Wei Tian bowed his head slightly, his voice soft but firm. "It's a gamble, yes. But it's also a path of unity. As long as we stand together, we can face any foe, endure any calamity. That is the duty of a leader."
"Are you accusing me of something?"
Wei Tian didn't answer, his face, his expression never changed from his serenity.
The Emperor scowled and turned to Li Qingwei, who'd been kneeling there, silent the whole time. "Minister of the Left," he said, his voice steady. "You've been listening. What's your counsel?"
Li Qingwei lifted his head just enough to speak, his tone respectful but firm. "Your Majesty, we can't let Lu Clan's defiance slide. But we need proof before we move. Force their hand, and let the realm see their betrayal for themselves. If they slip up, their guilt will be clear. If not… we use their strength for the throne."
"And how do you suggest we do that?"
