Even the imperial censors, reputed to have the stiffest backbones among all the officials, did not step forward to denounce Fang Yun.
Almost single-handedly, Fang Yun had driven Liu Shan, whose power dominated both court and country, out of the court. He had accomplished what all the civil and military officials together could not. Who would dare oppose him?
Inside the Golden Throne Hall, Fang Yun stood out conspicuously in his grand tutor's chair.
Fang Yun nodded slightly and said, "As of today, I relinquish all my official posts in the Jing Kingdom."
All the officials were shocked, and the Jing Lord was stunned.
No one had expected Fang Yun to withdraw courageously from the rushing current at the very peak of his victory over Liu Shan.
Many people's expressions shifted as they pondered.
In the Jing Kingdom, Fang Yun possessed not only official posts, but also a princely title, a fief, and a series of honorary titles such as grand tutor. Even relinquishing positions with real authority, such as governor-general of the two prefectures, would not affect his prestige. Without those positions, however, his future words and actions in the Jing Kingdom would fall into two extremes. On some matters, he could not say a single word, lest he interfere in government affairs; on others, he could speak freely, without considering the feelings of the officials or the imperial house.
The crucial point was that no one knew whether Fang Yun was still luring snakes out of their holes.
Just then, the empress dowager's voice came from behind the curtain.
"Please reconsider, Void Sage Fang. You are the pillar standing firm in the raging current, the Kunlun towering above all mountains, a pillar that holds up the heavens. If the Jing Kingdom loses you, its great edifice will collapse."