Warhammer 40: Starting as a Rogue Trader

Chapter 273 It Feels Great to Have Power
The current Pope, Lester, who is also a member of the High Lords, was waiting outside. Also present with him were the Minister of the Interior, Iltu, Uranan of the Navigator family, the traveling merchant, and Kania, the representative of the merchant trade.

These four men happened to be high lords who were about to fall from power during Guilliman's reforms.

Even dressed in magnificent robes, they maintained their dignity upon meeting Guilliman and Firus, showing no sign of humility.

When Pope Lester saw Guilliman and Firth striding toward the group, he glanced at the other three and went to greet them.

He bowed slightly and spoke in a respectful tone.

"Great divine sons, Lester, the most loyal servant of the Divine Emperor, welcomes you. Under your leadership, the Empire will surely regain its glory."

However, Guilliman and Firus did not give him a friendly look.

Despite Guilliman and Firth ignoring him, Lester remained composed and showed no change in expression.

"Four High Lords, this should be our first meeting."

"Indeed, we all took over the position of High Lord after you fell into slumber. We have served diligently every day in this position, and have worked hard to maintain and uphold the Emperor's rule over this vast empire. We are delighted by your return, and we all believe that under your leadership, the empire will regain its former glory."

And we will continue to assist you in managing the empire from this position.

As the leader of the four, Irtu took the initiative to reply.

The implication was clear: while you were away, it was we who maintained the Empire's rule over humanity, we who prevented the crumbling Empire from collapsing completely, and if you wish to retain our rights, we will use our power to help you.

The reason why Irtu dared to say these words was because the four of them held several vital lifelines of the empire.

Faith, trade, navigation, and political rights.

Over the years, he has controlled a large number of important officials through interests or leverage, and they still believe that Guilliman cannot control the entire empire without them.

"You must be the Minister of the Interior, Irtu?"

"It is my honor that the great Primarch remembers my name."

"I am not denying your contributions to the empire, but is the empire now the result of your rule? When I woke up, I did not see a better empire, but an empire that was complacent and heading towards death."

I believe in your loyalty to the Emperor, but this is just a list of achievements you want to boast about to me.

I hope that at the High Lords' Conference I have met with the Empress, you will be able to provide more evidence demonstrating your competence to remain in this position.

After saying this, Guilliman and Felix walked past the crowd toward the cathedral.

Upon hearing Guilliman's words, the faces of Iltu and his group also darkened. They had already expressed their willingness to assist Guilliman, which was their concession, but Guilliman had no intention of negotiating at all and was clearly determined to fight them to the end.

Rather than replacing these people whom Guilliman deemed unqualified, Guilliman preferred to replace them with people he believed in and who were more capable.

Having learned about the current state of the Empire, Guilliman was certain that the current high lords were incapable of supporting him in completing his next grand plan.

Gao Yi watched these defeated lords, and in his eyes, their behavior resembled a struggle before death.

Having become accustomed to political struggles, they still think of using political struggles and bargaining chips to maintain their rule.

But Guilliman clearly had no intention of playing those games with them. It was all futile before absolute power; political power only comes from the barrel of a gun. The four of them restrained themselves, not daring to let Guilliman and Feralas utter any wild words. But since they couldn't do anything to the Primarch, they decided to first demonstrate their power by dealing with those they considered followers of the Primarch.

And that target is Gao Yi.

After learning what the other party had done in Cardia, the High Lords knew that Gao Yi played a very important role in Cardia, but they did not believe that it was Gao Yi's own power, but rather came from the Primarch, and that Gao Yi was just an administrator under the Primarch.

At the same request of the High Lord, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Military Affairs became unusually efficient.

Gao Yi's appearance and all the information they knew about him were memorized by these high lords.

When they saw Gao Yi, they recognized him.

As Guilliman and Felus walked forward, Gao Yi followed, but Iltu blocked his way.

"Are you Gao Yi Mengget? This is a celebration for the children of the gods. As a wandering merchant, you are not qualified to participate. According to the joint resolution of the High Lord Council, many of your actions have violated the laws of the Empire. Even if you are a wandering merchant, you cannot be exempt. According to the joint resolution of the High Lords, you will be taken to the court for review by the Empire."

You need to explain everything you've done—the technology, the aliens! Otherwise, you'll be considered a traitor and a heretic!

Kania, acting as the spokesperson for the traveling merchant ronin, stood directly in front of Gao Yi.

Although the traveling merchants were relatively independent, Kania, as a high lord, still exercised restraint over them.

Most trade warrants need to be reviewed by her after they are issued.

Just as Gao Yigang was about to declare himself a living saint, Lester also stepped forward and spoke up.

"I know you have the title of Living Saint in the expanded region, but ultimately you still need to be certified by the Terra State Church to truly possess the rights of a Living Saint, and right now your status as a Living Saint is illegal!"

The high lords were thinking, "The Son of God can ignore me, but what makes you, a mere merchant and wanderer, worthy of this title? A living saint?" Lester thought, "How many living saints have I seen already?"
After all, not all living saints are blessed by the emperor. Some great heroes are also recognized as living saints. And within the vast territory of the empire, there is no shortage of heroic deeds. Every star sector may produce heroic figures.

However, they did not see any fear on Gao Yi's face.

Just as Lester was about to order his soldiers to detain Gao Yi, the Imperial Guards stopped them.

Trajan stood directly in front of Leicester.

"Lord Gao Yi doesn't need to be investigated! His status as a living saint was personally bestowed by the Emperor! Lester, do you still think his status as a living saint is illegitimate?!"

"The Emperor himself bestowed this title upon Commander Trajan! This is a resolution of the High Lords Council, and it is entirely in accordance with the laws of the Empire!"

“I also have a seat in the Highlords Council, and I do not approve of your decision! Please step aside!”

Guilliman and Firus, who had already walked forward, also returned.

"Pope Lester! Lord Kania, Lord Gao Yi is a hero of Kadia. All his actions are permitted by me and Felus. You are not qualified to know about those aliens and technologies. If so, would that still be against the laws of the Empire? He will be attending the celebration with us."

Seeing that the two Primarchs were protecting Gao Yi, the four of them said nothing more. They knew that their war with the Primarchs had officially begun.

Seeing the defeated expressions on the faces of the high lords, Gao Yi had to admit that it felt really good to have power and influence.

(End of this chapter)