The ruler and his subject faced each other, their eyes meeting. The Aurora God Emperor gazed at Fan Lang for several breaths before breaking into a smile. "My beloved minister, you worry too much. I have looked into your Star Cloud Alliance. It is far more than modestly sized—it is flourishing like the midday sun. It has developed so well that no one would be willing to hand it over to another. So long as one is not a saint, everyone has selfish desires. Even the most loyal subject is no exception. A gentleman does not take what others cherish. You are so loyal to the Aurora God Kingdom; how could I bear to absorb your faction? I understand your intentions. You merely wished to demonstrate your loyalty and prove that your devotion to the Aurora God Kingdom is unwavering. But there is no need for that. Have you heard that, not long ago, a civil official at court submitted a memorial impeaching you, claiming that you might be harmful to the kingdom?"
"I heard a little about it," Fan Lang said.
"Then you should know how I handled the matter."
"Your Majesty ordered that official stripped of his position on the spot and declared that he would never be employed again."
"Correct. After hearing the memorial, I could not even be bothered to ask another question before dismissing that muddleheaded official outright, because I absolutely trust you, my beloved minister. I would never heed such slander meant to sow discord."
"Thank you for Your Majesty's trust. I am deeply grateful." Fan Lang solemnly bowed, his gaze blazing.
"My beloved minister, since we have spoken this far, let us be frank. As ruler and subject, we should speak from the heart. There is nothing we cannot say plainly. Your Star