334: The Daqian Emperor who wants to eliminate the Lu family!

Chapter 332: The Great Qian Emperor Who Wants to Eliminate the Lu Family!

Royal Palace of Great Qian!

Smash!

The gilded imperial desk was shattered by a single palm strike, memorials scattering like snowflakes.

The Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty, Qianxi Emperor, his dark dragon robe billowed without wind, and the jade beads on his twelve-stringed imperial crown violently clashed, emitting urgent crisp sounds.

"What a Grand Tutor!"

"What a Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces!"

The Qianxi Emperor, nearing thirty years old, his voice was nearly hoarse, and veins bulged on his neck.

The next moment, the Qianxi Emperor violently grabbed the urgent report from the Ministry of War and fiercely slammed it below the imperial steps—

"Ten thousand Tiger's Roar Guard!"

"Shattering the Xuan Iron gate of the Heavenly Prison!"

"Is this my good mentor?"

"Does he even see me in his eyes anymore!"

Every word from the Qianxi Emperor seemed squeezed out from between his teeth, filled with boundless hatred.

"Minister Chen, for the matters concerning the three of you, I will see justice done!"

After venting his fury, the Qianxi Emperor suddenly composed his angry expression, and the cursing gradually subsided in the empty hall.

He raised his hand and smoothed over the swirling cloud patterns on his dragon robe, his fingertip brushing against a cracked gold thread in a certain spot, only then realizing that in his recent rage he had torn his court attire.

Immediately, the Qianxi Emperor's gaze, sharp as a hawk, suddenly turned towards the steps below, where a flash of purple official robe slightly swayed in the candlelight.

A white-haired, long-bearded Old Man stood with his head bowed, beads of sweat not yet wiped away gathered in his wrinkles, yet his back was held perfectly straight—

It was precisely the veteran of three dynasties, the Great Qian Chancellor Zhao Xian.

"Minister Zhao."

"Tell me, how should we resolve this?"

Currently, the Lu Family alone can control the armed forces of the entire realm.

To put it simply, it is already quite remarkable that the Lu Family has not rebelled.

The Qianxi Emperor's fingertips rubbed against the chi dragon relief on the armrest of the imperial chair, the sharp claw-like patterns digging painfully into his palm.

"The pillar of Great Qian?"

The Qianxi Emperor suddenly chuckled lowly. What does that make him, the Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty?

The Great Qian Dynasty has only ever had one pillar, and that is I!

The Qianxi Emperor had long harbored murderous intent towards the Lu Family; this behemoth that had dominated the court for many years was always a thorn in his side.

However, the existence of the Lu Family's pillar—Lu Xuan—forced this supreme ruler to endure until now.

As one of the Great Qian Dynasty's only three Supreme Grandmasters, Lu Xuan not only possessed heaven-shattering Martial Dao cultivation but also held the military power of the entire realm.

It was known throughout the court and common folk that even the Qianxi Emperor had to be wary of him.

There were even rumors among the populace that if Lu Xuan were truly to lead troops into the Royal Palace, even the Son of Heaven could only remain silent—

Such power had already surpassed the limits of a subject.

Zhao Xian stepped forward slowly with a solemn expression and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, this matter is peculiar."

"Grand Tutor Lu has always been upright and forthright; his actions this time are completely different from usual."

His brows were deeply furrowed as he continued to analyze, "Previously, when Lu Haowu was imprisoned, Grand Tutor Lu was clearly impartial and showed no intention of favoritism."

"Based on this old subject's understanding of him, such a reckless act as raiding the Heavenly Prison is absolutely not his style."

Speaking of this, a trace of doubt flashed in Zhao Xian's eyes: "When this subject first heard of this matter, I thought it was someone clueless spreading rumors. But now..."

Until now, Zhao Xian believed it.

Because not only did Lu Jinyun appear holding the military tally, but even the reclusive old steward Old Steward Li from the Lu Family personally took action.

This was clearly the instruction of that old fellow, Lu Xuan.

Thinking of this, Zhao Xian's expression suddenly changed, and he lowered his voice, "Could it be... that old fellow has already seen through our scheme?"

Zhao Xian unconsciously furrowed his brows.

It was precisely he who had meticulously planned and arranged for his daughter Zhao Ningxue to scheme and frame Lu Haowu.

The intention was to start with the younger generation of the Lu Family and gradually dismantle this behemoth.

Now it seems this move might have been seen through by that old fellow, Lu Xuan.

The events of that year were still vivid.

The death of Lu Haowu's birth father, Lu Jintian, was originally a trap deliberately set by the Qianxi Emperor and Zhao Xian.

Now looking at this little bastard left behind by Lu Jintian, his Martial Dao talent was gradually becoming apparent.

It was surprisingly identical to how he was back then.

Thinking of this terrifying consequence, the Qianxi Emperor's hands hidden in his dragon sleeves unconsciously clenched.

"We must absolutely not allow the Lu Family Bloodline to continue growing..."

A trace of ruthlessness flashed in the Emperor's eyes.

He knew better than anyone that one Lu Xuan was already a thorn in the side of the imperial Family.

If another Lu clan Grandmaster were to emerge, the Great Qian empire might have to change its surname.

Sharp light suddenly burst forth from Zhao Xian's eyes. He quickly stepped forward, suddenly stopping three feet from the imperial desk, and said in a low voice.

"Your Majesty, this is a heaven-sent opportunity!"

His fingers hidden in his brocade sleeves trembled slightly uncontrollably, yet he still forcefully suppressed the ecstasy in his heart.

"Lu Jinyun is audacious; he dared to unauthorizedly mobilize troops and force his way into the Heavenly Prison. According to the 'Great Qian Law,' this is a crime punishable by extermination of the nine familial generations."

"If that old fellow dares to protect him..."

When Zhao Xian reached this point, he suddenly glanced left and right, confirmed that everyone in the hall was his own people, and disregarding the etiquette between ruler and subject, he directly leaned towards the imperial desk, his voice almost inaudible.

"This humble subject believes this is the perfect opportunity for us to clip the wings of the Lu Family."

His withered fingers lightly traced across the desk, "Either force Lu Xuan to personally hand over the rebellious son and his confidants, making him sever his own arms."

"Or..." Zhao Xian suddenly closed his five fingers into a fist, making a strangling gesture.

"We can then seize this great opportunity to strip him of his military authority, completely justifiably!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Zhao Xian suddenly realized his impropriety.

He quickly stepped back three paces, tidied his somewhat disheveled court attire, and resumed a respectful posture, saying, "However, this matter still requires careful deliberation."

"This old subject believes the strategy for reclaiming power should first be to intimidate with thunderous force, and then proceed gradually."

Zhao Xian raised his wrinkled eyes, carefully observing the Qianxi Emperor's expression.

"Grand Tutor Lu has been operating for many years; his old subordinates in the military are spread throughout the court and populace."

"We might as well first use this matter to probe his bottom line, and then one by one gather in his old subordinates."

Zhao Xian bowed and stood in the hall, sinister light flickering in his cloudy eyes: "For this, this old subject has planned comprehensively for Your Majesty and can certainly resolve this major hidden danger."

His withered fingers trembled slightly in his sleeve, but his voice was unusually steady.

"Firstly, at tomorrow's morning court, using the Heavenly Prison being raided as a reason, before the entire court of civil and military officials, force Grand Tutor Lu to give an account."

"Secondly, under the guise of purging rebellious elements, gradually transfer the military power of the Black Tortoise and Vermilion Bird camps within Qianning City to the control of Your Majesty's trusted confidants."

"Thirdly..."

Zhao Xian suddenly lowered his voice, leaned in, and said beside the Qianxi Emperor's ear, "Send people to continue eliminating the direct Bloodline of the Lu Family."

"This old subject has already ordered people to secretly monitor the descendants of each branch of the Lu Family, only waiting for Your Majesty's approval."

Upon hearing this, terrifying brilliance burst forth from the Qianxi Emperor's eyes.

The humiliation of being suppressed by the Lu Family for many years now entirely transformed into burning ambition.

He suddenly slammed the desk and stood up, his dragon robe fluttering, fully displaying imperial majesty: "Good!"

"Minister Zhao is truly my trusted aide!"

"Issue the decree!"

The Qianxi Emperor's voice echoed within the Golden Throne Hall, "At tomorrow's morning court, I want to see with my own eyes how long this rebel can remain rampant!"

Startling thunder exploded outside the hall, illuminating the Emperor's ferocious face.

The humiliation of the Great Qian Dynasty being constrained by the Lu Family for over sixty years, it was time to make an end of it.

The Qianxi Emperor swore a poisonous oath in his heart.

If he did not exterminate the entire Lu Family, he swore he was not worthy to be a ruler!

The next day, the morning sun just rose.

The morning light penetrated the carved window lattices, casting dappled light and shadow on the bluestone floor of the Lu Family's main hall.

These four core figures of the Lu Family, all over forty years old, were gathered together at this moment, each exuding the killing intent of seasoned veterans.

The white morning light plated their figures with a sharp outline.

The Second Young Master, Lu Jinyun, stood in the hall wearing a dark brocade robe, a green jade token symbolizing the Lu Family's authority hung at his waist.

As the de facto manager of the Lu Family, his brows held the composure and shrewdness accumulated over twenty years of handling Family affairs.

The Third Young Master, Lu Jinhua, wore the standard armor of the Valiant Tiger Army, the nine gilded tiger patterns on his chest shining brilliantly under the light.

This youngest Major General of the Great Qian Dynasty, with the cultivation of a Martial Dao Grandmaster at Major Accomplishment, caused the air within three zhang around him to stagnate.

As the existence second only to Lu Xuan in the army, his every move and gesture fully displayed the demeanor of a general.

The Fourth Young Master, Lu Jinwu, wore a Vermilion Bird patterned gold belt around his waist, a crimson longsword hung diagonally at his side.

As the commander of the Vermilion Bird Army in Qianning City, his Xiaocheng Grandmaster Aura was like a blazing inferno.

Even when deliberately restrained, one could still feel the burning fighting intent.

His five thousand Vermilion Bird Guard were arguably the sharpest blade of the Lu Family.

The Fifth Young Master, Lu Jinzhang's Black Tortoise iron armor gleamed with a faint light, the sharpness of a newly entered Grandmaster flowing in his eyes.

Although this youngest commander remained silent, the heavy Aura of the fifty thousand Black Tortoise Guard had already integrated into every inch of his muscle and skin.

The hall was silent; the four Young Masters simultaneously cast their gazes towards the main seat.

There, Lu Xuan's figure appeared exceptionally majestic in the morning sun.

In the morning light, Lu Jinyun suddenly took a step forward, amazing brilliance bursting forth from his eyes: "Father!"

"Haowu, he..." Lu Jinyun's voice trembled slightly with excitement.

"Not only have his injuries healed, but he has even broken through to Inner Qi Great Perfection in one go!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall suddenly fell silent.

The Third Young Master, Lu Jinhua's pupils contracted abruptly, and the hand under his armor unconsciously clenched.

The Fourth Young Master, Lu Jinwu's Vermilion Bird battle robe billowed without wind; his Grandmaster-level perception instantly made him understand the weight of these words.

The Fifth Young Master, Lu Jinzhang suddenly raised his head, his Black Tortoise iron armor emitting a crisp clanging sound.

The three of them did not dare to leave their respective military camps without their Father's command.

Therefore, their understanding of Lu Haowu was still at the news of him being sent to the Heavenly Prison by their Father.

Although they were very anxious, they did not dare to leave the military camps in the face of their Father's authority.

Because their Father would truly punish them.

It wasn't until yesterday, when Lu Jinyun sent someone with a message, that the three of them dared to leave the military camps and return to the Family.

They also learned the news of Lu Haowu being crippled.

Immediately after, Lu Jinyun took a deep breath and continued, "This child saw it with his own eyes."

"Haowu's true energy within him is like a dragon; he has already reached the Peak of the Inner Qi Realm!"

Lu Jinyun's voice became increasingly excited, "With his talent, given time..."

He did not finish, but everyone present understood the implied meaning.

The six realms of Great Qian Martial Dao: Third-rate, Second-rate, and First-rate are merely ordinary martial artists.

Inner Energy, Grandmaster, and Supreme Grandmaster are the true paths to heaven.

And Lu Haowu, at just twenty-four years old, had already touched the threshold of Inner Qi Great Perfection!

What this meant, the four people present knew better than anyone.

It meant that the Lu Family's rise and fall for the next hundred years would all depend on Haowu.

A Genius with the potential to achieve the Supreme Grandmaster realm, the Lu Family must protect him at all costs.

Lu Jinyun's eyes were bright and piercing, terrifying light shooting forth from them.

Not to mention that Haowu was framed by others.

Even if it were true, Lu Jinyun would risk his life to protect Lu Haowu.

"Father, please discern clearly."

Lu Jinyun suddenly knelt on one knee, his voice carrying suppressed anger.

"Haowu said it himself: that day, he clearly saw Miss Zhao being kidnapped and was framed when he stepped in to save her."

He suddenly raised his head, killing intent filling his eyes, "This is fundamentally a meticulously designed scheme!"

"Someone is targeting our Lu Family in the dark!"

Lu Jinyun did not state it explicitly, but who among those present did not know?

Looking across the entire Great Qian Dynasty, those who dared to lay such a vicious hand on the Lu Family were no more than a handful.

And among them, the most motivated, the most capable...

"Old dog Zhao Xian!"

Lu Jinwu suddenly roared, "It must be that old scoundrel who set the trap!"

The hall suddenly fell into a strange silence; the impassioned angry shouts of the four Lu Jinyun abruptly stopped.

On the surface, they were filled with righteous indignation, but in reality, their gazes unconsciously drifted towards Lu Xuan on the main seat.

In each person's eyes, a trace of almost imperceptible unease flashed.

Lu Jinyun's clenched fists trembled slightly, his knuckles turning white from excessive force.

He knew better than anyone that the scheme before them was flawlessly executed—Zhao Ningxue's testimony, the identification by passersby, and even the "torn" clothing as physical evidence.

The entire chain of evidence was perfectly despair-inducing.

"Father..." Lu Jinyun's voice suddenly dropped a few octaves, his earlier momentum receding like a tide

"Regarding Haowu's case... this child is powerless. I beg you to show leniency; I am willing to take the punishment for Haowu!"

Beside him, Lu Jinhua's body under the gilded armor trembled almost imperceptibly.

He recalled how twenty years ago, his Father had personally sent his third uncle, who violated military orders, to the execution block.

Even though that person was his own cousin.

The Vermilion Bird sword had been sheathed at some point; Lu Jinwu lowered his head, the flame patterns on his battle robe dimming slightly.

He secretly glanced at the main seat, afraid of seeing the familiar, impartial cold light in his Father's eyes.

The youngest, Lu Jinzhang, even unconsciously took half a step back, his Black Tortoise iron armor emitting a slight clanging sound.

He suddenly realized that his earlier impassioned speech might have been precisely because they all harbored the same fear deep down—

Fear that their Father would, as before, abandon his own Bloodline for the sake of "righteousness."

The morning light in the hall grew brighter, casting the shadows of the four generals long, yet they could never reach the figure on the main seat, majestic as a towering Peak.

Everyone was waiting, waiting for the voice that could decide Lu Haowu's life.

Lu Xuan sat upright in the Grand Tutor's chair, his knuckles tapping the armrest one by one, producing a dull sound.

"In that case, let those human witnesses and physical evidence disappear!"

"And that woman, make her shut up too!"

His tone was so calm, as if he was talking about a trivial matter.

For problems that cannot be solved, Lu Xuan generally likes to slaughter the person who raised the problem.

That way, there would be no trouble at all.