Liu Shan looked at Fang Yun, his gaze shifting slightly, while inside, it felt as though venomous snakes were gnawing at his heart.
Had he known back then that he would encounter a Fang Yun like this, he would have cast aside all concern for appearances and snuffed him out, rather than let things drag on until now, when Fang Yun commanded three territories and stood above even a sovereign in status.
Liu Shan understood perfectly well that now, unless he resorted to a dangerous gambit and risked having his entire household exterminated by the sages of the Human Race, he could no longer obstruct Fang Yun.
Fang Yun's momentum was established, his wings fully grown. Even the destruction of the Jing Kingdom would have little effect on him.
Looking at Fang Yun, Liu Shan finally realized that even with his status as a Dao Bearer, he no longer had any right to look down on him.
Liu Shan drew a deep breath and said slowly, "I have already sent my wife and son to our ancestral home to arrange the funeral. I too intended to retire for mourning, but alas, the Jing Kingdom is now buffeted by wind and rain. I cannot sacrifice the greater good for a lesser duty. Between loyalty and filial piety, I choose loyalty."
Fang Yun nodded gently. "If the Qing Lord heard those words, he would surely be deeply moved."
This was an accusation that Liu Shan was loyal to the Qing Kingdom. The members of the Left Prime Minister Faction immediately turned green, while the other scholars wore varied expressions. Some laughed inwardly; others stared, dumbstruck. None could believe that the cautious Fang Yun had actually lashed out at Liu Shan in the Golden Throne Hall, and so cleanly and decisively at that.