This was rebellion! Outright rebellion!
Whether it was Qiu An's words or his tone, both filled Xu Yingyi and Cai Que with rage. Had Qiu Yan spoken those words, the two Grand Councillors would certainly have been furious, but for the greater good, they might have endured without erupting.
Yet Qiu An, merely a servant and household retainer, had spoken such words. Though he claimed to be delivering a message, there was not the slightest bit of respect for the two of them in his words. The gap in their status, coupled with his utter contempt, stabbed straight at the two Grand Councillors' emotions.
Even if they usually put on an approachable appearance, deep down they still believed themselves superior to others. Without the desire to climb ever upward and seek the summit, how could they have reached such positions?
Xu Yingyi flared with anger, spoke two sharp sentences, then fixed Qiu An with a cold stare. "You and your master are both far too arrogant, exceeding your station and duty. It seems this official may have to rid the court of a threat in advance."
Qiu An was not afraid. Given his skill, at their present distance, one pounce forward would mean blood splashing five paces away. Psychologically, he held the advantage as well.
Grand Councillors prized their own authority; martial artists prized their own fists.
As the two sides faced each other, each considered only his own advantage, neither believing the other capable of reversing the situation.
"Prime Minister Xu, my master also said you would not take this calmly. After hearing the warning, you might fly into a rage out of shame and strike at me. So he said that he knows absolutely nothing about what happened at Sishui Pavilion by Sishui Lake."
"What?" Xu Yingyi's expression