"I would never dare say such a thing!"
Jiang Wang immediately refuted Gong Xiyan from the stage. "Jing State has a vast domain and great undertakings, and Governor Gong is versed in both civil and martial affairs. Jiang here is merely a young man not yet thirty, weak in strength, slight in frame, and meager in virtue—liable to topple over in a gust of wind. How would I dare speak rashly of the great affairs of the world?"
He cupped his hands to Gong Xiyan. "I merely spoke some feelings from the bottom of my heart and voiced a few questions that follow the natural course of things. I absolutely had no intention of judging anyone or drawing conclusions for anyone, much less questioning those of virtue in the world. Governor Gong, please do not misunderstand! And even more so, do not misunderstand on my behalf!"
"True Lord Jiang may not have meant it that way, but that is what I heard—" Gong Xiyan smiled faintly. He did not truly intend to keep using Jiang Wang as a blade. "Perhaps I have overthought it!"
Xu Wang, below the stage, looked at the frail young man who claimed a gust of wind could knock him down and offered his support with great consideration. "True Lord Jiang, why say half and hide half? Hegemony runs rampant across the land; countless people dare be angry but dare not speak. The world has long been shrouded in darkness! It is precisely young people like you, loyal, upright, and unbending, who are needed to step forward, uphold the public heart, and speak plainly! Pay no heed to certain people's threats, and fear no certain states. Whatever thoughts you have, speak them freely today. There is still justice in this world—this Marquis will naturally stand behind