The Si Family Head had not even feared death, but now he was afraid.
The nobles led by the Peng Family Head wore expressions of utter disgust.
Not one of the friends and relatives close to him, who had previously gathered at his residence to discuss stopping the reforms, spoke up for him.
He was merely a representative who had stepped forward to fight for the interests of the noble class.
Ji Gao and several nobles had joined forces to elevate him like stars clustering around the moon, but ultimately, they had only needed a nominal leader.
That was why he had been able to face death calmly, without a trace of fear.
But things were different now.
Though some agreed with him from the bottom of their hearts, far more followed whichever way the wind was blowing, eagerly leaping out to heap abuse on him.
The Yang Family Head even slapped the table and declared loudly, "Si Lan's remarks went too far! He does not attend court and knows nothing of government affairs. Who is he to point fingers over the state and its people? Surely the civil and military officials at court know more than he does? His Majesty ordered death without mercy, but that, too, was for the sake of the state. He had no choice."
The Yang Family Head did not want to risk revenge later. King Zhou had always acted without restraint; there was nothing he would not do. The mere thought of having shared a carriage with the Si Family Head earlier left his back drenched in sweat.
Watching one noble family head after another step forward to condemn him and distance themselves from him, the Si Family Head could only let the spit on his face dry on its own.
He had not