273

Chapter 273 It feels so good to have power

The current Pope, Leicester, who is also a member of the High Lords, was already waiting outside. With him were the Minister of the Interior, Irtu, the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ulanan from the Navigator family, and Kanya, the wandering merchant and representative of the merchant trade.

These four people just happened to be the High Lords who were about to be overthrown during Guilliman's reforms.

Dressed in gorgeous clothes, they still maintained their dignity when they met Guilliman and Ferrus, without showing any humility.

When Pope Leicester saw Guilliman and Ferrus striding towards the crowd, he looked at the other three and took the initiative to greet them.

He bowed his head slightly and spoke in a respectful tone.

"Great Son of God, the most loyal servant of the Emperor, Lestat, welcomes you here. The Empire will surely regain its glory under your leadership."

But Guilliman and Ferrus did not treat him well.

Faced with Guilliman and Ferrus's disregard, Lester's mental state was strong enough and his expression did not change at all.

"Four high lords, this should be our first meeting."

"Indeed, we all took over the position of High Lord after you fell asleep. We work diligently every day in this position and rule and maintain this vast empire for the Emperor. We are happy for your return and we all believe that under your leadership the empire will regain its glory.

We will continue to help you manage the empire from this position."

As the leader among the four, Irtu took the initiative to reply.

And what they said implicitly revealed to Guilliman that when you were away, it was us who maintained the Empire's rule over humanity, and it was us who prevented the crumbling Empire from completely collapsing. And if you are willing to retain our rights, we will also use our own strength to help you.

The reason why Irtu dared to say these words was because the four of them controlled several important lifelines of the empire.

Faith, trade, navigation, and political rights.

Over the years, he has controlled a large number of important officials through interests or leverage, and they still feel that Guilliman cannot do without them if he wants to control the entire empire.

"You are Iltu, the Minister of Internal Affairs, right?"

"It is an honor for the great Primarch to remember my name."

"I have not denied your contribution to the empire, but is the current empire the result of your rule? When I woke up, I did not see a better empire, but an empire that was complacent and dying.

I believe in your loyalty to the Emperor, but that's just the kind of feats you want to show off to me.

I hope that in the High Lords' Council I have seen held by the Emperor, you will be able to provide more evidence that you are capable of continuing in this position."

After saying this, Guilliman and Ferrus walked past the crowd and headed towards the cathedral.

Hearing Guilliman's words, Iltur and his companions' faces darkened. They had already said that they were willing to assist Guilliman, which was their concession, but Guilliman had no intention of negotiating at all and it was clear that he wanted to fight them to the end.

Rather than using those who are unqualified in Guilliman's eyes, Guilliman prefers to replace them with people he trusts and who are more capable.

By understanding the current status of all aspects of the Empire, Guilliman has determined that the current High Lords are unable to support him in completing his next grand plan.

Gao Yi also looked at these frustrated high lords. In Gao Yi's eyes, their behavior was a bit like their struggle before death.

They have become accustomed to political struggles and still want to maintain their rule through political struggles and bargaining chips.

But Guilliman obviously had no intention of playing this trick with them. It was futile in the face of absolute power. Political power can only be created by the barrel of a gun.

All four of them were holding back and not getting angry. They didn't dare to let Guilliman and Ferrus speak wildly, but they couldn't do anything to the Primarch, so they decided to show off their power and deal with those who, in their eyes, were the Primarch's followers.

And this target is Gao Yi.

After learning about what the other party had done in Cadia, the High Lords knew that Gao Yi played a very important role in Cadia, but they did not think that this was Gao Yi's own power, but came from the Primarch. Gao Yi was just a manager under the Primarch.

At the request of the High Lord, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Military Affairs also became more efficient than ever before.

Gao Yi's appearance and all the information he knew were remembered by all the high lords.

When they saw Gao Yi, they also recognized him.

Watching Guilliman and Ferrus walking forward, Gao Yi followed them, but Irtu stopped Gao Yi directly.

"Are you Gao Yi Mongert? This is a celebration for the Sons of God. As a Rogue Trader, you are not eligible to participate. According to the joint decision of the High Lords Council, many of your actions have violated the laws of the Empire. Even if you are a Rogue Trader, you are not exempt. According to the joint decision of the High Lords, you will be brought to the Tribunal for review by the Empire.

You need to explain everything you have done, those technologies, those aliens! Otherwise you will be regarded as a traitor and a heretic!"

Kanya, the spokesperson for the Rogue Merchants, stood directly in front of Gao Yi.

Although the Rogue Traders are relatively independent, Kanya, as the High Lord, still exercises control over them.

Most trade certificates need to be reviewed by her after they are issued.

Just when Gao Yi was about to say that he was a living saint, Lester also stood up and said.

"I know you have the title of Living Saint in the Expanse, but you still have to be certified by the Terran Church before you can truly have the rights of a Living Saint. And now your identity as a Living Saint is illegal!"

The high lords were thinking, "The Son of God can ignore me, but why can you, a wandering merchant, ignore me?" Lester said, "Isn't there enough living saints I have seen?"

After all, not all living saints are blessed by the Emperor. Some great heroes are also recognized as living saints. Within the vast territory of the Empire, there is no shortage of heroic deeds, and heroic figures may emerge in every star region.

But they didn't see any fear on Gao Yi's face.

Just as Leicester was about to order the soldiers to arrest Gao Yi, the imperial guards directly stopped the soldiers.

And Trajan stood directly in front of Leicester.

"Lord Gao Yi does not need to be examined! His status as a living saint was granted by the Emperor himself! Lester, do you still think his status as a living saint is illegal?!"

"The Divine Emperor has personally bestowed upon this...Commander Trajan! This is the decision of the High Lords' Council, and it is in full compliance with the laws of the Empire!"

"I also have a seat in the High Lords' Council. Now I do not agree with your decision! Please move aside!"

Guilliman and Ferrus, who had already walked forward, also walked back.

"Pope Leicester! Lord Kania, Lord Gao Yi is a hero of Cadia. All his actions have been approved by Ferrus and me. You are not qualified to know about those aliens and technologies. If so, is it against the laws of the empire? He will participate in the celebration with us."

Seeing the two Primarchs trying to protect Gao Yi, the four said nothing more. They knew that the war between them and the Primarchs had officially begun.

Looking at the deflated expressions of the high lords, Gao Yi couldn't help but say that it felt good to have power