Luo Jing was looking at Liu Che, and Liu Che was likewise looking at Luo Jing.
Liu Che was a man brimming with confidence. Even as King of Liang, he had pursued progress with determination and dared to act, so once Liu Heng began considering replacing the Crown Prince, he had not considered anyone else at all and had summoned him straight back to Chang'an.
Looking at the Sacred Mark between Luo Jing's brows, Liu Che said, "The world has always regarded the Sacred Mark as a symbol of the Luo Clan's innate nobility, as though the Luo Clan prospered because of its protection.
"But to my mind, what an absurd claim that is.
"Isn't what truly makes the Luo Clan noble its generation after generation of worthy and capable people?
"Isn't it the lofty virtue and outstanding ability that the Luo Clan upholds?
"Has the Luo Clan prospered for a thousand years merely because of its blood ties to the Sage King?
"I do not believe so.
"How exalted were the Heavenly, Earthly, and Tai Sovereigns of ancient times? Yet where are their direct descendants now?
"Emperor Gao received Heaven's command, and the Liu Clan received the Mandate of Heaven, thus attaining its exalted position as master of the realm.
"The Luo Clan holds distinction in Great Han because Duke Zhao crowned Emperor Gao, Marquis Ying served as Emperor Gao's wings, and King Wen of Luo rescued Empress Gao and Emperor Xiaohui from fire and water, then governed the realm as regent during the Late Emperor's reign. Was any of this because of the Sage King's protection?
"Now that I hold the realm in my hands, with you at court assisting me, surely the Luo Clan can continue to enjoy wealth and distinction."
Luo Jing smiled at these words,