Chapter 2156: Chapter 2156: One by One, They All Left

“I have heard that in these past two years, there have often been children disappearing in the capital. Your Majesty, is this matter true?” another State Knight inquired.

He had heard too, not only heard but just last night had rescued a child who was nearly kidnapped. However, the masked man who attempted to snatch the child committed suicide after he was captured, leaving him with no information.

This was no trivial matter, and moreover, if the capital had become like this, it was hard to imagine what it was like in other places.

“Indeed, I too have heard that in the vicinity of the capital, numerous children have disappeared over the past two years. Is Your Majesty aware of this matter?” Another State Knight asked the Emperor of Beikun.

This was no small issue; after all, the future of Beikun Kingdom would rely on these children. How could they just disappear one after another?

“This… how could I have heard of such trivial matters? I suppose the commoners have been exaggerating. There must have been just a few child disappearances,” said the Emperor of Beikun, somewhat hesitantly when the topic arose.

This matter was not something he had just heard about; it was he who had ordered it done. Some of the children were sold into slavery in other countries, while others were imprisoned by his secret guards, to be trained to become even better secret guards.

It was all for the sake of Beikun Kingdom’s future. Thus, he did not feel that his decision was a mistake.

Moreover, these children spent their days begging on the streets of the capital. Whenever he listened to his ministers’ petitions, he became extremely irritated. He had provided a place for those children, who only had the occasional meal to fill their bellies.

These children should be thanking him instead of constantly bringing up the issue, making it seem as if he, the Emperor of Beikun, was neglectful!

State Scholar Qing observed the Emperor’s demeanor and sneered inwardly, knowing what was happening.

That was the Emperor of Beikun Kingdom for you, trading away the kingdom’s children without a shred of guilt. He truly found it unbearable.

As such, why should he continue to serve as a State Knight in Beikun Kingdom?

“Your Majesty, I have just remembered an urgent matter that I must attend to. Once it is dealt with, I shall return to discuss the matter of the Yiinn Family with you. I shall take my leave now.”

Having said this, he did not wait for the Emperor of Beikun to respond and turned to leave.

“Ah?”

The other State Knights were stunned to see State Scholar Qing leave so abruptly.

“Your Majesty, I too have matters to attend to and must excuse myself.”

“Your Majesty, I will go and persuade State Scholar Qing and take my leave first.”

By the time they came to their senses, they were all saying their farewells to the Emperor of Beikun and following in the footsteps of State Scholar Qing.

Who would want to stay and help the Emperor of Beikun deal with High Priest Demon Heart? They weren’t fools; knowing they couldn’t win, they wouldn’t risk their lives in such a gamble.

They would rather go to the troubled areas of Beikun Kingdom and do some real good for the people rather than aiding the Emperor of Beikun in his wrongdoings.

“You… you all…”

The Emperor of Beikun watched them all leave, almost passing out from anger.

What sin had Beikun Kingdom committed to have such State Knights who would abandon their post at the first sign of trouble? Were they looking to rebel against him?

Yet, admittedly, these individuals possessed both strength and cultivation level. He could hardly scold them with any authority, and had to swallow his frustration.

…

Outside the imperial study room, State Scholar Qing walked swiftly but was soon caught up by the other State Knights.

“Brother Qing, why are you in such a hurry? Is there really something urgent you need to attend to?”

“Heh, what do you think?”

State Scholar Qing kept walking as he posed the question back to the State Knight beside him.