Chapter 755 - 347: Flipping the Table

Chapter 755: Chapter 347: Flipping the Table

In the Council hall, the voices surged as the members eager to show off grew increasingly impassioned.

"Yes, why have I always been suppressing the Night Patrol? The Night Patrol is the treasure left by Governor Luthor. Over the years, the Night Patrol has diligently guarded the secret safety of Li Long. Many have sacrificed themselves. Their treatment is the worst among all departments, yet they perform the most dangerous tasks, without complaint. The Night Patrol are the true guardians of Li Long. Important cases like these should be investigated by the Night Patrol, rather than excluding the most capable."

"What does it mean that Governor Ye Shidao excluded the Night Patrol? Is it intentional? Does he not want the public to know the truth?"

"I am not questioning the power of the Church Court, but investigating cases is a different matter. The Night Patrol is experienced and has long dealt with secret matters. Letting them handle it is a professional specialty. When faced with powerful secret enemies, then it’s suitable for the Church Court to intervene."

"Our investigation period is two months, and only a few days have passed. It involves the Potter Family—it’s not so easy to investigate. Just switching to the Night Patrol, is that a joke? You all arguing now, what does it look like? Governor Ye Shidao has diligently protected Li Long for so many years, and now you all jump out, isn’t that too opportunistic?"

"They must have taken money from the Potter Family, daring to kill Hong Yan and even assassinate Ji Sheng. Who else would have the guts and power besides the Potter Family?"

"It’s the Potter Family’s usual trick—slander and frame to muddy the waters so they can escape. Dream on, my just Zhou Family stands opposed to evil!"

"Nonsense, you scoundrel! Distorting the truth, I am irreconcilable with you!"

Immediately, some Council members began to quarrel, a common tactic to delay meetings, but today it was clear it wouldn’t end so easily. The Duke Potter would never allow himself to remain confined. Looking at Lu Shuai who was silent among the crowd, even if he didn’t speak, it was impossible for Ye Shidao to continue like this.

Of course, he wouldn’t do it himself; he would arrange for others to handle it.

Perhaps some members were thinking of other ways to gain benefits from Ye Shidao and the Royal Family, but most members had already realized the situation in the past few days. They were seasoned politicians and feared that Ye Shidao would act desperately. The army absolutely must not be in the hands of an individual; this is the foundation of the Council system. Recently, they discovered that the Black Iron Guard only listens to Ye Shidao, and they couldn’t infiltrate.

An entire morning of arguments made no substantial progress. The bigwigs were quietly waiting. Today’s situation was unique—it wouldn’t be halted by such chaotic order but would continue until a result was reached. Sometimes being a member is physically demanding, but young ones like Lu Shuai were apparently unaffected.

The fight continued into the afternoon with some changes. Secretary Mier of the Red-robed Archbishop Fakson arrived at the Council, representing the Church Court as an observer. Of course, this wasn’t the Church Court’s initiative but was sent at the invitation of the Cabinet, indicating that the situation now required Church Court intervention.

Mier looked around at the crowd, the androgynous allure capturing the gaze of several older members with peculiar interests, but they could only admire.

Mier’s eyes suddenly fell on Lu Shuai, unable to look away. Interesting, very interesting—he sensed a rare kinship essence in Lu Shuai.

The "battle" continued, and during a short recess, members didn’t know what happened but suddenly moved in unison to demand the termination of Ye Shidao’s Governor authority and suggested temporarily replacing it with the Cabinet’s executive power, retaining Ye Shidao’s Cabinet member status for transition.

The idea proposed by Councillor Chen Ruchang received strong support from the righteousness faction and liberal faction, reaching unprecedented agreement on this matter. Investigations and elections couldn’t resume immediately, but Ye Shidao’s growth couldn’t be allowed to continue, especially with the Black Iron Guard’s presence instilling deep unease.

"Today’s meeting should end with Leader Li Moqian immediately returning to his original position," proposed Duke Maxim.

As a member of the Cabinet, another super-mogul among the Lot people, his words carried weight. The first half of the meeting was the subordinates’ quarrel, while the second half was the main event. It was rare for the major hills of the liberal and righteousness factions to work together so unitedly.

"Councillor Maxim, that’s not in accordance with the rules; this isn’t today’s agenda, and the movement of the Knight Order isn’t so easy. Not to mention the waste of manpower and resources, changing orders arbitrarily—this is a blatant cover-up for your allies. Are you afraid evidence of your crimes will be found?"

"Everyone should wake up; this is definitely the Potter Family’s conspiracy to divert attention. Councillor Hong Yan died in vain like that, and Chief Executive Ji Sheng was assassinated in broad daylight. Councillor Chen Ruchang narrowly escaped. Are we still going to let such law-breaking things happen, let the killers roam free? Then, the next might be one of you!"

Members under Ye Shidao’s leadership began to make trouble, their impassioned words plunging the two sides into another heated argument.

Ye Shidao remained calm; he had seen too many such scenes over the years. Results couldn’t be settled by arguments alone.

Meanwhile, residents from the four districts of Dragon Capital were gradually heading towards the southern suburbs. The Tales of Utopia Mountain had already spread widely in the streets and alleys of Dragon Capital. Many who hadn’t read about it had already heard storytellers retell it vividly, making it come to life. Many believed the world held the treasures of Utopia Mountain. Could it be that Utopia Mountain and Taiyin Mountain are linked?

People wanted to visit Utopia Mountain. At most, the entry ticket cost only a Li Dou, which was affordable. Most families had a newspaper at home, treating it as a countryside trip, especially for those living nearby in the South District. Once outside the city gates, one could see Taiyin Mountain after walking a few miles.

As people converged from all directions, the more people there were, the livelier it got. Even those unaware soon learned, drawn by the buzz; Beijingers’ love for excitement wasn’t just talk. The allure of treasure was irresistible, and more people joined in.

Back at the Upper Council, both sides erupted into a few more conflicts, pulled apart by the guard, but rationality was short-lived, and they soon fought again. It’s a common tactic among members to create chaos and delay time.

Just as the standoff was at an impasse, Ye Shidao suddenly knocked his gavel. The once-noisy members gradually quieted down; the longstanding Governor still commanded authority.

"All these years, I’ve been pondering one question: is Governor Luthor’s Council beneficial or harmful to our Li Long? Admittedly, through this system, we achieved unification, bringing Li Long United Kingdom into a development phase. But what comes after?" Ye Shidao paused, stood up, and looked down at everyone from the highest point of the Council. "Afterwards, the righteousness faction and the liberal faction fought endlessly for their interests, draining our resources, making the Li Long United Kingdom a mere shell, unable to display real power. Including recent assassinations, Governor Luthor once said to progress with the times. Now we’ve reached another turning point. If we let the Council system continue like this, it will ultimately become a tool for a small group to vie for power, exacerbating internal strife. Moreover, our faith is continually declining. These signs all predict turmoil. A little while ago, the Church Court conducted a major forecast about Dragon Capital facing catastrophic disaster. With our current Dragon Capital power, unless internal trouble arises, there’s no other possibility!"

As Ye Shidao spoke, his gaze swept across the assembly. The atmosphere became still. Many members sensed something unusual, and no one spoke lightly at this moment.

Duke Potter smiled lightly, "Ye Shidao, do you wish to become emperor?"

Ye Shidao glanced at Duke Potter, an old opponent, smirking dismissively, "Who sacrificed the most for the Li Long to be here today?"

"The Royal Family!"

"Without the Ji Family’s sacrifices, there wouldn’t be today’s Li Long United Kingdom. Only the Ji Family is qualified to represent Li Long; no one else!"

"Yes, Ye Shidao, you’re unfit, and Duke Potter, you are even less so. Except for Princess Mingyue, no one is worthy!"

Several members suddenly shouted loudly, and everyone turned to look at Princess Ji Ming Yue, who was observing. Behind the Princess stood a middle-aged man who had been very calm and patient throughout the session.