Chapter 156: As Difficult As Ascending to Heaven

Lie Chang'an parted his thin lips slightly, "Are you blaming him?"

"Don't you think he was in the wrong?"

Guli turned to look at him, her eyes filled with sorrow, "He usurped the throne and seized power simply for his own desires and ambitions, killing so many innocent people."

"He was in the wrong."

Lie Chang'an nodded, his expression as calm as still water, and spoke softly, "Yet apart from the former royal family, no one else has the right to resent him. True, he raised troops in rebellion and usurped the throne by forcing the palace, but he did not ignite any wars, nor did he harm a single innocent commoner or subject. After ascending the throne as emperor, he diligently governed for the people, devoted himself to state affairs with wise rule, sympathized with the hardships of the populace, and enabled them to live and work in peace and contentment, guaranteeing a high standard of living."

"Therefore, even though the people are well aware that the Emperor raised an army in rebellion and seized the throne by force, there is not a single voice of complaint among the common folk. This is simply because he is an enlightened monarch of a generation, who has bestowed upon them a prosperous and flourishing age. Consequently, he remains deeply cherished and adored by the people."

"I understand."

Naturally, Guli knew that her Imperial Father was a fine emperor and a good father as well. Aside from being somewhat overbearing and arbitrary, he was practically flawless. Indeed, she had no right to blame him.

"There is no doubt that he is an enlightened ruler. My fear is simply this: now that rumors are rampant about the remnants of the former dynasty stirring up activities everywhere, my father is their greatest enemy. One could say they harbor a bone-deep hatred for him, wishing for nothing less than his swift death. Will they ever let my father go? What if one day they, too, raise an army in rebellion, storm the palace to seize the throne, and hunt us down to the last?"

"The bloodline of the former dynasty has been thoroughly severed. As for these so-called remnants of the past regime, they are likely just a faction of former loyalists from those years, incapable of achieving any grand design. Unless they possess a leader to issue commands whom they faithfully support, or manage to unearth the legendary treasure of the former dynasty to secure a steady and fully available flow of funds, or else hold military power in their hands, they will never be able to gradually expand their sphere of influence."

Lie Chang'an continued his analysis, his tone steady and imbued with a reassuring strength, "However, the true orthodox bloodline of the former dynasty—the only kind of supporters who could completely mobilize them and command their absolute, unquestioning obedience—was already completely wiped out long ago. The Emperor made certain to exterminate the former imperial bloodline back then, leaving absolutely no survivors. Otherwise, there is no way these remnants who have been stirring up trouble everywhere all these years would not have leaked the slightest rumor."

"Secondly, the treasure map of the former dynasty was divided into three parts. Aside from rumors that one portion lies within the imperial palace, the other two parts have long since vanished without a trace, and even the portion supposedly in the palace is currently missing. To find them all is as difficult as ascending to the heavens."

"Thirdly, military power remains firmly and securely grasped in the hands of the Emperor today. It is utterly impossible for the remnants of the former dynasty to ever acquire it. Therefore, based on these three reasons, the scenario you envision is virtually impossible."

Guli was completely astounded by Lie Chang'an's breathtaking eloquence and logical prowess.

He was truly meticulous in thought; while usually appearing understated and unassuming, he actually perceived the finest details, holding everything within the grasp of his strategic command.

Guli felt that her judgment was indeed sound. The person she loved was so exceptionally brilliant—no wonder Jun'an and Yuyang had both fallen for him. He was a thoroughly magnificent man.

His well-reasoned and logical enlightenment lifted her spirits significantly.

Guli smiled, and her tone grew much lighter as she spoke of what followed, "I merely feel that the imperial throne holds far too great an attraction for men. It can so easily destroy and transform a person, turning them into a cruel executioner. No matter what, to those of the former royal family, my father can never be forgiven; he is their irreconcilable enemy with whom they share a mortal grudge."