Chapter 2237: No need for help, can seek justice on my own

"Shaking the foundation of the nation?" Zu'an said blandly. "Then why didn't you step forward to uphold justice when they launched a coup in the capital a few days ago, slaughtering countless ministers, and even leaving the Empress Dowager's fate unknown?"

Situ Dujian explained, "That night, events unfolded so quickly that by the time we understood what was happening, the dust had already settled. Afterwards, we reasoned that it was ultimately just an internal power struggle within the palace, and we generally don't interfere in such matters."

Zu'an sneered, "Oh, so why are you getting involved now?"

Seeing this, the Five Dukes exchanged glances, each hesitating to speak.

Zu'an said calmly, "Even if you don't say it, I know. Previously, you viewed it merely as a conflict between the Empress Dowager's faction and the Empress's faction. Regardless of who won or lost, the power would remain within the imperial family. But I am different. I am merely an outsider with no foundation. If I were to kill your imperial relatives, it would likely bring great shame to the imperial family and make them a laughingstock to the world."

Hearing this, the Five Dukes laughed awkwardly, unsure how to respond.

Prince Yiyang, Zhao Song, said, "Regent, I know you harbor resentment. How about this: today, you spare Zhao Huang and hand him over to the imperial court for judgment. I guarantee you here and now that justice will be served."

A flicker of indignation crossed Jiang Luofu's face. Her father had met such a fate precisely because he had trusted the imperial law too much. However, at this moment, she didn't want to make things difficult for Zu'an, so she said nothing.

At that moment, Zu'an glanced back at her, giving her a warm look, as if he had read her thoughts.

Jiang Luofu's face flushed slightly. She hadn't noticed it before, but now she realized this young man was quite adept at flirting.

"What does the Regent think?" Seeing his silence, Prince Yiyang thought he was considering it and breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Zu'an smiled. "Justice? I don't need others to serve it to me; I can take it myself."

With that, he lightly touched Prince Yi's forehead with his finger. Prince Yi shuddered, and all life left his body instantly.

The surrounding soldiers swallowed hard at the sight. The Regent was truly ruthless.

Even Prince Yi's most trusted direct subordinates harbored no thoughts of revenge at this moment. Each one kept their head bowed low, terrified of incurring Zu'an's wrath.

"You!" Prince Yiyang roared, enraged. "Is the Regent planning a rebellion?"

As one of the Eight Dukes, he had been revered for years; even Zhao Hao had always been polite to him. He felt he had given Zu'an enough face just now, yet this young man showed him no respect at all.

Hearing his words, the other four Dukes' expressions changed, and they instinctively shifted away from him, creating some distance.

Seeing this, Prince Yiyang was fuming. These men, usually so full of bluster, were now acting so cowardly and timid. The court had supported them for years, yet when their collective strength was needed, they actually backed down?

"Prince Yiyang, that's too much," said the most handsome of the five elders, clearing his throat. This was Jade Grand Elder Yu Rui. "Regent, Prince Yiyang is merely concerned for the safety of the imperial family members. It was a slip of the tongue; please don't hold it against him." The Jade family had close ties with Zu'an, making him the most suitable mediator.

The other three elders also shot Prince Yiyang an exasperated glare. What was he thinking, pushing Zu'an towards rebellion? If Zu'an truly rebelled, could he possibly be contained?

Hearing his old friends' private spiritual transmissions urging caution, Prince Yiyang felt even more indignant. As one of the Eight Dukes, he had been revered everywhere for years, yet because of this young man, the Eight Dukes had lost all their prestige. Especially after Grand Preceptor Zhao Chen was simply killed the last time, he felt both fear and suppressed rage. Was this Great Zhou empire still truly the Zhao family's domain? Young princes and imperial descendants were killed at Zu'an's whim, and even an imperial elder, one of the Eight Dukes, had been slain by him. This time, in front of so many people, he showed even less mercy, successively slaughtering imperial family members like Prince Yi, Zhao Quan, and Zhao Zhang. Their gentle persuasion had no effect whatsoever. Did he even have any regard for the Eight Dukes?

Suddenly, he felt a strong sense of responsibility and mission, believing that as a member of the imperial family, he was the last pillar upholding the Zhao family's empire. If he retreated again, the heavens truly would change.

"If you don't dare to speak, then I will," Zhao Song declared loudly. "Zu'an, you've killed so many powerful imperial relatives recently. What exactly are you trying to do?"

Zu'an did not reply, but Jiang Luofu couldn't help but interject, "Grand Commandant, you worry too much. These incidents were all instigated by those very people. The Libationer merely acted in passive defense. The truth of the matter, I believe, is clear to everyone in the capital with discerning eyes."

Prince Yiyang's eyes widened in fury. "We are discussing important matters! What right do you have to interrupt?" A terrifying pressure swept towards Jiang Luofu. "I may not be able to control Zu'an, but I can certainly control you!"

Though Jiang Luofu was a skilled martial artist, each of the Eight Dukes was just a step away from becoming an Earth Immortal, and some might have secretly achieved that breakthrough. How could she possibly resist? Seeing this, Jiang Boyang grew anxious, wanting to step forward and help. However, he was severely injured and lacked the strength. Even if he hadn't been injured, his cultivation was far below that of the Eight Dukes. Just as he despaired, he suddenly saw Zu'an step in front of his daughter. Zu'an made no move, yet the terrifying pressure that had been bearing down on her completely vanished.

"Thank you..." Jiang Luofu was momentarily stunned, then a faint smile appeared on her face.

Yun Yuqing's expression was peculiar. *This guy really doesn't miss an opportunity to flirt with women,* she thought. *But those legs are indeed beautiful, and those black stockings are simply unbeatable. So, Ah Zu likes this type? Maybe I'll find a chance to wear them for him.*

Only then did Zu'an look at Prince Yiyang. "Grand Commandant, isn't it rather unbecoming to bully a junior like this?"

Prince Yiyang snorted, "Who told this woman to disregard proper etiquette?"

"Etiquette?" Zu'an scoffed. "Just because you've advanced to Earth Immortal, do you assume the entire world must abide by your rules?"

Everyone looked at Prince Yiyang with a touch of surprise, realizing why he was so emboldened this time. It seemed his increased cultivation made him feel capable of a fight.

Prince Yiyang's breath hitched, enraged, but Zu'an had just effortlessly dissipated his pressure, making his true depth unfathomable. He didn't want to dwell on that topic. "Hmph, let's talk about why you've successively killed so many members of the imperial family. This young lady says you merely retaliated, but I've heard rumors that you're a descendant of the previous dynasty's imperial family. If that's true, your motives for all of this become rather intriguing."

The other four Dukes frowned slightly. They had indeed heard this rumor, but bringing it up so directly was quite reckless. What if he truly was a descendant of the previous dynasty? Wouldn't that be forcing him to rebel?

"Imperial descendant?" Zu'an chuckled. "I had almost forgotten about that. Yes, there are indeed such rumors, and I myself cannot even discern their truth."

"Are you admitting it?" Prince Yiyang said coldly.

"What if I am, what if I'm not?" Zu'an's expression remained calm. "I am who I am. Being an imperial descendant of the previous dynasty won't give me any advantage, nor will having once been a good-for-nothing youth from Brightmoon City make me despised. Perhaps you value lineage, the throne, and such, but to me, these are merely fleeting clouds."

"Heh, easy for you to say," Prince Yiyang said, seizing the opportunity. "Since you don't care about these things, then why don't you voluntarily resign from your position as Regent? Then we'll believe that your previous actions had no other motives."

The other four Dukes hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back. He was trying to use this opportunity to eliminate Zu'an. Indeed, Zu'an had been an unstable factor lately, but wasn't this too rash? Jiang Luofu and Yun Yuqing were deeply worried. If Zu'an agreed, it would play right into their enemies' hands. But if he refused, wouldn't it confirm Prince Yiyang's earlier accusation of his malicious intent? This move was truly venomous.

Prince Yiyang also felt a surge of triumph. His move was brilliant. In his view, Zu'an would almost certainly refuse to relinquish power, which would provide a legitimate pretext to brand him a malevolent remnant of the previous dynasty. Then, the full might of the empire could be brought against him. Though Zu'an's cultivation was high, how could he possibly contend with an entire nation? As he was contemplating his subsequent plans, he suddenly felt a weight on his shoulder and was startled. Zu'an had vanished from his previous spot and appeared beside him, his hand resting on Prince Yiyang's shoulder.

Zu'an sighed. "A gentleman can be deceived by proper means, which is why, throughout history, gentlemen often lose to people like you. Unfortunately, I am no gentleman."

Prince Yiyang's hair stood on end. He had only recently broken through to Earth Immortal, greatly increasing his lifespan, and his confidence and strength were at their peak. He believed that even if he couldn't defeat Zu'an, he could at least put up a fight. Yet now, he hadn't even seen when his opponent approached. "Zu'an, how dare you! I am..." His words abruptly ceased. His eyes were wide open, filled with disbelief. He was dead!