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Chapter 34 - Chapter 34 – Merit in the Storm

The Da Zhou Imperial Palace, Zichen Hall.

Golden tiles gleamed in the sunlight, and the bells and drums rang in unison. Three days had passed since the urgent news from Youzhou reached the capital, and the court was once again in turmoil. Today's imperial assembly, under the pretext of "deliberating merits," called the ministers to discuss Li Tianyuan's performance in the Youzhou campaign. Yet everyone knew, beneath the formal words, dark currents swirled—this was far from a simple commendation.

Inside the hall, dragon pillars stood solemnly, gold lacquer chipped in places revealing traces of time. Officials lined up in two ranks, civil and military alike. On the high jade throne, the Emperor of Da Zhou sat in quiet repose, his face pale but his gaze piercing, as though capable of reading hearts.

Li Tianyuan stepped into the hall, clad in a black martial robe, his expression calm. On the imperial path, his figure seemed unusually solitary. Eyes followed him—some filled with admiration, some with caution, others with icy hostility.

"I submit that although the Youzhou campaign repelled the enemy, the remnants of the Inverse Spirit Sect have yet to be purged. The office of National Fate Inspector may yet become the root of calamity!"

The first to speak was Minister of Rites, Qi Yongnian, his voice sharp as he pointed at Li Tianyuan.

"Li Tianyuan's origins are suspicious, his background unclear. Were it not for the recommendation of senior ministers, how could he attain such an office? Now, with the Inverse Spirit Sect still lurking, his ties to them are uncertain. He is not to be trusted lightly."

The hall erupted. Many ministers murmured in agreement.

Minister of Works, Huo Yunzhang, sneered:

"Though Minister Qi's words are severe, they are not without reason. Victory in Youzhou is commendable, but if personal motives are mixed in, could it not endanger the realm?"

Voices of dissent quickly rose.

Minister of War, Yue Tianqing, swept his sleeve and stood sharply.

"Preposterous! If not for Li Tianyuan's steadfast defense, hundreds of thousands of lives in Youzhou would have been lost! Such great deeds merit reward, not suspicion. If everyone were like you, the frontier would have collapsed long ago!"

For a time, the court split into factions, debate rising and falling like waves.

Li Tianyuan stood silently, letting the knife-like words slice the air around him. He was not surprised—ever since entering this hall, he had known that this so-called "merit deliberation" was merely the prelude to a coming storm.

Before the debate could settle, a hurried court attendant entered with an urgent memorial. The reader unfurled the imperial scroll, face changing at once.

"Your Majesty! The Ministry of Justice reports: Chief Justice Liang Chengzhi has been caught secretly corresponding with the Inverse Spirit Sect. Evidence is irrefutable!"

The hall erupted like thunder.

Liang Chengzhi had been a pillar of integrity, renowned for his uprightness. Now he was revealed to be in league with the Sect? Ministers whispered in shock, exchanging glances.

The emperor's face turned iron-gray as he spoke slowly:

"Liang Chengzhi… I have treated you with leniency."

A suffocating tension filled the hall. Qi Yongnian and others had intended to continue targeting Li Tianyuan, but this revelation interrupted them abruptly.

Li Tianyuan's brow furrowed slightly. He understood that this was no coincidence. Someone was manipulating events behind the scenes, casting the shadow of the Inverse Spirit Sect across the court. Whether Liang Chengzhi was truly complicit mattered little—the key was that this revelation would disrupt the court and pull more into the maelstrom.

"Your Majesty!"

Deputy Censor Zheng Wujiao's voice rang out:

"The matter of Liang Chengzhi must be fully investigated! Yet since it involves the Inverse Spirit Sect, the office of National Fate Inspector is particularly sensitive. I submit that Li Tianyuan be temporarily suspended to observe the outcome."

Once again, all eyes turned to Li Tianyuan.

The emperor narrowed his eyes, slowly raising his hand. Silence fell.

"Li Tianyuan, how do you defend yourself?"

The hall held its breath, eyes fixed on the young general.

Li Tianyuan lifted his head, expression composed, voice steady:

"I, Li Tianyuan, fought for seven days and nights in the bloody battle of Youzhou, leading my men without retreating an inch. I do not claim to be without fault, but I ask the world: if not with a loyal heart, how could the city have been held? As for the Inverse Spirit Sect, I swear on my blood—should I harbor a single thought of betraying my country, may heaven and earth strike me down!"

The words rang with clarity, echoing through the hall.

Yue Tianqing's eyes flashed. He shouted:

"Such loyalty is clear! Shall the righteous be condemned?"

Qi Yongnian, however, snorted:

"Words are hollow without proof!"

The emperor's gaze was deep and unreadable. He remained silent for a long moment.

Outside, the wind suddenly rose, and sheets of rain fell. Black clouds pressed down, as if heaven and earth themselves mourned this debate.

Another attendant entered, bearing urgent news from the northern frontier—enemy forces were secretly gathering again.

"What?!"

The hall erupted in shock.

The emperor swept his gaze coldly over the ministers:

"State affairs are paramount, yet you quarrel over merit and rank. Li Tianyuan's deeds will be examined, but the northern frontier cannot wait!"

With a wave of his hand, an imperial decree was drafted.

"Li Tianyuan, remain in the capital for the time being. After deliberation, further orders will be given."

On the surface, it appeared to be a mix of commendation and scrutiny; in truth, it kept Li Tianyuan at the center of a storm.

A heaviness settled in his chest. He finally understood: he was no longer just a soldier, but a pivotal piece in the game of national fate.

As the assembly dispersed, rain fell steadily.

Fu Yuan moved silently beside him, voice low:

"Tianyuan, something is off. Someone wishes to use you to assert authority. The deliberation is a pretense; what they seek is your connection to the Inverse Spirit Sect."

Li Tianyuan smiled bitterly.

"I had already anticipated it. But… surviving this storm unscathed will be impossible."

In the distance, Mu Xueyin stood in the corridor, silent, watching. Their eyes met, and a pang of sorrow struck him. The intrigues of the court were like invisible blades—could he protect what he held dear?

Night deepened. The rain in the capital showed no sign of ceasing.

Li Tianyuan stood by the window of his lodging, watching the lightning dance above the imperial city. The distant palace bells echoed, low and heavy as drums.

"Merit… eh, the storm is coming."

He knew, after this night, the capital would know no peace. And he could no longer step aside.

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