Chapter 60: One Man

Who dares discuss this taboo topic during the grand celebration!

Even the hawkish faction avoids this red line at all costs and supports the peace negotiations.

Six years ago, apart from the Eighth Prince, who knelt outside the palace gates for three days and nights pleading for a decree to go to war—nearly stripped of his title yet winning the people’s hearts.

At that time, voices calling for war rose in chorus; heads rolled, rivers ran red, the imperial capital was shrouded in blood and terror, and the entire court trembled in fear.

Today, it has been openly spoken by Xie Lingxuan.

The imperial uncle also closed his eyes slightly and let out a long sigh.

“Ah… the eldest daughter of the Xie family.”

This emperor, known for his magnanimity, would merely smile calmly even when ministers cursed him, saying, “To take a person as a mirror is to correct one’s conduct.”

Yet, regarding the southern peace negotiations, he holds an unbreakable bottom line: anyone who dares to oppose or meddle in this matter will incur the emperor’s wrath, with consequences extending far and wide.

From then on, no minister in court dared speak up for the Lu family army or defend its cause.

Newly appointed censors, eager to make their mark, submitted memorials criticizing the Lu family army, but the emperor remained utterly unmoved, even advising them to be broad-minded and not obsess over the Lu family’s affairs.

Yet, those who submitted these memorials were quietly promoted despite their apparent demotions.

This is the mind of the emperor.

If not secretly instructed by the emperor himself, who would dare to show no respect to the young protector of the Lu family?

Today, this has been exposed by the eldest daughter of the Xie family, and no one dares utter another word.

The empress’s eyes, cold as a deep mountain pool, swept over Xie Lingxuan and declared sternly: “Xie Lingxuan, how dare you speak such words so brazenly before me?”

“Words bring disaster—do you not realize how hard-won the Xie family’s current position is?”

“How much effort has your father expended?”

“How utterly arrogant!”

The son of the chancellor stood nearby, hearing the empress’s words, sighed helplessly and murmured: “Xie Lingxuan, Xie Lingxuan, why must you do this?”

As the empress, the mother of the nation, every word she speaks has settled the matter beyond dispute.

Su Yue’s eyes were already filled with tears—her cousin had been far too reckless.

Xie Lingxuan stood in the hall, silent.

After a moment of silence, she finally spoke slowly: “If even heartfelt truths cannot be spoken, then let it be known that I, Xie Lingxuan, am the only one at fault.”

Yet, Princess Han Wang, Zhou Jinyu, had no intention of letting this drop.

She gently stroked the sleeve of Yun Dai and smiled brightly:

“A single person’s fault? That’s far too easy to say.”

“I recall that the Xie family’s daughter once had a betrothal agreement with the young protector?”

Her words struck to the heart.

If Xie Lingxuan’s previous words weren’t enough to destroy the Xie family, then linking her to the Lu family would have unimaginable consequences.

Even implicating the Lu family.

Xie Lingxuan finally showed emotion, glaring fiercely at Zhou Jinyu and declaring decisively: “What I said concerns no one else.”

But Princess Han Wang ignored her, turning her gaze instead toward you.

She smiled brightly: “Young Protector, do you believe this is merely the fault of Miss Xie, or is there something more beneath the surface?”

“Or… do you, like Miss Xie, believe the emperor’s decision to pursue southern peace negotiations was wrong?”

At these words, the entire hall fell silent.

Six years ago, when the Lu family army was at its peak, General Lu Chen, commander of the Lu family army, led his troops to unstoppable victories, striking fear into all corners.

Even His Majesty himself has never dared to ask this question directly to your face?

But times have changed—the Lu family army is now but a memory, and you, once the young protector, have become a mere Taoist hermit.

Past events, now raised again, resurface before us.

All held their breath, awaiting your clear answer.

Even the empress now lifted her gaze to fix you with intense expectation.

This is a question even His Majesty himself never dared to ask directly.

Once, when the emperor lay awake in the dead of night, he would whisper to himself beside his pillow: “Southern peace negotiations—Lu Shaobao, do you believe it was right or wrong?” Yet the current emperor has never dared to ask Lu Chen face to face.

You smiled.

You looked around at everyone, your mind already made up—you are famed for your insight, and the thoughts of all present were as clear as mirrors to you.

And so… you decided.

1. If you support the southern peace negotiations, you will gain Zhou Jinyu’s favor, but Xie Lingxuan’s situation will grow even more dire.

2. If you oppose the southern peace negotiations, you will face other troubles yourself, Zhou Jinyu’s favor will halve, and Xie Lingxuan’s crisis remains unresolved.

3. Scold Xie Lingxuan harshly—she can extricate herself from this crisis.

4. Praise Zhou Jinyu—she will fall for you.

5. Praise Xie Lingxuan—her favor toward you will rise, but she will be plunged into a hopeless, fatal situation.

6. Take direct action. (1/3)

The light on the tripod shifted, and five options slowly appeared.

Yu Ke was slightly surprised.

Usually, there were only three or four options—but now, unexpected new variables had emerged.

Yu Ke knew well that every option concealed intricate chains of cause and effect, like the butterfly effect, with immeasurable consequences for the future.

Every choice mattered profoundly.

He focused intently, weighing each possibility carefully, and ultimately concluded that saving Xie Lingxuan was the wisest course.

He finally chose option 3: Scold Xie Lingxuan harshly—she can extricate herself from this crisis.

Options one and two were clearly unwise—if chosen, the Xie daughter would remain in peril, possibly inviting even more trouble.

Look again!

Option four.

4. Praise Zhou Jinyu—she will fall for you.

Seeing this option, Yu Ke could only think: the second prince has a green hat on his head.

Option five.

5. Praise Xie Lingxuan—her favor toward you will rise, but she will be plunged into a hopeless, fatal situation.

Yu Ke couldn’t help muttering:

“If she’s dead, what good is her favor?”

This ten-year reincarnation simulation was for the pursuit of the Dao—he had no desire to be dragged down by court intrigues.

Yu Ke directly selected option 3: Scold Xie Lingxuan harshly—she can extricate herself from this crisis.

With your choice made.

【You lifted your gaze slightly toward the woman named Xie Lingxuan, who had always spoken up for you and defended your dignity.】

【A faint sneer curled your lips as you murmured softly: “A mere betrothal contract? How could a dog of the Xie family ever be worthy of me, Lu Chen?”】

【“A true man need never fear being without a wife!”】

【You continued coldly, “How dare a woman meddle in state affairs? Does she even know how much grain the army consumes?”】

【At these words, even Zhou Jinyu beside you was momentarily stunned, then a smile slowly spread across her face.】

【Yet the atmosphere in the hall instantly shifted, as murmurs surged like a tidal wave.】

【Someone protested: “Young Protector, your words are far too harsh.”】

【The eldest daughter of the Xie family stood up for you, yet you repaid her with such cold words—how tragic.】

【Su Yue’s face was filled with fury—her cousin had risked everything for Lu Chen, and he repaid her with such humiliation.】

【Your words stirred sympathy—even the empress frowned slightly, clearly displeased with your tone.】

【Only Xie Lingxuan looked at you once more.】

【Her eyes were complex.】

A bit rushed—I’ll revise the sentences later.

Tomorrow I’m driving on the highway, Tuesday—please keep reading!

Thank you, dear readers, for your support.

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(End of Chapter)