In plain terms, Emperor Ling wished to commit suicide, a matter of great gravity. If it were discovered, not only would they be branded as villains, but their descendants might also face widespread condemnation.
Although Diao Chan's conditions were generous, they paled in comparison to the family's century-long plan!
Upon realizing this, the clan patriarchs shifted their stance, attempting to persuade Diao Chan instead. However, they were unsure of her hidden cards and dared not speak rashly.
"Madam!" the leading patriarch began, but Diao Chan raised her hand to stop him.
"If the patriarch wishes to advise this madam, please refrain from speaking," Diao Chan said, gripping her sword tightly, her demeanor heroic. "When King Chu risked his life to save His Majesty from Luoyang, this is the outcome he received. Truly, the cunning rabbit is slain, and the hunting dog is cooked!"
"Your Majesty!" the leading patriarch quickly interjected, "Madam Chu is merely speaking out of turn due to King Chu's demise. I beg His Majesty not to be offended!"
"Why would I be offended by Madam Chu? Ultimately, these are the fruits of your actions!" Emperor Ling said coldly. "I have often heard of a bird in Liang Province: when the male dies, the female refuses to live on. What do you all think of this?"
Everyone heard clearly. Emperor Ling was forcing them to act against Diao Chan. But with Lü Bu outside and several legions from You Province, who could possibly emerge victorious if they fought? It was better to wait and see!
"Very well!" Emperor Ling stood up and waved his sleeve. "King Chu truly has remarkable abilities. My entire court and the eunuchs have now become King Chu's men. I am merely an outsider!"
"Your Majesty, be mindful of your words!" Lu Zhi said, his voice ancient, and quickly advised.
"Lord Lu, are you advising me? We were once harmonious as ruler and subject. How did we reach this point?" Emperor Ling spoke with resentment. "Or, what have I done to wrong you, Lu Zhi?"
"Your Majesty has treated Lu Zhi very well, but..." Lu Zhi replied calmly, his heart steady. "King Chu's methods are more beneficial to the common people. Of course, if Your Majesty were to devise a plan that would benefit the populace, I would wholeheartedly support it!"
Lu Zhi suddenly looked up, his gaze firm and neither humble nor subservient. "Even if it means defying the world, I would not hesitate!"
"Clap, clap, clap!" Diao Chan applauded softly, a smile on her face. "I wondered what it was. So, it's this play. Since that is the case, I request Lord Lu and all the patriarchs to withdraw, so as not to impede your future prospects!"
The crowd was eager to hear this. They hurried towards the exit, only to see Emperor Ling slam his hand on the armrest of his chair. "I forbid you to leave. Anyone who leaves will not be considered my subject tomorrow."
The various ministers looked troubled. Although Emperor Ling, as a nominal emperor, offered no substantial benefits, having his title at least spared them a great deal of trouble.
Seeing their conflicted expressions, Emperor Ling seemed to have found the key to winning people over. He threw the dagger onto the table. "All ministers, consider carefully. You wish to benefit from both sides, but such things do not exist in this world."
"I can issue this decree today, but it will be accompanied by your dismissal decrees. Think carefully for yourselves whether I should issue this decree," Emperor Ling said, reclining on his chair and leisurely observing everyone. If he had known the matter could be resolved so easily, he would not have resorted to the dagger.
"Your Majesty, we..." The leading patriarch was about to speak when Emperor Ling's reprimand cut him short. "I believe your position as leader has lasted too long. Perhaps it's time for someone else, someone more capable!"
"Your Majesty, I..." The leading patriarch knelt on the ground with a thud. "I truly should not have listened to others. My clan will be loyal to Your Majesty for generations to come!"
"Excellent, excellent," Emperor Ling's joy was palpable. "If everyone were like this, how could I worry about the instability of the nation or the unrest of the people!"
The remaining aristocratic families saw how their leader had fared. They no longer dared to contend with Emperor Ling and knelt down one by one, pledging their loyalty. Diao Chan's attendant gently held her hand.
"Madam, I fear!" Diao Chan patted the hand of the maid who had followed her the longest and said slowly, "Rest assured, Emperor Ling has exhausted his options. This madam still has a trump card."
In a flash, most of the officials, except for Lu Zhi, had defected to Emperor Ling's side. Diao Chan then spoke slowly, "Lord Lu, you were once a close confidant of the Son of Heaven. Do you not regret following this madam?"
"I, Lu Zhi, care for the people of the world, not for the dominion of one family. Even if I am torn to shreds, I will have no regrets," Lu Zhi said, his expression cooling. "Lu Zhi only regrets his powerlessness to change the tide, watching as decrees that would greatly benefit the people are destroyed!"
Diao Chan quickly helped Lu Zhi up. "Lord Lu, there is no need to be so distressed. This madam understands your intentions. Moreover, it is still unknown who will emerge victorious!"
Seeing that his side had more people and held the advantage, Emperor Ling smiled broadly. "Diao Chan, out of consideration for you as King Chu's widow, I can spare you. As long as you hand over the Third Legion and retreat quickly, I will let bygones be bygones."
"So, this madam should thank Your Majesty?" Diao Chan retorted. "May I ask how Your Majesty will treat King Chu's manor and King Chu?"
"Although King Chu did not die for the nation, he rendered great service to the Han dynasty and will naturally be remembered in history. As for King Chu's manor, all their stipends will remain the same. I will naturally not mistreat King Chu's manor!" Emperor Ling said confidently, believing that a shrewd woman like Diao Chan would not refuse.
"This madam can agree to Your Majesty's conditions," Diao Chan said, bowing slightly. "However, this madam would like to know who advised Your Majesty to threaten us with self-immolation. That stratagem is indeed ingenious!"
"You need not concern yourself with such matters. Do what you ought to do. You have no right to inquire about the rest!" Emperor Ling, believing he had everything under control, spoke with arrogance.
"Very well. Since Your Majesty is unwilling to agree to all this, this madam will naturally not agree. As for the Third Legion..." Diao Chan hesitated slightly, and Emperor Ling eagerly interjected, "What about it?"
"Lü Bu!"
In an instant, Lü Bu, clad in armor, strode into the Golden Hall. His Fangtian halberd struck down heavily, shattering a golden brick.
"Your subordinate is here. Reporting to Madam, thirty thousand troops have all arrived and completely surrounded the imperial palace. A single command from you, and the 'clearing of the emperor's surroundings' will be instantaneous!" Lü Bu said with a murderous glint in his eyes. "At that time, His Majesty will not be misled by villains and will naturally fulfill his promise to King Chu!"
"Good. Once this great task is accomplished, His Majesty and this madam will surely reward you handsomely," Diao Chan said, her tone shifting. "General, did you see and hear everything that just transpired clearly?"
"Not a single word was missed. Feng Xian, who is by His Majesty's side, knows everything clearly!" Lü Bu scanned the people in the Golden Hall. "Anyone who dares to mislead His Majesty is seeking death!"
The patriarchs of the aristocratic families shivered. With a legitimate cause for action, the 'clearing of the emperor's surroundings,' it was up to Diao Chan to decide who the villain was. They had initially had a chance to curry favor with Diao Chan, but now, merely surviving would be a blessing.
"Your Majesty, this minister suddenly remembers an urgent matter at home. This minister will take his leave!"
"This minister concurs."
"..."
A stream of similar voices erupted. Emperor Ling watched clearly but could only rage impotently. "Are you not afraid I will dismiss you from your posts and strip you of your titles?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the patriarchs silently responded in their hearts: No, they were not afraid. Losing their titles and official positions was better than losing their lives.
As for Diao Chan, she could easily select a minor eunuch, fabricate a charge, and it would still be considered 'clearing the emperor's surroundings.' The important thing was whether she herself would be deemed a villain.
Seeing more and more people exiting the Golden Hall, Emperor Ling suddenly remembered something and spoke with confidence. "Diao Chan, you think victory is assured, but have you truly considered that since King Chu's death, even though he left behind the Third Legion, how much of it can you truly control?" Emperor Ling revealed a cryptic smile. "Ultimately, they are the people of the Han, not King Chu's subjects!"
"People of the realm, assist me in killing this traitorous minister, Madam Chu! I shall reward you handsomely!"