Faced with the Great Victory Human King's question, whose answer he already knew, Xie Lingyun nodded and replied, "Your Majesty, it is indeed true."
Hearing Xie Lingyun's words, Gong Chun hastily spoke up. "Your Majesty, Zhang Chen dared to defy royal law. His crime is unforgivable. Please order his immediate execution to uphold the law."
Someone else spoke from the ranks beside them. Dozens of people from the Eight Great Families surged out and knelt, all petitioning the Great Victory Human King to uphold the law and have Zhang Chen executed on the spot.
At the sight, an inscrutable look appeared in the Great Victory Human King's eyes. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, only to settle again an instant later. He looked toward Zhang Shenqi, who stood as immovable as a mountain among the ranks. "Zhang Shenqi!"
A man stepped out and bowed to the Human King above. It was none other than Zhang Chen's paternal uncle, Zhang Shenqi. "Greetings, Your Majesty!"
"What do you think?" the Great Victory Human King asked.
"Please issue a decree to execute this wretch, Your Majesty. There is only royal law in my heart, no room for private affection!" Zhang Shenqi replied with utmost deference.
Hearing Zhang Shenqi's words, the Great Victory Human King found it increasingly difficult to conceal his smile. He swept his gaze over the assembled court without speaking. Just then, Zhou Qiucheng, the Seventh Master of Chongzheng Academy, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I have a matter to report."
"What do you wish to report, my minister?" the Great Victory Human King asked from above.
"Your Majesty must not execute Zhang Chen, lest you fall prey to a scheme," Zhou Qiucheng said respectfully.
"A scheme? What scheme? Tell me at once," the Great Victory Human King immediately asked.
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