Chapter 2247: I Can Uphold Justice Myself

“Shaking the roots of the empire?” Zu An replied indifferently. “Then what about when they committed a coup d'état in the capital and slaughtered countless high officials? Even the empress dowager’s survival is unclear right now. Why didn’t any of you step forward to uphold public justice then?”

The Minister of Education Du Jian explained, “Everything that night happened too suddenly. Before we even figured out what was going on, everything had already settled. We thought it was just a political scuffle inside the court, and we normally do not interfere in such matters.”

Zu An replied with a sneer, “Oh? Then why are you interfering in this matter?”

The five dukes exchanged a look. They were all a bit stumped.

Zu An said calmly, “I know why, even if you don’t speak. Previously, you all saw it as a conflict between the empress dowager and the empress’ factions. Regardless of who won, the meat would still fall into the same pot. But I'm different. I'm just an outsider without any foundation. If I kill your royal family disciples, that might make the royal family lose face, making them the target of mockery for all people.”

The five dukes couldn't help but smile awkwardly. They didn’t really know how to respond to what he said.

Grand Officer Zhao Song said, “Regent, I know that you are quite angry right now. How about this? If you let Zhao Huang go today and leave the judgment of this matter to the court’s laws, today, I can promise you that you will definitely be returned justice.”

A hint of anger appeared on Jiang Luofu’s face. Her father had ended up like this precisely because he'd trusted the court’s laws too much. Of course, she didn’t want to trouble Zu An and didn’t say anything.

Just then, Zu An turned around and gave her a warm look. It seemed they were thinking the same thing.

Jiang Luofu’s face heated up a bit.

I never felt it much before, but this kid really is good at teasing me!

“What does the regent think?” Zhao Song thought that Zu An was tempted and couldn't help but sigh inwardly in relief.

Zu An chuckled. “Justice? That’s not something I need others to help me uphold. I can seize it myself.”

With that, his finger gently tapped on King Yi’s forehead, and the latter's entire body trembled. King Yi's life force was severed right there and then.

The soldiers in the surroundings swallowed with difficulty.

The regent really is fierce!

Right now, even the most trusted aides of King Yi couldn't produce any thoughts of revenge. All of their heads hung as low as possible for fear of drawing Zu An’s rage as well.

“You...!” When Zhao Song saw this, he couldn't help but erupt with rage. “Regent, are you planning treason?”

He was one of the eight dukes, and he had always received respect in turn. Even Zhao Han had to treat him politely whenever they met. He had already given Zu An enough face, and yet this kid didn’t return any at all.

You have successfully trolled Zhao Song for +499 +499 +499...

The other four dukes' expressions changed when they heard what he said. They reflexively moved a bit further away from him.

When he saw that, smoke almost came out of Zhao Song’s head.

You guys normally act all tough and mighty, but why are you all so cowardly now? The court has raised you for so many years, and yet you’re backing off now when it needs a bit of support?

“Grand Officer Zhao Song has spoken out of line.” The most handsome elder among the five cleared his throat. He was the Yu clan’s ancestor, Yu Rui. “Regent, the Grand Officer is concerned with the safety of the royal family and misspoke. We hope that you will not lower yourself to his level.”

The Yu clan was the closest to Zu An, so he was the most suitable one to speak here.

The other three gave Zhao Song an annoyed look.

Just what is wrong with this guy’s head? He’s actually accusing Zu An of treason?

Can you stop him if he really decides to rebel?

When he heard the elders secretly tell him to stop, Grand Officer Zhao Song only got even angrier. After all, the eight dukes were all individuals that everyone worshiped, and yet they kept losing all face because of this brat. That was especially the case when Imperial Tutor Zhao Chen was killed just because Zu An said he was going to kill him. Even though he was terrified at the time, he had also suppressed a lot of anger.

Does the Zhou Dynasty still belong to our Zhao clan?

Even the young prince was killed just like that, and a royal family elder who was also a member of the eight dukes was killed willfully as well!

This time, Zu An had been even more ruthless, killing King Yi, Zhao Quan, Zhao Zhang, and other royal family members one after the other, without any mercy in front of so many people’s eyes. Their kind words of persuasion hadn't had any effect at all.

Does he regard us with any respect at all?

You have successfully trolled Zhao Song for +555 +555 +555...

He suddenly felt a powerful sense of responsibility and duty. He felt as if, as a member of the royal family, he had to serve as the final line of defense in protecting the world of the Zhao clan. If he backed down here, the world could really change.

“Even if you don’t dare to say it, I will!” Zhao Song shouted. “Zu An, you’ve killed too many members of the royal family this time. Just what are you planning to do?”

Zu An didn’t reply, but Jiang Luofu couldn't hold herself back and argued, “The Grand Officer is overthinking. It was always the other side that started the conflict first. The libationer only acted in retaliation. Everyone in the capital knows who is right and wrong in these events.”

Grand Officer Zhao Song’s eyes widened. “Do you think you can speak when people like us are talking?”

A terrifying pressure crashed down toward Jiang Luofu.

I can’t deal with Zu An, but do you think I can’t keep someone like you under control?

Even though Jiang Luofu was quite strong herself, the eight dukes were all close to the earth immortal rank. There could even be some that had secretly crossed over, so how could she withstand this level of power?

When he saw that, Jiang Boyang panicked. He quickly tried to help, but he was seriously injured and couldn't produce the strength to at all. Besides, even if he wasn’t injured, his cultivation was too far from the realm of the eight dukes.

While he was on the brink of despair, however, he saw Zu An stand in front of his daughter. Zu An didn’t even seem to do anything, but the terrifying pressure disappeared without a trace.

“Thank you...” Jiang Luofu stared blankly for a moment, but then a faint smile appeared on her face.

Yun Yuqing had a strange expression on her face.

This guy really never gives up on any chance to look cool in front of women.

But this woman’s legs really are beautiful, and those black stockings are completely unmatched.

So Ah Zu likes this kind of thing! In that case, I’ll look for a chance to wear them for him in the future.

Zu An then looked at Zhao Song. “I believe that it's inappropriate for the Grand Officer to abuse a junior like this too, no?”

Zhao Song harrumphed. “It was that woman’s fault for not knowing the rules.”

“The rules?” Zu An laughed. “Advancing into the earth immortal rank means that everyone in the world has to obey your rules?”

Everyone present looked at Zhao Song in shock.

No wonder he was so stubborn this time! So it was because he felt that his strength had improved after his cultivation grew higher!

Zhao Song choked. He was furious, but the way Zu An had deemphasized his dignity made him feel a bit of apprehension. He didn’t want to continue on this topic anymore. Instead, he asked, “Hmph, why don’t you start explaining why you killed so many members of the royal family in succession? That lass said that you were just defending yourself, but I heard that you were the imperial grandson of the previous dynasty! That makes things much more interesting, since you have a motive.”

You have successfully trolled Zhao Song for +601 +601 +601...

The other four dukes frowned. They had heard of this rumor as well, but they thought that Zhao Song was a bit too rash in declaring it outright.

What if he really is the imperial grandson of the previous dynasty? Wouldn’t that force him to rebel?

“Imperial grandson?” Zu An chuckled. “I almost forgot about that. That’s right, there was such a rumor. I don’t even know whether that's true or not myself.”

“Are you admitting to it?” Zhao Song asked coldly.

“So what if it is, and so what if it isn’t?” Zu An remained calm. “I am myself. I wouldn’t act any differently even if I was the imperial grandson of a previous dynasty, nor would I be willing to be looked down on by others as a former cripple of Brightmoon City. You might care about bloodlines, imperial titles, and other such things, but to me, they're like fleeting clouds.”

“Hah, what a coincidence. Since you don’t care about that, why don’t you resign your position as regent right now? That way, we can believe that your previous actions truly did lack other motives,” Zhao Song said.

The other four dukes were about to say something, but stopped.

Does he want to use this chance to get rid of the problem that is Zu An?

Zu An was indeed an unpredictable variable, but this method was a bit too rash.

Jiang Luofu and Yun Yuqing were both extremely worried. If Zu An agreed, that would perfectly match the other side’s objectives. But if he refused, wouldn’t that solidify the accusation Grand Officer Zhao Song had leveled? This suggestion really was vicious.

Zhao Song was also feeling quite proud of himself, feeling that his tactics were just too wonderful. He didn’t think that Zu An would agree to let go of his authority, which meant that they would have a proper pretext to denounce him as an evil remnant from the past dynasty. Then, they could use the entire empire’s power against him.

His cultivation might be high, but how could it be a match for an entire country?

He was thinking through all kinds of plans when he felt his shoulders droop. He was horrified to discover that Zu An had already vanished from his original location and appeared at his side, a palm resting on his shoulder.

Zu An sighed. “A nobleman can be deceived by righteousness, which is why the noblemen of history have all lost to people like you. However, it is unfortunate, but I cannot be considered a nobleman.”

Zhao Song’s fine hairs stood on end. After all, he had just broken through into the earth immortal rank and had his lifespan greatly increased. His confidence and strength had reached new heights. He believed that even if he lost to Zu An, he would at least have a fighting chance. But he hadn’t even seen when Zu An got close to him!

“Zu An, you dare? I am...”

His words came to a sudden stop. His eyes were wide open in disbelief.

He died!