Human Clan Defender-Chapter 736 - s 77 to 80 Human Path True Dragon, Five Demon Gods (Four in One, Seeking Monthly Tickets)_4

"That gentleman is right. Thanks to Defender Shen being our Great Qin's Defender Envoy, if he had been from Great Liang or Dayue, it is likely Great Qin would be the one submitting today."

"The former Emperor truly had foresight, appointing Defender Shen as the Great Qin Defender before his passing. With such a powerful figure present, Great Qin has no worries."

"I've heard that the troubles caused by Demon Evils have significantly decreased, but the Demon-Subduing Division is still constantly recruiting. I need to find some time to see if I can join the Demon-Subduing Division."

"If I could witness Defender Shen's magnificent presence, I would be completely content."

Some wore expressions of longing. Soon after, someone else shook their head and chuckled, "The Demon-Subduing Division isn't a place just anyone can enter. They only recruit people with a certain talent in Martial Arts. Someone like our friend Zhang here, still lingering in the Body Tempering Realm in his twenties, probably won't be able to get in."

"Indeed, indeed—" a few others chimed in teasingly.

The topic of conversation gradually drifted further and further off point.

「—」

"Your Majesty, those two from Great Liang and Dayue have almost entered the inner city." Wu Gan reported in a low voice.

Gu Xing nodded. "Mm, let them be granted an audience in the Imperial Garden."

"Yes!"

After speaking, Wu Gan did not immediately leave. Seeing this, Gu Xing said calmly, "You have served by my side for many years, and I trust you considerably. If there is anything on your mind, feel free to speak directly."

"Then I shall be presumptuous enough to say a few words. I hope Your Majesty will not take offense."

"Mm." Gu Xing nodded in agreement.

Having received permission, Wu Gan spoke carefully, "Currently, there are widespread rumors that the submission of Great Liang and Dayue is entirely due to Defender Shen's efforts. Furthermore, his deeds are being extolled far and wide. This matter, while not overwhelmingly large, is not insignificant either. Your Majesty should still pay some mind to it."

This was a classic case of an official's achievements overshadowing their ruler. Especially with someone like Shen Changqing, whose influence was currently at its zenith. If he were to harbor any ambitions, it would be disastrous news for the Imperial Family.

Hearing this, Gu Xing's expression remained unchanged. "I understand what you're saying. However, while Shen Changqing is indeed ambitious, he hasn't shown excessive interest in meddling with court affairs, so there's no need to worry excessively. Furthermore, the submission of Great Liang and Dayue is, in truth, his achievement. There's nothing wrong with him being praised so widely by the public for it."

He paused for a moment after speaking.

"As an Emperor, one must possess the magnanimity to accommodate others. If I were to be suspicious of every capable individual, wouldn't Great Qin itself begin to crumble? Besides, there's the principle: trust those you employ, and do not employ those you distrust. My father, the late Emperor, certainly had his reasons for appointing him as the Great Qin Defender. I trust in my father's judgment; there won't be any issues with the person he chose. Do not bring this matter up again."

Gu Xing said calmly.

Whether or not it was a case of an official's achievements overshadowing their ruler, it was unnecessary to dwell on such thoughts now. He had already grown to a point where no one could possibly keep him in check. Therefore, harboring too many suspicions would be of no benefit to Great Qin. On the contrary, Gu Xing could see that Shen Changqing had always stood on Great Qin's side. As long as Great Qin did not do anything to harm him, Shen Changqing would not turn against Great Qin. Thus, Gu Xing had long since abandoned any intention of acting against him. He knew such actions were ill-advised. Especially when Shen Changqing posed no direct threat to his own interests, pursuing such a course would be utterly pointless, like looking for trouble when there was none.

Upon hearing this, Wu Gan bowed his head. "Your Majesty is right."

"Alright, go and attend to those two. For now, you don't need to concern yourself with anything else."

Gu Xing waved his hand, dismissing him.

Then, Wu Gan bowed and respectfully withdrew.

「On the other side.」

The two carriages had already entered the inner city and stopped before the gates of the Imperial Palace.

Seeing this, Wu Gan stepped forward and announced loudly, "We have arrived at the palace gate. Would the two of you please alight? His Majesty is currently awaiting you in the Imperial Garden."

As his words fell, the carriage curtains were lifted. The Liang Emperor and Emperor Yue emerged from within.

Looking at the two men, Wu Gan said little, merely stepping aside and gesturing for them to proceed.

"This way, please!"

After speaking, he took the lead, walking ahead.

The Liang Emperor and Emperor Yue exchanged a brief glance and then proceeded inside.

「—」 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

「In the Imperial Garden.」

Gu Xing had dismissed his attendants and was meeting with the Liang Emperor and Emperor Yue alone.

"Yang Yi greets Emperor Qin!"

"Cang Bei greets Emperor Qin!"

"There's no need for such formalities. Please, be seated."

"Thank you, Emperor Qin!"

Neither the Liang Emperor nor Emperor Yue maintained the airs of a monarch from their former nations. They only took their seats after performing a respectful salute.

The person before them, Gu Xing, if judged by generational seniority, could only be considered their junior. After all, both of them were of the same generation as Gu Xuanji, the late Emperor. However, it came down to that old saying: the victor is crowned king, while the vanquished is branded a bandit. Since Great Liang and Dayue had submitted to Great Qin, they no longer possessed the standing to act as seniors, nor was there any possibility of interacting as equals.

"That you both have traveled such a great distance to come here is most gratifying to me. I trust you are both clear on the purpose of this visit."

Gu Xing paused for a moment after saying this. Then, he continued, "Since the Ancient era ended, the world has been fragmented for a very long time. Consequently, the Human Clan has constantly been mired in internal strife, with wars frequently erupting. Regardless of whether these conflicts end in victory or defeat, it is invariably the Human Clan's own strength that is depleted. This is why the Barbarian Clan and Demon Evils have had opportunities to exploit our weaknesses and invade. If the world can now achieve true unification, it will be the greatest blessing for the Human Clan."

"Emperor Qin speaks truly."

The expressions of both men remained calm, betraying no hint of their inner thoughts.

From the moment they decided to integrate into Great Qin, they had already lost any real say in matters. All that remained was for this Emperor Qin to state his terms; whatever he said, would be so. As long as his demands weren't too excessive, there was no need to dispute them. If his demands were indeed excessive, the only outcome would be mutual destruction.