Centralization of Power

Patriarch Xie swept his gaze over everyone present and continued, "Because most people see things clearly. The slave trade was a pie that the royal family and several major slave markets had been sharing. Now that the royal family no longer wants a slice, it is simply taking the opportunity to drive everyone else sharing that pie away from the table. That is all. The other small and mid-sized nobles neither participated in the slave trade nor backed the wrong side. At most, they will lose a few servants bought for their estates. Such losses are hardly worth mentioning."

Patriarch Cui's expression changed instantly.

"Young Xie, what do you mean by that?" Patriarch Cui asked grimly. "Do you think we should just surrender?"

"It is not that I think we should surrender." Patriarch Xie rose to his feet. "I just think it would be best for you all to take a look outside first."

Patriarch Cui instinctively walked to the window and pushed it open.

Why was it so quiet?

Heaven Dou City, aside from the commoner district, was known as a city that never slept. Even at night, its lights usually blazed brightly.

At this hour on ordinary nights, nightlife would have only just begun.

But tonight, there was nothing.

Then he heard the sound of iron boots striking the ground.

The hand Patriarch Cui held against the window frame began to tremble faintly.

He recognized that sound.

The Royal Knights.

They obeyed only the emperor's commands. Wherever they appeared, it meant His Majesty intended to act against someone.

"The Royal Knights!" A guard cried out in terror from the courtyard, followed by a thunderous crash as the iron gate was smashed open from outside.

A brief clash of weapons sounded beyond the door, followed by a dull impact.