Capítulo 358: Chapter 358: Pledging Military Merits, Granting the Holy Sword
"You... you... you dare!" Ma Zhuire's face flushed red as he stared angrily.
The court officials watched these two confront each other. From the current situation, Zhong Shan seemed truly audacious, daring to challenge the Heavenly Dynasty's laws in the court. Did he not value his life anymore?
However, on the other hand, the court officials also became interested. Based on Zhong Shan's previous military achievements, this person's thinking was extremely meticulous. Would he really commit such a basic mistake?
"Whether I'm audacious or not, let me finish reporting to His Majesty first!" Zhong Shan replied coldly to Ma Zhuire.
Turning his head, Zhong Shan looked at the composed Gu Shentong again. "Your Majesty, when the Tianbeng Plan was launched, I requested five billion top-grade spirit stones from His Majesty to implement the plan. His Majesty generously lent me six billion top-grade spirit stones and requested repayment of fifteen billion top-grade spirit stones. Initially, we seized several tens of billions of spirit stones in the early stages of operations against the Duyu Dynasty. However, later, most were used to purchase Xumi Stones to continue the Tianbeng Plan, leaving us with only sixteen billion top-grade spirit stones. I took one billion as military pay, leaving fifteen billion, which I escorted with several different personal guards using storage bracelets. That money belongs to the court. Zhong Shan dared not act rashly and was extremely cautious, awaiting its return to the court. That day, Minister Ma led a group of strongmen straight into our military camp. At the time, they refused to identify themselves, charging directly at those guards transporting the spirit stones. In order to protect the court's wealth and ensure the safety of those guards, I ordered a rain of arrows against these intruders."
"Five billion? Six billion? Tens of billions? Sixteen billion?" The court officials sighed in amazement after listening. Their own salaries were counted in thousands, yet Zhong Shan's words were filled with billions. No wonder he was so nervous, and no wonder Ma Zhuire wanted to 'snatch' it.
"You're slandering me! When did I want to snatch the spirit stones?" Ma Zhuire said angrily.
"But the direction you charged towards was exactly where our military's spirit stones were located. Zhong Shan naturally executed without error to protect the court's wealth. Giving Minister Ma a minor lesson, but Minister Ma showed no gratitude! Instead, he accuses me?" Zhong Shan stared fiercely, his eyes locking onto Ma Zhuire.
"I am a court-appointed official. How could I do such a thing?" Ma Zhuire retorted angrily.
Ma Zhuire had been led into Zhong Shan's trap. A more discerning person would never have let the conversation turn to himself, nor would they mention the spirit stones. They should have accused the criminal Ah Da, but Ma Zhuire was confused! Clinging to clear his name, he kept holding onto the spirit stones. The more he tried to wash his hands, the deeper he sank.
"Exactly because you are a court-appointed official. If you were to rob the spirit stones, it would be even more terrifying, despicable, and detestable. Zhong Shan naturally executed without error. There will be no compromise!" Zhong Shan stared coldly at Ma Zhuire.
Ma Zhuire felt helpless. Now, he couldn't explain himself.
After all the commotion, Zhong Shan's shielding of criminals and attempted murder of court-appointed officials had somehow turned into a round of applause.
"Minister Ma, step down!" the Emperor commanded.
"Yes!" Ma Zhuire immediately responded, trembling as he stepped aside.
"Fifteen billion top-grade spirit stones? Good!" Gu Shentong nodded.
"Your Majesty, I have something to report!" Zhong Shan suddenly stepped forward.
"Speak!" Gu Shentong said.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to pledge all my military merits to His Majesty and request one opportunity to speak for the deceased and seek justice for the living," Zhong Shan said with utmost sincerity.
When Zhong Shan finished speaking, the court officials were once again in an uproar. The matter concerning Princess Qianyou had recently become a taboo; no one dared to ask about it, and mentioning it would anger the Emperor and the royal family. No one could speak up.
Zhong Shan actually used all his merits as collateral just to obtain an opportunity to thoroughly investigate?
Qitian Hou glared angrily from the side, Da Xuan Wang frowned slightly, while Zheng Yi Wang remained composed.
"Is it worth it?" Gu Shentong asked calmly.
"Princess Qianyou has shown kindness to me. In the past, when facing the pursuit of the Great Yu Dynasty's Ju Lu Wang, she even risked her life to save Zhong Shan. Without the princess, Zhong Shan would not be standing here today." Zhong Shan responded, deviating from the question.
Although he did not answer directly, it further demonstrated Zhong Shan's determination.
All eyes of the officials turned to the Emperor because there had been previous mentions of this matter, but each time, the Emperor had glared in anger. Now, no one dared to bring it up again.
What would be the Emperor's decision?
Zhong Shan looked at the Emperor, Qitian Hou looked at the Emperor, and Huantu Long looked at the Emperor. Even the two princes were watching the Emperor.
"Very well! I will grant you the opportunity. Pledging military merits, within one month, I lend you the Holy Sword and appoint you as a special envoy, collaborating with the Ministry of Punishments to handle this case. One month later, in the Ancient Holy Temple, provide me with answers and provide the world with answers!" the Emperor suddenly changed his tone.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhong Shan immediately bowed.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live! Long live!" All the court officials immediately bowed in unison.
Although Gu Shentong only issued one command, this command overturned the previous orders. Thus, the entire court was solemn, shocked, and worshipful!
At this moment, a eunuch carried a tray and presented a dark purple long sword to Zhong Shan. The long sword was wrapped in an exquisite scabbard, though the hilt was very ordinary.
The Holy Sword, the Emperor's personal sword! A ninth-grade spiritual treasure!
Zhong Shan respectfully accepted it! Gripping it in his hand, it seemed ordinary, but Zhong Shan knew its formidable power and the significance it represented. As the Imperial Envoy, anywhere in the Ancient Holy Capital, except where the Emperor resides, he had unrestricted access!
"Dismissed!" the Emperor ordered.
"Dismissed~~~~~" the chief eunuch beside him shouted hoarsely.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live! Long live!" The court officials bowed again.
The Emperor rose and disappeared from the people's sight with a step.
Only then did the court officials begin to move, continuously leaving the Ancient Holy Temple. No one spoke much to Zhong Shan. Neither did the two princes nor Huantu Long. They all left, leaving only Qitian Hou until the end.
"Zhong Shan!" Qitian Hou stared at Zhong Shan.
"Qitian Hou? What advice do you have?" Zhong Shan asked.
"I know you want to clear Qianyou's name, but Qianyou killed my own sister. The hatred from killing a sister is unforgettable! You'd better not wade into this muddy water, otherwise, you'll bear the consequences!" Qitian Hou stared at Zhong Shan.
Zhong Shan raised the Holy Sword and said, "Qitian Hou, you can threaten me, or find someone to threaten me. But remember, my appointment was approved by the Emperor. You can remain silent, but every word you say will be recorded and will become evidence in the future!"
"You..." Qitian Hou glared.
"Hmph~~~~~" Zhong Shan completely ignored Qitian Hou, turned around, and strode out of the Ancient Holy Temple.
Qitian Hou's face should have been red with anger, but the moment Zhong Shan stepped out of the Ancient Holy Temple, a sneer of disdain appeared at the corner of his mouth.
Below the Ancient Mountain, outside the Imperial City, Zhihuo Wolf General patiently awaited.
"General!" Zhihuo called out immediately.
"Hold on. During this time, you'll stay by my side. Be vigilant against anyone who might attempt an assassination. This is the Holy Sword. If anyone dares to strike, kill without hesitation," Zhong Shan handed the Holy Sword to Zhihuo.
"Yes!" Zhihuo responded promptly, looking at the Holy Sword in his hands with curiosity.
The Holy Sword, a ninth-grade spiritual treasure! This was the first time Zhihuo had held such an advanced item. He was filled with curiosity.
"Let's go. To Princess Qianyou's residence!" Zhong Shan said.
"Yes!" Zhihuo immediately replied.
Soon, the two hurried towards Princess Qianyou's mansion.
At this moment, near the palace, dialogue from the court had already spread out from a nearby tavern.
Dongfang Marquis Zhong Shan—this name quickly became remembered by countless people, deeply etched into their minds. Remembered once, and then again.
The top scholar of the Great Luo Celestial Dynasty? Few remembered. Who was the military commander robbed by small-timers a few days ago in jest? No one paid much attention, at most considering it a joke.
But this moment's Zhong Shan made people start seriously remembering, and they began to dig into this person's legends—not just any legends, but exceedingly legendary ones.
With one person's wisdom, overturning two major dynasties within fifteen years? This, this is impossible?
What? With one article, summoning heavenly retribution, making heaven and earth intolerant? Impossible.
What? Fifteen billion spirit stones? Hundreds of billions of spirit stones, how could he possibly have so many spirit stones? If I had them, I wouldn't need to do anything else in the future, just cultivate. I could even entice many dao companions to cultivate together.
The East Sea Dragon Palace expelled the Dragon Clan to fight for him? Is that possible?
What? What is the Heavenly Collapse Plan? Heavenly Collapse First Layer? Heavenly Collapse Second Layer? Heavenly Collapse Third Layer? Heavenly Collapse Fourth Layer? What are those?
Fengshui Great Array? Youyou Mansion's Rotating Hall? What are those?
Disregarding the titles of Duke and promoting to Third Rank Assistant Minister of Personnel, a large number of merits, and he just wants to be a constable for a month? Has he gone mad? Is this real or fake?
Zhong Shan's story began to slowly spread throughout the Ancient Holy Capital.
This was just the beginning, merely the initial spark. Next, the common people would surely 'discover' evidence of Zhong Shan's legends, undoubtedly not fabricated!
Under the banner of the Great Rong Chamber of Commerce, the Yunlai Inn officially began promoting Zhong Shan, creating the most legendary momentum for Zhong Shan!
Everything proceeded in an orderly manner, and Zhong Shan himself, accompanied by Zhihuo, arrived outside Princess Qianyou's mansion!
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