At these words, Sirius Ji instinctively frowned.
"Why?" She asked. "Why go to such lengths to test Nathan Ye's integrity only to decide not to bring him into our efforts to restore Da Zhou?"
"It's because I don't believe he's suitable," Clara Xiao responded with conviction.
"You still doubt his reliability?" Sirius Ji questioned.
"Certainly not. Mr. Ye is a paragon of virtue and talent, and there is no one more dependable. But that's precisely why he is ill-suited for our cause."
Clara took a deep breath, her tone resolute.
"Your Majesty, don't you think Mr. Ye is too upright, too transparent, too fiercely righteous?"
Sirius Ji's expression shifted, sensing Clara's meaning.
"Our mission requires patience, the quiet accumulation of strength, and bearing infamy while walking in shadows. For the sake of Da Zhou, Your Majesty has borne the scorn of the world, branded as a foolish ruler."
"Prime Minister Liu is called the most devious chancellor in history, despised by many who would dig up his ancestors' graves if they could."
"And as for me, I've had to inhabit the role of a courtesan."
"We bear no good reputation. Outwardly, we look polished, but in reality, we know better than anyone what others think of us."
Clara spoke bitterly.
Sirius Ji understood this feeling. She was by no means a tyrant. She simply carried a great mission that forced her to hide her true self.
In truth, no one loved Da Zhou more than she did. Yet the court officials insulted her, the common people cursed her, and even those within the palace whispered against her behind closed doors. They believed that without her, Da Zhou would not have fallen so far. But they failed to understand that without her pretense as a "tyrant," the Immortal Sect's suppression of Da Zhou would have been far more severe.
It's one thing to bear the title of a tyrant, and it's entirely different to carry the malicious labels that stick to the heart.
The two women met each other's gaze, seeing the sorrow mirrored in each other's eyes.
"Do you mean that Nathan Ye can't bear this burden?" Sirius Ji asked quietly.
"It's not a matter of him being unable to bear it. It's that he wouldn't tolerate such a burden."
Clara continued, "Your Majesty, can you not see? Mr. Ye's nature is forged of steel, yet entirely lacking in flexibility."
"He may understand the need for restraint, but he would never choose it."
"He fears neither death nor disgrace; his purpose is to fight injustice head-on!"
"There may be no one more noble than he. My concern is that if he ever learned of our plans, he would be compelled to clear our names."
At this, Sirius Ji felt a pang of alarm.
"That would be disastrous."
Her preparations were still far from complete. The moment their plan was revealed, everything would collapse.
"Which is why we cannot let Mr. Ye join us," Clara concluded.
"You're right," Sirius Ji said, closing her eyes, finally agreeing. "He truly is unsuited."
She had hoped that she and Nathan might walk the same path, but in the end, she had to let that dream go. Though it pained her, Clara's suggestion was the right one.
"And perhaps, Mr. Ye's influence may be even greater if he walks a separate path," Clara added, voicing a new thought.
"What kind of path?" Sirius Ji inquired, listening intently.
"This world is divided between light and darkness. Some of us must move through shadows, while others must stand proudly in the light."
Clara spoke with deep sincerity.
"In the past, Da Zhou only had those of us lurking in the shadows, sacrificing everything for its sake, even our lives."
"But the people never knew... All they saw was a tyrant, a wicked chancellor, and a courtesan."
"Over time, they came to believe Da Zhou had rotted to the core, that no honorable man remained in the court."
"Your Majesty, this is far from ideal."
"If one day we succeed, will Da Zhou still be Da Zhou? Will righteous people still have a place in this world? Likely not, for by then, their soil for growth will have long been eroded."
"That is not the Da Zhou we wish to rebuild."
"But Mr. Ye's existence fills the light that we lack."
"He shows the world that loyal and virtuous officials still exist. That there are people who cannot be swayed by poverty, cannot be corrupted by wealth, and cannot be subdued by power... These are not just tales written by saints—they exist in reality."
"He will become a banner, drawing all the righteous to his side."
"When that day comes, we may seem opposed, but in truth, we share the same goal."
Her words struck Sirius Ji deeply, shaking her to the core.
"You're right. Da Zhou needs someone like him. Nathan Ye can reignite the passion of righteous men and show the world that not everyone in the court has surrendered!" Sirius Ji murmured, her voice heavy with emotion.
There are times when, after kneeling too long, people can no longer stand. Sometimes, what people need most is a figure to encourage them.
"Our only worry now is that becoming a beacon often means sacrifice. Standing so openly, Mr. Ye will become a target for every villain. The treacherous officials, the Six Kings (Chinese mythology), the Immortal Sect, and the ambitious noble families—none will spare him!" Clara added, her tone laced with concern. "I'm just worried about his safety. If anyone tries to harm him, we..."
Sirius Ji rose sharply, interrupting her.
A cold, murderous glint flashed in her eyes.
"If anyone dares touch him, I will kill them."
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