This Matter Cannot Be Taken Lightly; Let Private Vengeance Be Repaid

"Your Majesty... this general... this general..."

This Wu Tuo was precisely the commander of the guards who had cleared the way. The moment he saw Li Kun sit up, he immediately realized something was wrong. Now that the Emperor questioned him, he was left stammering and tongue-tied!

Looking at Li Kun's faintly smiling face, Commander Wu felt as though a mountain were pressing down on him, leaving him unable to catch his breath. This feeling mainly came from the Emperor's authority, but...

Strange. I used to feel nervous before the Emperor, but never such pressure. His body is clearly weak now—why has his bearing grown so much stronger instead?

Though these thoughts crossed his mind and doubts filled his heart, Commander Wu also knew the situation was unfavorable. He had acted this time mainly because Tian Youqing had gotten hold of something against him, leaving him no choice. Yet Tian Youqing had also given him the earth-shattering news that the Emperor was dead, and his mind had been bewitched by the other man's extravagant, flowery words.

Threatened and tempted, he had become another's tool.

But at this moment, Commander Wu began to regret it. Just as he was thinking of how to confess his guilt, the Emperor unexpectedly laughed, then wiped the smile from his face.

"Enough. There is no need to say any more. You have guarded the palace for many years; if you have no merit, you at least have endured hardship. But this lapse of duty shows that you are unfit for this position. You will be relieved of your post for now and return home to reflect quietly for a few days."

With this seemingly casual remark, Li Kun first spoke of personal sentiment, then of duty, and finally imposed punishment while still leaving him a