National Guardian's Gone and We're Done

Chapter 642: Chapter 435: The Final Mission is Complete, Congratulations to the Host for Stepping into the Human Emperor Realm

Lu Yinxing was taken aback for a moment, a flicker of doubt crossing her eyes. But it quickly vanished, and she nodded without hesitation, her voice firm and resolute. “Chu He, don’t worry. I believe in you from the bottom of my heart. No matter what happens, I’m on your side.”

With that said, she rose gracefully. Her dress swayed with her movements as she strode briskly from the manor, her expression one of grim determination.

Upon returning to the Royal Palace, Lu Yinxing wasted no time and immediately summoned all her ministers.

The atmosphere in the Royal Palace’s council chamber was tense. The ministers whispered amongst themselves, their faces etched with confusion.

Lu Yinxing stood before the assembly and announced her decision regarding Chu He.

“From this day forward, I, as the Queen of the Great Xia Empire, declare my official stance: I will trust and support Chu He without reservation. Any citizen who doubts Chu He may choose to leave the Great Xia Empire.”

The moment these words were spoken, the ministers erupted into an uproar, one after another raising their objections.

An elderly minister frowned, his voice laced with worry. “Her Majesty the Queen, for a matter of such gravity, should we not conduct an investigation first? To declare a stance so easily… isn’t that a bit rash?”

Lu Yinxing looked at the minister, her gaze unwavering as she replied, “I trust Chu He. There is no need for an investigation. I trust my own judgment, and I trust Chu He’s character.”

Although the ministers still had their doubts, they could only swallow their dissatisfaction in the face of the Queen’s resolute stance.

The news quickly spread throughout the Great Xia Empire, and the public’s reactions were varied.

「In a bustling commercial center.」

A wealthy businessman in an expensive suit sat in his lavish office, his brow deeply furrowed. He spoke to his partner on the phone, “What in the world is Her Majesty the Queen thinking? This whole affair with Chu He is causing a massive stir, and she just picks a side without any investigation. If it turns out Chu He really is a problem, the interests of us business people will be completely ruined. I think I need to reconsider my family’s investment strategy. I can’t put all our eggs in a basket that could shatter at any moment.”

After saying his piece, he hung up the phone, leaned back in his chair, and was lost in thought.

「In a small streetside eatery.」

Several construction workers were gathered around a table for a meal. When they heard the news, they all put down their bowls and chopsticks.

One of the younger workers, his face a mask of confusion, said, “This is just outrageous, isn’t it? How could the Queen do this? She should at least give us common folk an explanation. Just telling people to leave… isn’t that just going to alienate everyone?”

An older worker next to him sighed in resignation. “Yeah, all we want is to live a peaceful life, and now everything’s a mess. I think I need to talk it over with my family. If things get worse, we’ll just go back to our hometown. Better than living on edge here.”

「In a school.」

Teachers were discussing the matter in the staff room.

A young female teacher said anxiously, “The students are all asking me about this, and I have no idea how to answer them. Her Majesty the Queen’s decision was so abrupt. We have to give the parents and students a reasonable explanation.”

Another male teacher pushed up his glasses and chimed in, “Exactly. Reaching a conclusion without an investigation undermines our credibility with the students.”

The incident had blown up to such a degree that even teachers, who should have been completely uninvolved, were now dragged into it.

However, many citizens stood firmly on Chu He’s side.

「At a bustling market.」

An older woman selling fruit heard someone complaining about the Queen’s decision. She immediately put down her scale, planted her hands on her hips, and retorted loudly, “What do you people know?! Chu He has always been the great hero of our Great Xia Empire! He’s done so much good for us, how could he possibly do those terrible things? Her Majesty the Queen must have her reasons for trusting him. If you don’t believe it, then just leave! Don’t stand around here running your mouths and slandering our hero!”

A young man nearby chimed in, egging it on, “Yeah, that’s right! I grew up hearing stories about Chu He. He’s our guardian deity! I absolutely believe in him. Those who don’t believe aren’t worthy of being citizens of the Great Xia Empire. Good riddance!”

Those who decided to leave the Great Xia Empire didn’t hide their dissatisfaction and anger as they left.

A middle-aged woman, dragging a suitcase, cursed as she walked, “Some National Guardian War God! It’s all a lie! And the Queen is a fool for believing him unconditionally. We’re right to leave. It won’t be long before the Great Xia Empire is completely ruined because of them!”

When the citizens who believed in Chu He and the Great Xia Empire heard this, they were instantly enraged.

An old man’s face turned red with anger. He pointed at those who were leaving and shouted, “You ungrateful lot! Chu He has sacrificed so much for the Great Xia Empire, yet you listen to rumors and make such snide remarks. You just wait until the day the truth comes out! You’ll regret it then! And if you try to come back, the Great Xia Empire won’t welcome you!”

For a time, the Great Xia Empire descended into unprecedented chaos and conflict.

Voices of support and opposition rose and fell in a ceaseless tide.

The entire Empire stood at a crossroads of destiny.

「Inside the magnificent, yet secretly ambitious, Buddha Country Hall.」

Abbot Tonghua sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion.

When he heard the news that the Great Xia Empire had been plunged into a vortex of public opinion over the Chu He affair,

a flicker of unconcealable glee instantly appeared on his once-impassive face.

The corners of his mouth turned up slightly, and a greedy light glinted in his eyes.