The commotion outside didn't reach the palace.
The palace, after all, was built by the First Emperor of the Empire of Da Zhou, and it had its own mystical properties. The main hall, in particular, was a place of utmost sanctity, completely isolated from outside disturbances.
If it had been any other day, the eunuchs and guards outside might have reported the unusual happenings.
But today? Who would dare cause a disruption?
Thus, the people within the court had no idea what was happening outside.
But that hardly mattered.
What truly mattered was that within the court, the ministers were moved to the core by Nathan's words.
"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!"
These three sentences echoed in their minds, causing their literary spirit to surge and their very souls to tremble.
It was like hearing the words of a sage!
The ministers struggled to find words to express the deep impact Nathan's speech had on them.
They looked at him now, not with pity, but with deep respect.
A thousand years ago, during the reign of the First Emperor, the Empire of Da Zhou was a bastion of righteousness. The Emperor's power had been unmatched, and even the immortals had bowed to his rule.
Scholars had stood as pillars of virtue, their words carrying the weight of life and death, their poetry capable of banishing evil spirits.
But now, in this era of decline, the immortals had regained their dominance, and the scholars were cowed into submission. The glory of the past seemed like a distant memory.
The ministers of today were pale imitations of their ancestors, lacking the courage and conviction to stand up to the immortal sects.
Yet now, in Nathan, they saw a glimpse of that lost glory.
"Could it be that this young man, who can speak such righteous words at such a young age, might be the one to change the fate of our scholars?" wondered the more conscientious ministers, their eyes brightening with hope.
They looked at Nathan as if he were a beacon in the darkness.
Others may not have understood the ministers' emotions, but Mark Wiley, the Lord of Wei, was deeply shaken by Nathan's words.
He gazed at Nathan in silence, no longer able to muster any words.
This was a true man of righteousness.
Mark, too, had once been young and full of ideals. But time had made him cynical. Yet Nathan's words stirred something within him, rekindling a long-forgotten passion.
In this moment, Mark no longer felt the desire to kill.
Mark Wiley's sword would never kill a true hero.
Staring intently at Nathan, he finally spoke, "The Empire of Da Zhou is like yesterday's sunlight, beyond saving. Your sense of honor is remarkable, but there's no need for you to perish along with this dying empire."
"If you come to Wei, I will welcome you with open arms, and you shall be granted a position of great honor!"
Mark's admiration for Nathan had reached its peak.
He spoke with sincerity, even bowing to Nathan—a gesture that left everyone in the hall speechless.
The other five lords, though quiet, could understand Mark's sentiment.
Who wouldn't want a loyal and courageous man like Nathan in their service?
But for Cyrus Reed, the Emperor, it was a different story.
His fury knew no bounds.
"How dare he try to poach one of my loyal subjects!" he fumed, his anger greater than even when the lords had conspired against him.
Mark was truly brazen. Right in front of him, Mark had declared that the Empire of Da Zhou was doomed, and had openly invited Nathan to join his ranks.
Though what Mark said wasn't far from the truth, saying it so openly was an act of unparalleled audacity.
If word of this got out, the entire nation would scorn him.
Did Mark not realize the consequences?
He did, but he said it anyway.
Why?
Because this was Mark's show of sincerity.
To win Nathan over, Mark had laid all his cards on the table.
The Emperor was filled with despair. He couldn't match Mark's offer. What could the decaying Empire of Da Zhou possibly offer in comparison to the mighty state of Wei?
If Nathan defected, he could earn great honors in Wei, especially if the Empire of Da Zhou eventually fell. Joining Wei could lead to monumental achievements, perhaps even cementing a legendary legacy.
Cyrus knew he had nothing to offer Nathan.
Everyone's eyes were now on Nathan.
No one had expected that this lowly Seal Keeper would become the focal point of the day's proceedings.
But Nathan was deeply frustrated.
He stared at Mark in disbelief, as if his entire world had been turned upside down.
What on earth was happening?
Was Mark out of his mind?
Nathan had spent all this time provoking him, practically begging for death, and now, instead of killing him, Mark was trying to recruit him?
Nathan couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"No! You have to kill me!" Nathan thought furiously.
What was the point of serving Wei? Or the Empire of Da Zhou, for that matter? None of it mattered to Nathan. He had long since given up on these trivial concerns.
All he wanted was to die and ascend to his rightful place as the Heavenly Emperor.
Without hesitation, Nathan shook his head and refused.
"I will not go to Wei. Kill me instead!" he demanded.
Mark was taken aback, urging, "Why be so stubborn? The Emperor is weak and cowardly. How can he compare to me?"
At this, Nathan gave a cold laugh and turned to face the Emperor.
"I come from a humble background," Nathan said, "and I studied for over a decade to pass the imperial exams. Now I serve as an official. This is the Emperor's grace!"
"To repay such a debt, I would gladly die for my Emperor!"
"And so, if you must kill me, then do so. But I will never betray my nation!"
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