Shan Hao spoke.
Many people's expressions changed.
He was not like the other officials. His status stood subtly above the vast majority of them.
The position of General Dingyuan.
It was one of the few posts that held real power.
The Imperial Court had five great generals, and Shan Hao was one of them. He commanded no fewer than ten million troops, rivaling the ruler of an entire prefecture.
Thus.
He also wielded immense authority in court.
The moment Shan Hao spoke.
Xing Jian'an's expression darkened.
While he did not fear Zhou Dingjun, he was deeply wary of Shan Hao.
Or rather.
The two were not even on the same level.
Whether he offended one Zhou Dingjun or several more men like him, Xing Jian'an was confident he could handle them.
But if it was Shan Hao.
To put it bluntly, even if Shan Hao attacked him, there might not be anyone willing to intervene.
After all—
He had earned the title of General Dingyuan through bloodshed, blade and spear in hand.
Back when the Human Emperor held the throne.
Great Zhao had yet to truly unify the world.
Shan Hao had been one of the sharpest blades under the Human Emperor's command. He had fought the Demon Race and destroyed other nations, opening up this vast territory for Great Zhao and earning indelible merit.
Beyond that.
His strength was unfathomable.
Thus, after Shan Hao spoke, Xing Jian'an merely opened his mouth but said nothing more.
As for the others.
Those like the Prince of Zhennan, who could contend with Shan Hao, merely narrowed their eyes slightly. None voiced any objection.
On the imperial throne.
The coldness faded from Xi Yang's face, replaced by a smile as he said, "General Shan is right. In that case, our priority should be