TCFGBH Chapter 100

This rumor was simply absurd.

The Enforcement Team, which served the Empire’s Supreme Court, was known for its unwavering loyalty to the emperor. Internally strict and solemn, every member was a meticulously selected elite.

How could they possibly lose such an important piece of evidence?

The internet was abuzz with discussions, with most people treating it as a joke—until more details came to light and people gradually began to realize…

Wait… Could this actually be true?

Huh???

The Enforcement Team actually lost Young Master Xia’s intelligent brain?

【Let me break this down: First, third-year student Hans Dill accused Xia Yan of cheating during the practical exam. The emperor, who was watching the match, ordered the Enforcement Team to investigate the matter. Huo Shan confiscated Xia Yan’s intelligent brain for evidence, but now it’s missing.】

【Does that mean Xia Yan has no way to prove his innocence?】

【I smell a conspiracy. Who could steal evidence from the Enforcement Team?】

【What a vicious plot! Making it impossible for Xia Yan to clear his name and leaving him with the stain of cheating on his record. Could this be the work of spies from the Federation, aiming to tarnish the reputation of a potential heir?】

【Potential heir one of them.】

Patrick: 【Uh… What if Xia Yan really did cheat?】

【??? What are you implying?】

Patrick: 【I’m just guessing. Let’s pretend I didn’t say anything.】

【Baseless speculation is slander. Xia Yan has been at the top of his class for three years, serving as the head student the entire time. He has no reason to cheat.】

The man using the username “Patrick” had either intentionally or unintentionally shifted the topic toward Xia Yan’s alleged cheating. After receiving a barrage of criticism from netizens, he slunk offline in embarrassment.

At the same time, more voices emerged:

【Wow, some fans are scary. Someone makes a reasonable guess, and they get dogpiled.】

【The Enforcement Team is heavily guarded. There are only a few people with the ability to steal from within… Duke X risking it all for his son’s reputation isn’t that far-fetched, is it?】

【So we’re just assuming Xia Yan cheated now?】

【The funniest joke of the year: An S-rank psychic cheating on a practical exam.】

【Who knows how he got to be a top student? I remember someone on the campus forum claiming that Xia Yan had achieved high marks by sacrificing his civilian classmates.】

【I’ve heard that too…】

【These rumors are getting ridiculous. Xia Yan would never do something like that.】

【Does no one suspect the Huo family? Everyone knows about the duel between Huo Ruihe and Xia Yan over a classmate. If Xia Yan ascends, Huo Ruihe is in trouble. To protect his only son, Huo Shan might have… you know.】throat-slitting.jpg

【Internal sabotage???】

【That’s plausible! The Enforcement Team is so secure that only insiders can manipulate things.】

【Nonsense. The Huo family has been loyal to the emperor for generations. This investigation was ordered directly by the emperor. Based on their principles, the Huo family would never intentionally sabotage or undermine the case.】

The Huo family had served the royal line for over a thousand years, with each head becoming the king’s sharpest blade.

Many citizens admired the Huo family as an extension of their loyalty to the throne. Now that the Huo family was being slandered, these supporters couldn’t sit idly by. They joined the debate, laying out evidence and reasoning to defend the Huo family.

【…Don’t speak too soon. Just because Huo Ruihe dared to provoke Xia Yan Gardner doesn’t mean Huo Shan is blameless. You can’t truly know someone’s heart.】

【Huo Ruihe is just a student and holds no power. Can he represent the Huo family?] That person paused before sarcastically adding: 【And anyway, just because someone bears the Gardner surname doesn’t mean they’re destined to rule. The next ruler is still up in the air.】

【If the golden-eyed one doesn’t ascend, are you suggesting we choose some incompetent?】

【The Huo family is loyal only to the king. If someone can’t earn the Huo family’s loyalty, what qualifications do they have to be king?】

Both sides flung rhetorical questions at each other, each growing more furious. Before long, their words became increasingly harsh and personal, with minor flaws exaggerated into glaring faults.

Supporters of both Xia Yan and the Huo family refused to see their idols insulted, pouring into the battlefield. As a result, the incident gained even more traction, dominating the trending topics on the star network.

But what rises must fall.

With his arrogant demeanor and condescending attitude, Xia Yan always carried himself like a king. While some saw this as regal bearing and adored him, others despised his overbearing arrogance.

Previously, Xia Yan had been untouchable. Anyone who dared to criticize him even slightly would be mercilessly attacked by his vast fanbase, with some even subjected to doxxing. Many had hidden their dissatisfaction in silence.

But today, they had caught hold of his “weakness” and could finally vent their long-suppressed resentment openly.

Amid the chaos, a video from the border battlefield suddenly surfaced.

Trending thread, 1967th post: 【Are you all still arguing?】

1968th post: 【By the way, has no one checked the trending topics? I’m feeling so inspired. For the first time, I’m truly moved by Grover’s charisma. Forget the golden eyes. Just from personality alone, I feel he’d be a better heir.】

【Grover Gillingham is just an A-rank…】

【I was impressed too.】

【One is a border warrior, genuinely cutting down Zerg. The other is just a student who allegedly cheats even on exams. The gap is huge.】

【Wait, what are you talking about?】

【Go check for yourself.】

The tired and battle-worn scrollers exited the thread.

The Star Network homepage was flooded with Grover’s footage. The handsome, golden-haired youth with emerald eyes donned a black military uniform, piloting a sleek silver mecha through the battlefield. With decisive, fluid movements, he cut down Zerg one by one.

In just three breathtaking minutes, the video showcased heart-pounding action.

When the battle ended, Grover emerged from the mecha, stepping onto the corpse of a Zerg. He looked into the camera with calm, steadfast eyes, brimming with a quiet determination that seemed to encompass the vast ocean, embracing his people.

Under the gray, misty sky, Grover appeared to be the sole beacon of light, shining as brightly as the stars.

【So what if he’s A-rank? He cuts through Zerg like butter.】

【Compared to Grover, Xia Yan seems like a child.】

【Indeed. Previously, it always felt like Xia Yan was the most suitable choice, with his high-level abilities and golden eyes. But after watching that video, I had an epiphany: both of them have royal bloodlines. The golden eyes are just a dominant genetic trait. As for mental strength, what’s the point of being an S-rank if he cheats, versus an A-rank who fights for us on the front lines? I choose the latter.】

【Regardless, cheating already says enough about his character.】

No matter the truth, the netizens had already convicted Xia Yan in their minds. Fans of Xia Yan shouted phrases like “No evidence” and “Xia Yan is just a second-year student who isn’t even allowed on the battlefield yet,” but their voices were drowned out in the wave of praise for Grover.

People always waver and believe what they want to believe.

What could be more exhilarating than tearing down an arrogant noble from his pedestal?

Amid this stark contrast, Grover’s approval ratings soared, making him the capital’s rising star.

–

3:40 a.m.

The imperial palace, the epicenter of power in the capital, was ablaze with lights, as bright as daylight. The atmosphere in the meeting hall was heavy and oppressive. The golden-haired emperor sat in the chief seat, his sharp gaze unreadable.

The highest court’s Enforcement Team stood below, their faces filled with shame as they remained silent.

Huo Shan, who had lost all trace of his earlier composure, spoke with a grave tone:

“…The person who stole the terminal is Henry Blair, a newly recruited member of the Enforcement Team, aged fifty-six. He has fled the capital, and a manhunt is underway. This is my failure. I didn’t anticipate an insider’s betrayal. Once this matter is resolved, I will accept punishment.”

No! To be precise, no one anticipated that anyone would even try to steal Xia Yan’s terminal.

The Enforcement Team typically handled high-stakes cases, so they were always on edge, constantly monitoring each other to ensure vigilance. But this case had been so simple—

So simple that even a rookie could handle it.

Everyone had let their guard down, allowing the thief to take advantage and steal crucial evidence.

It was mortifying.

What kind of idiot would steal a terminal? Was it useless evidence? Or perhaps, knowing they couldn’t get away with stealing anything more valuable, this was a petty act of defiance?

Unlike his subordinates, Huo Shan considered more.

He thought about the online chatter, the conveniently released video, and the overwhelming accusations against Xia Yan. After a moment’s pause, he continued:

“As for the rumors online targeting the victim, I will issue a clarification using the official account.”

But netizens wouldn’t believe it. They’d just assume the Xia family was leveraging its power to suppress dissent.

“If necessary, I will invoke the highest judicial authority to—”  Erase the rumors and arrest those spreading them.

In the interstellar era, freedom of speech was a given. People freely discussed politics. While every major figure had been the subject of online ridicule, most laughed it off.

However, unilaterally erasing online discourse was a serious move—one sure to provoke protests from human rights organizations, which accused the Enforcement Team of infringing on free speech.

“Huo Shan.”

The golden-haired emperor interrupted him.

The man froze.

The emperor’s expression remained stoic, his ocean-blue eyes devoid of emotion. His thin lips moved:

“I need an exceptional heir. Proceed according to standard procedures.”

The weak are devoured by the strong—such is the natural order.

Huo Shan trembled slightly, countless thoughts racing through his mind before settling on six words:

His Majesty knows everything.

This was Grover’s calculated attack on Xia Yan. At some point, he had bribed Henry to infiltrate the Enforcement Team and, at the critical moment, play this move to drag Xia Yan down.

Simultaneously, he released his battlefield video to sway public opinion, using Xia Yan as a stepping stone for his rise.

Grover had his eyes on the throne, and his scheming had been long in the making.

He had even extended his reach into Huo Shan’s domain. That was… irritating. Huo Shan frowned slightly. He still preferred Xia Yan—so much more agreeable.

Despite his roiling thoughts, Huo Shan’s face betrayed nothing.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The group exited the meeting hall silently, walking some distance before reaching the aircraft. As they boarded, Huo Shan suddenly said:  “Aina, come with me.”

The woman saluted, her voice steady: “Yes, Prosecutor.”

Huo Shan: “Send a notice to—”

The aircraft door closed, and its excellent soundproofing concealed the rest of his words.

A young officer couldn’t help but sigh: “I envy Aina for being the prosecutor’s confidant.”

“When you learn to keep your emotions off your face, maybe you’ll qualify,” someone quipped.

“I wonder what they’re discussing?”

“Probably the hunt for the mole,” the dark-skinned woman shrugged. “This whole thing was such an embarrassment. We have to catch that bastard Henry. I’m going to punch his face in.”

“Hey! Stop chatting and get on the aircraft. We’ve got work to do!”

“This cursed job.”

–

Tonight was destined to be sleepless.

At this moment, as his master awakened, the intelligent butler adjusted the crystal chandelier in the castle to the perfect brightness. The man sat gracefully on the sofa, dressed in silk pajamas with a light robe draped over his shoulders. His demeanor was calm, smiling softly, but his eyes showed no warmth.

“Why wasn’t I informed of such a major incident?”

“Duke Xia…” The middle-aged man before him broke into a sweat. “It’s just that some ignorant fools online are jealous of the young master and venting their frustrations. This will blow over soon.”

Xia Jiuqian opened the interstellar web, pointing to the top trending topic, [Xia Yan Cheating], his voice chilling to the bone: “Blow over?”

“…”

Recalling the secret email he’d received from the Enforcement Team, detailing how Grover was attempting to step on his son to ascend, Xia Jiuqian’s smile vanished.

If Grover had kept his head down all these years, he should’ve stayed quiet forever.

The duke’s face darkened, the laughter in his eyes extinguished entirely: “Find some outstanding combat footage from the frontlines and have it promoted to suppress Grover’s popularity. Once public attention shifts, quietly remove the trending topic about Xia Yan.”

Removing the hot topic immediately would be too conspicuous.

“An A-rank warrior…” The duke tapped the screen, reviewing Grover’s seamless combat maneuvers. His battlefield performance was decent—just decent.

The frontier was brimming with talent. Entire squadrons of S-rank soldiers could be assembled. Their combat experience and techniques were leagues beyond what a young Grover could muster.

The middle-aged man nodded hastily: “Yes, Duke Xia.”

After issuing further remote orders, Xia Jiuqian found dawn breaking on the horizon. His wife appeared on the grand spiral staircase, her expression drowsy yet concerned:  “Dear, what’s going on?”

“There’s a bit of an issue.”

The woman propped her chin on her hand, leaning against the railing with an arched brow and a playful smile that radiated charm. She asked, intrigued, “Oh?”

Xia Jiuqian: “It’s about Xiao Yan.”

The smile on her face faded instantly, replaced by an icy, piercing coldness that resembled her husband’s earlier demeanor. Her voice dropped, dripping with venom:  “Who dares to bully my baby?”