Zhang Chen's gaze passed over the crowd and settled on Zhang Shenqi. An irrepressible flicker of disappointment showed in his eyes. His so-called relatives had truly disappointed him beyond measure.
Although several dozen officials belonging to the Eight Great Families had all stepped forward in a rush, Zhang Chen was not afraid. He merely stood there quietly watching, an unreadable expression in his eyes. The Eight Great Families could join forces to demand his life—did that mean he had no allies?
Sure enough, after the several dozen court officials from the Eight Great Families knelt and petitioned for Zhang Chen's execution, figures began stepping out from the crowd one after another to present their requests to the Great Victory Human King.
There was no need to mention Zhou Qiucheng, who had already stepped forward. At that moment, Xie Lingyun took a step forward and bowed to the Human King above. "Reporting to Your Majesty, Zhang Chen has rendered meritorious service to the realm. How can he be executed merely because of the Pacifying Border King's threats? If Your Majesty kills a meritorious servant of the realm because of the Pacifying Border King's threats, I fear you will be mocked by all under heaven. It will also make certain people think we fear the Pacifying Border Prince's Mansion, allowing them to press their advantage and grow even more unscrupulous."
As Xie Lingyun spoke, she swept her gaze over the members of the Eight Great Families, her eyes cold. Her meaning was already obvious. If the court killed Zhang Chen in order to placate the Pacifying Border King, then if the Pacifying Border King once again threatened the court to kill someone in the future, would the court kill them or not? What would the people of the world think of the