While Serena and Ninth Royal Uncle Nolan were locked in their heated battle in the hot springs, trying to conquer each other physically, forces from all sides were also on the move. The lower ranks of the Bloodcloak Guard had no idea where Simon Sun was, but that didn’t mean the higher-ups—or the Emperor—were ignorant.
Nolan and Serena hoped Simon Sun would survive, but not everyone shared that wish. In many people’s eyes, the safest outcome was for Simon to die.
While Nolan enjoyed the beauty in his arms, the long-suffering Emperor was still working late in the imperial study. When he learned that Nolan had sent Simon Sun out of the city, the Emperor paused for a moment, then looked up and asked, “Felix, what’s your take on this?”
In less than half a year, Felix Fuller had become the Emperor’s close confidant, handling all the dirty, secretive tasks for the throne. Clearly, Felix was talented—and he never disappointed. He understood the Emperor had already made up his mind, but couldn’t say it outright for various reasons.
“Your Majesty, Ninth Royal Uncle is too soft-hearted to achieve great things. That man should be weeded out by the root.” Felix spoke aloud the very thought the Emperor wanted but was unwilling to say.
Yes, the Emperor wanted Simon Sun dead. But as a benevolent and enlightened ruler, he couldn’t say it outright.
“His father once saved my life.” That was the only reason the Emperor hesitated to give a direct order to kill Simon Sun.
He couldn’t let his officials lose heart. But if Felix voiced the idea, it was different—the suggestion came from his adviser, and he was merely accepting his minister’s advice.
“Your Majesty, Imperial Physician Sun was duty-bound to save you. Besides, when Sun suddenly resigned, you didn’t punish him—that was already a great favor. You are the ruler of the realm; you must put the nation first.” In other words, the Emperor had long since repaid Sun Zhengdao’s life-saving kindness, and shouldn’t feel bound by it any longer. For the sake of the empire, he could not afford further mercy.
It was no accident that Felix Fuller had become the Emperor’s trusted aide. When the Emperor wanted his virtues praised, Felix created opportunities; when the Emperor didn’t want to play the villain, Felix voiced the harsh truths for him.
The Emperor sighed in feigned regret, closed his eyes, and nodded slightly. “Do as Felix suggests.”
That look of regret—anyone who didn’t know better might really think he was reluctant to kill Simon Sun. But Felix understood: this was just another imperial tactic.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Felix accepted the order and left. As he stepped out, a cold, ruthless light flashed in his eyes.
This time, the Emperor was striking hard against the Bloodcloak Guard. Traitors within the Guard—and even within the Imperial City—were about to face disaster. As for who would take over Lucan Lu’s position after his fall, and what Felix himself might gain from the reshuffling... that remained to be seen.