Nathan Ye pondered in the palace for hours. Although it wasn't a lot of time, it was enough for news of today's events to spread throughout the court and beyond. The commotion had been too significant, with the appearance of Sage projections and the resonance of golden tones. Many were watching the palace, eager to learn who this young man was who caused such a disturbance. They soon learned his name: Nathan Ye.
As a humble Seal Officer, he had stepped forward at a critical moment, ready to sacrifice his life rather than hand over the Imperial Seal. His defiance of death and scorn for even the highest court officials, including his open condemnation of the Immortal Sect, echoed through the capital. The words "Traitors and rebels deserve death!" left a powerful mark, resonating with countless people.
In this era of Confucian decline, Nathan's courage filled a void, sparking hope and admiration among scholars and commoners alike. People saw in him the embodiment of the ideal reader and thinker, one who would sacrifice all for righteousness.
Across half of the capital, scholars and readers alike gathered in admiration of Nathan's spirit. They wanted to express their support for his bravery and honor him in their own way.
For Nathan, this was unprecedented. In both his lives, he had never experienced such admiration. He saw reverence, excitement, and respect in the eyes of those around him, yet he felt uncomfortable. The adulation felt misplaced, as he knew the truth behind his actions. Words like "selflessness," "fearlessness," and "devotion to the emperor" swirled around him, yet he knew it wasn't that simple; his choices were rooted more in self-interest, misinterpretations, and coincidence.
But looking around, he sighed, realizing his actions had somehow given these people hope. He was reminded that, despite being in a different world, people here were not so different—filled with dreams and emotions, living beings just as real as those he had known before. They weren't merely "NPCs" in a game, as he had once imagined.
"I'm no savior," he thought, "just a passerby with limited time here." But he still couldn't help feeling some connection, however slight.
With that, he walked forward, the crowd parting to make way. Surrounded by their reverent gazes, he left.
...
"Nathan Ye has become famous overnight," came a weary voice in the dark palace halls.
"It's a shame," replied Emperor Zhou, "that such fame comes at a cost. The Immortal Sect surely won't let him live easily. His safety is now... troubling."
Had Leo Kim, the loyal eunuch, been present, he would have fumed, for across from Emperor Zhou sat the infamous schemer Duke Liu, leader of the traitorous faction in the court. Duke Liu, widely regarded as a corrupt and ruthless figure, had long manipulated court proceedings, harming virtuous officials and amassing personal wealth.
"Alas," Duke Liu sighed, "this is my concern as well. With the Immortal Sect's constant threat to our dynasty, loyal and righteous officials are bound to suffer. To survive in such times, one must bear the mantle of treachery, as I do." His voice held a note of irony.
Today, Nathan Ye had been hailed by many as a hero, while Duke Liu was despised as the foremost traitor. The comparison would have pained any lesser man, yet Duke Liu took it in stride.
"Your Majesty, you need not act. Let the people curse me. The more they scorn me, the safer I am."
"But what of Nathan Ye?" asked Emperor Zhou, concern etched on his face.
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