Lu Changfeng, however, looked as though he had merely done something utterly insignificant. He brushed nonexistent dust from his hands and instructed the equally stunned Plum Blossom Guards behind him:
"Record this. Zhang Xuange, deputy commander of the Golden Scale Guards, obstructed an investigation by the Princess's Residence without cause, then openly attempted to murder an imperial official, a Pavilion Commander of the Inner Guard. His actions amount to treason. I shall submit an impeachment memorial stating the facts and request that the court and the Court of the Imperial Clan thoroughly investigate his past conduct and today's outrageous acts!"
His clear voice rang out across the silent shore of Kunming Pool:
"The Plum Blossom Guards are the keen blade under Her Highness, the Princess Taiping Who Guards the Nation, charged with rooting out treacherous villains, purging corruption from the court, and safeguarding the Great Tang! This realm belongs to His Majesty! These imperial troops belong to His Majesty! Petty villains wielding power have no right to hide behind pretexts and blot out the sky with one hand!"
His gaze swept like cold lightning over the Golden Scale Guards, who stood as silent as cicadas in winter. Each word rang like struck steel. "Today's affair ends here. Anyone else who dares obstruct my investigation, regardless of rank, will meet the same fate!"
With that, he spared no further glance for the ashen-faced Golden Scale Guards, turned, and mounted his horse again.
"Move."
He squeezed the horse's flanks. The black horse gave a long whinny and strode straight toward the shore of Kunming Pool.
This time, no one dared step forward to bar his way.
The Golden Scale Guards could only watch, their throats bobbing as they swallowed with difficulty. They parted of their own accord to leave a broad path,