regret.

He had lived his life as if walking on thin ice, never made a mistake, never done anything wrong—his life was complete.

You looked at the old man.

You had a keen eye for character; you understood his thoughts, and smiled.

The world's affairs shift unpredictably; in an instant, one's heart can be turned upside down.

Upon hearing Dai Zhong's words, Yu Ke felt an inexplicable curiosity rise within him.

He had served alongside Dai Zhong for years and knew this superior's nature—calm, reserved, never revealing his inner thoughts.

This outpouring of heartfelt words left Yu Ke both surprised and moved.

Yu Ke could not help but ask: "Minister, what are your wishes?"

Dai Zhong smiled faintly, his eyes filled with reflection:

"My first wish: I know I lack the talent to be a general, but I hope to secure the rear for the Young Protector, handling the tedious logistical tasks—lest a thousand-li dike collapse from an ant's hole."

"My second wish: I hope the realm sees fewer corrupt officials and more true servants who speak for the people and act with integrity. As for my final wish…"

Dai Zhong's gaze turned to you: "I wish the Young Protector would show greater ambition—crush the Northern Winds, sweep away the Dry Yuan, and finally bring peace to the entire realm."

Yu Ke found himself confused; though many questions lingered in his mind.

Yet seeing Dai Zhong and Lu Chen and the others facing the approaching Imperial Guards, and hearing the thundering footsteps of the troops now just outside, their faces showed not a trace of alarm.

Wang Shi'an let out a cold laugh.

"Minister, what does this say about His Majesty's position?"

"Crush the Northern Winds, sweep away the Dry Yuan? How absurd!"

It was outright treasonous.

Wang Shi'an silently swore to himself: everything that happened today, he would report verbatim to His Majesty, exposing Dai Zhong's hidden heart of a traitor beneath his calm exterior.

A cruel smile curled at his lips, as if he had already seen Dai Zhong's downfall.

Behind the screen, three women listened silently to the commotion outside.

The sound of troops surging closer grew louder; the heavy footsteps could now be heard within the hall.

It seemed that in the next moment, armed soldiers would burst through the doors.

The three women heard Dai Zhong's three wishes.

Xie Lingxuan lowered her eyes and softly repeated: "Crush the Northern Winds, sweep away the Dry Yuan… bring peace to the realm."

Under these circumstances!

Zou Shuning's gaze remained locked on you, trying to detect even a flicker of emotion on your face—but sadly, your expression remained as calm as still water, as if nothing concerned you.

She recalled meeting you in the temple; you had always been like this.

But now!

You were trapped in the capital, surrounded by waves of soldiers—she could not help but worry for you.

Though they had only just met, she already felt deep concern and dread for you.

She pondered silently, but could think of no way to help you escape.

You heard Dai Zhong's three wishes, but did not take up the topic.

Lu Yu, upon hearing it, chuckled and teased:

"Minister Dai, didn't you say this same thing years ago? It sounds familiar—I think you got whipped for it."

"Young Master, you jest."

Dai Zhong stole a glance at you; seeing your calm, unruffled demeanor, his courage swelled.

Fifteen years had passed, yet recalling every military council the Young Protector held, the Young Master standing behind him—the tension and pressure still rose unbidden.

At this moment!

Dozens of armored soldiers wielding weapons finally stormed into the hall, surrounding the group.

Here they come!

Yu Ke, Zhang Lin, and Xie Linghao each sighed in turn.

Wang Shi'an's smile could no longer be contained.

(End of Chapter)