Seeing that Lu Yin wasn’t responding to his impassioned rant, Long Chu continued, “Your Majesty, do you know who controls the second ring’s army?”

Lu Yin stared back at the man, who continued to rage, “On the surface, that army is a reserve of the Thirteen Imperial Squadrons. In reality, it’s a war machine to monitor us. They’re the real guardians of the Capital Star, but they guard against its oldest allies!”

“So what do you want me to do?”

“Reassume military authority over the Zishan Family, become our commander. We are soldiers, not toys for nobles, and definitely not enemies of the Empire!”

Lu Yin smiled bitterly, “You place me on too high a pedestal, Commander Long. You’re a smart man and should understand my circumstances. Yes, I’m King Zishan, but only as a pawn of His Imperial Majesty used to show his kindness to my ancestors. Him giving me the title is his restitution to the Zishan Family; reassuming...