That one remark sent Prince Qi's fury blazing to the heavens; even his teeth ground audibly.
Prince Qi's Tutor turned a blind eye, instead seeming deeply moved.
"Zhao Yang of Jin took the armor of Jinyang to drive out Xun Yin and Shi Jishe. And what sort of men were Xun Yin and Shi Ji? Evildoers at the ruler's side!"
"To drive out evildoers at the ruler's side—why call it rebellion? There was no imperial command."
"Gentlemen, those who cleanse the ruler's side... since ancient times, have all been rebels!"
His voice was not loud, yet it struck every heart. At once, the crowd stirred, looking at one another in dismay.
Meeting those gazes, Prince Qi gritted his teeth and laughed.
"I said this before: for the sake of the realm, one need not fuss over petty formalities... Besides, once this is done, I will personally await judgment in the Clan Court."
"Why does Your Highness deceive us?"
The scholar shook his head slightly.
"Lu Shang also swore an oath to the Luo River. What became of Liu Shuang's entire family?"
"Besides, throughout history, those who cleansed the ruler's side were never seen meekly accepting punishment... Everything Your Highness has said is rebellion. Why bother to whitewash it?"
"Denying the sages, scorning the ancestral teachings, casting aside all law... Are you truly not afraid of death?" Prince Qi asked through gritted teeth.
"I am the tutor of a king. I guide the king toward goodness and receive the rites due a teacher, though I bow to no subject."
"Failing to guide Your Highness back onto the righteous path is itself a capital crime."
"Good... good... My tutor is indeed a loyal subject, but I am no petty man either." Prince Qi flew into a rage and swept his hand out,