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Chapter 504 Threat
Lu Qing frowned deeply, seemingly pondering how credible the fake fortress lord's words were.

From his reaction, Zhu Yu could roughly guess that at least part of what the fake fortress lord had said was true. Lu Qing must have really tried to find out more information, but all his attempts were blocked, making it impossible to investigate the past.

Zhu Yu silently observed the fake fortress lord. In the past, she could handle even highly decomposed corpses without expression, let alone a mere disfigured face.

No matter how ferocious or terrifying a face is, you'll become numb to it after seeing it a few times, and it won't frighten her.

She wanted to glean some clues from the fake lord's face, to see if he had painstakingly fabricated a whole host of stories to deceive Lu Qing.

Although the story of Lu Qing's clan being massacred overnight would never be pleasant to hear from Lu Qing, and would inevitably be a source of sorrow, Zhu Yu simply disliked it coming from the mouth of the fake fortress lord, a person of unknown identity and unclear intentions.

Or, someone like the fake lord, who commits evil deeds outside and is ruthless and inhumane, even if he really knows the truth, it seems like a desecration to the deceased to hear him tell the stories of Lu Qing's grandfather, father, and other clansmen.

However, the fake lord's expression was very calm and natural. At least in Zhu Yu's opinion, he did not seem to be bluffing or laying the groundwork for telling a story. Instead, he really knew something and was very clear that he knew these inside stories and would definitely be able to control Lu Qing.

Lu Qing remained silent, seemingly struggling with his own thoughts. The fake lord didn't urge him, patiently waiting for him to speak.

The talisman and runes couldn't help but turn around and quickly look at Lu Qing with some concern.

For a moment, the strange house where the high priest was in seclusion was quiet. Although there were five living people there, it seemed empty and there was no movement at all.

After a long while, Lu Qing finally spoke, his tone still carrying a hint of suspicion as he asked the fake lord, "What do you know about what happened back then?"

The moment the fake fortress lord heard Lu Qing speak, the muscles in his cheeks relaxed, and then he grinned: "That's right! If you want to know, just ask directly!"

I went to all the way here just to be honest with you and tell you everything!
As you probably know, when Emperor Jin was just a prince, the late emperor originally intended to support him, but the ministers in the court each had their own agendas, which led to the bloody battle for the throne that year.

Your grandfather, along with your father and your clansmen, achieved numerous military exploits and were of the highest rank in the process of following Emperor Jin.

Once the situation was settled, your grandfather and his family were only one step away from immense wealth and glory.

Ironically, it was precisely because they were too upright and incorruptible that they brought trouble upon themselves and their entire tribe.

Zhu Yu felt disgusted by this fake fortress lord, but as he listened to his story, he couldn't help but want to know the truth about what happened back then, and his feelings became complicated.

Lu Qing simply frowned, remaining silent and showing no further expression as he listened quietly to the fake fortress lord speak.

"At that time, Emperor Jin had basically already ascended the throne; he just needed to wait for an auspicious day to perform the enthronement ceremony and receive court officials."

After all, the journey had been fraught with peril, fraught with near-death experiences. Emperor Jin was not exactly a magnanimous or benevolent man. Now that the situation was finally settled and victory was assured, he naturally wanted to vent the pent-up resentment in his heart. At that time, the prince who had fought him most fiercely had already died in battle, but he still had several half-brothers who had initially chosen to support or follow that prince.

Emperor Jin had harbored resentment towards them for a long time. At that time, with the instigation of some people, he planned to order the execution of all those princes as a warning to future generations.

However, your grandfather and father disagreed. They believed that these people should be stripped of their military power and sent to remote fiefdoms, where their every move should be monitored. As long as they did not harbor any further rebellious intentions, they should be allowed to live a life of comfort and peace until their old age.

Your grandfather believed that those princes only had different stances from Emperor Jin, and had not committed any heinous crimes, nor had they directly threatened Emperor Jin's life. If they were to kill their own brothers for this reason, it would not be the behavior of a benevolent ruler.

Even if things were at their worst, and they couldn't swallow this insult, at most they could only be demoted to commoners. As long as they no longer posed a threat to Emperor Jin, that would be enough. There was really no need to make a scene that resulted in their heads rolling.

He joined forces with several meritorious officials to strongly dissuade him, arguing with reason and even threatening to resign and retire to his hometown.

Emperor Jin's great cause had just been established, and his foundation was not yet stable. He dared not make the slightest mistake. If the meritorious officials who had followed him all the way retired to their hometowns, it would inevitably arouse criticism and he would be accused of "discarding the millstone after it has served its purpose." Therefore, he had no choice but to reluctantly compromise and did not order the execution of his brothers.

However, this incident left a thorn in Emperor Jin's side, making him realize that while these meritorious officials who had followed and supported him were naturally unquestionable when they were of one mind with him, they seemed to raise their voices a bit too loudly when their views differed from his own.

The fake fortress lord paused, looked up at Lu Qing, and suddenly raised his hand.

The talisman immediately gripped his sword and took a step forward to meet them.

However, the fake fortress lord did not intend to launch a sneak attack. He simply pointed at Lu Qing and said, "Among them, your grandfather's branch is the most prominent."

Others are only so powerful because of their past contributions; they are still subjects after all. Even if they were given the audacity to overstep their bounds, they would not dare to do so.

But your family members are different.

You are surnamed Lu, and you are blood relatives of the royal family. Even if you are only from a collateral branch, you are already quite distinguished and different from ordinary people.

Your grandfather and father were highly regarded in the court. Many veteran officials, whose stance might still be wavering if it weren't for your grandfather's choice to support Emperor Jin, decided to follow your family after seeing your family's decision.

So if it were you, how would you view such relatives?
A member of the royal family, of upright character and benevolent heart, he not only had the unparalleled merit of helping the emperor ascend the throne, but also had a group of court officials willing to follow him.

Unfortunately, this very person has now clashed with his younger brother, who hasn't even settled into his new position yet, forcing the younger brother to compromise.

"You are Emperor Jin, what do you think?"

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