Nathan shifted his sharp words towards Mark Wiley, aiming once more at the Sixth Lord.
Lord Wiley, exalted and powerful?
To Nathan, he was just a tool.
As long as you're willing to kill me, you're my best friend!
Mark had already drawn his sword in front of the Emperor, clearly an overbearing figure. Surely, someone as audacious as him would kill Nathan if provoked, right?
Nathan had high hopes for Mark.
Clutching the imperial seal, Nathan stood tall before the jade steps and boldly declared, "If you wish to commit regicide, you'll have to step over my dead body first!"
Though a frail-looking man, Nathan's defiant posture and gaze carried a forcefulness that surprised everyone.
"This is how a true scholar should act!" Nathan's stance only made the gathered ministers feel more ashamed of themselves.
Some officials even shed tears, feeling the weight of their own cowardice.
In the past, the court had become numb, each official seeking solace in the complacency of others.
"If everyone else is keeping quiet, why should I be the one to speak up?" they would think.
But today, Nathan's actions stripped them of their excuses and revealed their shame.
Among the many cowards in the court, it was Nathan, the low-ranking Seal Keeper, who upheld the principles of a true servant of the throne!
What was this?
This was heroism.
Confucius spoke of righteousness, Mencius of honor. In Nathan, the ministers saw the embodiment of these ancient virtues.
There truly were such fearless men in this world!
"What a Seal Keeper! In the Empire of Da Zhou, we still have loyal subjects!" Cyrus Reed, the Emperor, was overwhelmed with emotion.
Though Nathan's frame was thin and frail, and he seemed like a breeze could knock him over, to Emperor Cyrus, he stood tall like an unmovable mountain.
Since taking the throne, Emperor Cyrus had bided his time, waiting for someone who would stand by his side and shield him from the political storms.
But such a hero had never appeared—until today.
A warmth spread through the Emperor's heart, a feeling that had long been absent. His pale throat trembled as he swallowed hard, filled with concern for Nathan's fate.
In a court filled with treacherous men, how could a loyal and righteous man like Nathan survive?
"Outrageous!" Mark Wiley, the Lord of Wei, was nearly driven mad with fury.
How dare this lowly official insult him?
"Do you think I won't kill you?" he snarled, gripping his sword tightly, his bloodlust palpable.
Mark wasn't just any nobleman. He was a seasoned general, a man who had led armies and slaughtered countless enemies. His aura of violence surged with terrifying intensity.
Yet, when this overwhelming bloodlust hit Nathan, it vanished like a drop in the ocean, leaving no trace.
Nathan truly feared nothing—not even death!
Mark was stunned.
He had seen many brave warriors in his time, but even the most fearless had some flicker of fear in their hearts.
But Nathan? No fear, no hesitation—only a burning desire to die beneath Mark's sword.
Mark, both startled and impressed, began to admire Nathan.
As a general who had led thousands into battle, Mark had always respected courage.
He was also known for his love of talent. Once, he had spared the life of a general who had killed his own son, simply because he admired the man's bravery and skill.
Mark's admiration for Nathan grew the more fearlessly he stood.
His bloodlust faded, though he still wore a fierce expression. He growled, "Do you know that if I wished, I could spill your blood right now? After your death, I'd feed your body to dogs, and no one would dare mourn you."
Nathan laughed—genuinely happy.
Perfect! If you kill me, you'll be my greatest benefactor!
He was eager for Mark to strike him down. So, pushing harder, Nathan stepped forward and shouted defiantly, "I fear not death!"
Mark pressed on. "You claim not to fear death, but you're just seeking a legacy, aren't you? Well, I promise you this: No one will know your name. You'll die in vain!"
Whether his death was in vain or not, Nathan didn't care. His goal was simple: to die.
Nathan's role, as he saw it, was to provoke Mark into killing him.
But, after playing the role of a righteous scholar for so long, he began to feel the weight of his words. He inhaled deeply and declared:
"My name may be forgotten."
"But my righteousness will live on forever!"
"And who says my name won't be remembered? History will bear witness. The mountains and rivers will carry my name!"
His words echoed through the hall like a thunderclap, shaking everyone present.
It was as if the ancient sages were speaking through him, their voices reverberating across the court.
"Who says my name won't be remembered? History will bear witness. The mountains and rivers will carry my name!"
The phrase echoed throughout the imperial city.
Scholars, warriors, and even commoners stopped in their tracks, their hearts stirred.
In the many academies and schools across the city, statues of ancient sages glowed with a radiant white light.
It was as if the sages themselves had been awakened, their voices of justice and righteousness filling the ears of every citizen.
"Who is this? Who could have awakened the ancient sages?" Scholars gasped in awe, their scholarly energy stirring within them, tears streaming down their faces.
They felt an overwhelming sense of grandeur and nobility, stirring their very souls.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]