At this time, no matter what, the Jade Emperor had to step in to defend the Martial Virtue Star Lord, otherwise, who would dare to serve him in the future?
Only to hear the Jade Emperor say: "The proposal of the Martial Virtue Star Lord to allow Sun Wukong to guard the Pan Peach Garden, although seemingly absurd and ridiculous, actually conceals great underlying meaning."
Having said this, the Jade Emperor paused, swept a glance over the crowd, and continued, "Is it possible that you all have not noticed it?"
These words of the Jade Emperor were directed at Jiang Chen. Just before, Jiang Chen had accused the Heavenly Court of being tactless, which was an indirect implication of his low intelligence, wasn’t it?
Now, the Jade Emperor said the words of the Martial Virtue Star Lord concealed great underlying meaning, which Jiang Chen couldn’t see. This was an indirect dig at him for being rash, and shortsighted.
The Jade Emperor was not generous with his tolerance. He immediately retaliated the moment he was subtly mocked by Jiang Chen.
Indeed, they didn’t see it!
The heavenly beings thought so in their hearts, but didn’t express it. Instead, they pretended to understand the meaning.
As for what they understood, that was unknown.
Only Jiang Chen, looking at everyone pretending to be profound, curled his lips disdainfully and said to the Jade Emperor: "Your Majesty’s pardon, I, Jiuchen, am dull and have not been able to comprehend the profound meaning of the Martial Virtue Star Lord’s words."
After saying that, Jiang Chen, worrying that the Jade Emperor could really make up a reason, did not wait for the Jade Emperor to reply. He directly asked the Martial Virtue Star Lord: "May I know, Star Lord, what was the profound meaning in your words?"
Jiang Chen was certain that this profound meaning was something the Jade Emperor had just come up with, and even the Martial Virtue Star Lord himself didn’t know what it was, so he didn’t ask the Jade Emperor but instead asked the Martial Virtue Star Lord directly.
This was because he was sure that the Martial Virtue Star Lord wouldn’t have an answer.
Indeed, after hearing Jiang Chen’s query, the Martial Virtue Star Lord hesitated for a long time but didn’t give a reason.
Jiang Chen’s sudden move took the Jade Emperor aback. However, as things had come to this point, he couldn’t allow anyone to spoil it.
Without hesitation, the Jade Emperor came to the rescue of the Martial Virtue Star Lord, saying, "Everything the Martial Virtue Star Lord said was for the sake of Sun Wukong. The monkey loves peaches, which is a natural inclination. It’s a universal truth known to men and gods. How could the Martial Virtue Star Lord not know it?"
"Despite him knowing it, he risked being misunderstood by the world and still suggested Sun Wukong for the stewardship of the Pan Peach Garden. What was his purpose, if not for the betterment of Sun Wukong."
"In our cultivation, if one can’t even overcome their nature and is controlled by it, then what is the point of practicing the Tao? It would be better to be a mortal."
"As Sun Wukong loves to eat peaches, that’s why he was chosen to guard the Pan Peach Garden. The purpose here is to help him control his natural inclinations and not be controlled by them, so that he can go further in his practice."
Well, true to the Jade Emperor’s nature, he can justify anything. He transformed the great risk of placing the care of the Pan Peach Garden in the hands of Sun Wukong into an act of goodwill for Sun Wukong. If this continued, in the future, if Sun Wukong stole peaches, wouldn’t it be that he was ungrateful, betraying the Emperor’s expectations?
Finally, the Jade Emperor didn’t forget to say, "Martial Virtue, is that how you intended to?"
Upon hearing this, the Martial Virtue Star Lord quickly responded, "Yes, Your Majesty, that is exactly what I was thinking. It was my unclear expression that led to the misunderstanding, it was all my fault."
With just a few sentences, the image of the Martial Virtue Star Lord had undergone a huge change. He transformed from a fool who almost made the Heavenly Court the laughingstock of the Three Realms, into a loyal and selfless minister.
After the Martial Virtue Star Lord, another heavenly official stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, we cannot do this. The Pan Peach Garden is a crucial part of the Heavenly Court. The decision to place the Great Sage in charge of it must be carefully considered!"
Apparently, some thought it was too risky to test Sun Wukong’s willpower using the Pan Peach Garden.
However, the Jade Emperor’s mind was made up. Without any doubt, he said, "Eh, I trust the Great Sage of Equal Heaven. He can certainly control his nature, bring peace to the Pan Peach Garden, and resist persuasions."
Tsk, tsk, I believe him!
This sentence revealed intense trust. If others heard it, they might be moved to tears, but what a pity, Sun Wukong was not present, so the Jade Emperor’s great drama had all been performed for a blind audience.
However, once this statement spread, Sun Wukong being the favoured of heaven will quickly circulate among the masses. If anything goes wrong in the Pan Peach Garden at that time, Sun Wukong really will have no other choice but to die.
Betraying the Jade Emperor’s trust, isn’t death the only means of apology?
Quietly watching the Jade Emperor finish his performance, Jiang Chen shook his head and said to the Martial Virtue Star Lord: "So Star Lord, did you mean this after all? Then indeed I was lacking in understanding and failed to see the profound meaning of your words."
"Just curious as to why you did not mention this in advance? Instead of waiting for the heavenly beings to misunderstand, and then explained it. Was this to intentionally make a joke out of the gods or that you wanted to use the gods’ reaction to highlight your own capabilities?"
Jiang Chen was digging a pit for the Martial Virtue Star Lord, implying that he intentionally mocked the celestial beings. As expected, the moment Jiang Chen’s words were spoken, the celestial beings’ gaze towards the Martial Virtue Star Lord changed.
After today, regardless of whether the Martial Virtue Star Lord’s words had any deeper meaning or not, he had already offended all the gods present. If there was no deeper meaning, it meant he had been treating everyone like fools. If there was, it meant he intentionally made fun of everyone.
Whether there was one or not didn’t matter, the words had been uttered. The final result was inevitable.
The face of the Martial Virtue Star Lord had already turned white. At this moment, he noticed the ill intent of his colleagues, probably thinking of ways to retaliate against him.