Chapter 1327: Things Cannot Always Go as One Wishes
Hearing this, Zhou Hegang immediately flew into a rage and slammed the table. “Zhang Yuelu! Are you saying that I’ll ruin my reputation in my final years? Sun Heyu became estranged from the Golden Tower Council and ultimately ended up imprisoned. That was what he deserved. But I have been loyal to the Daoist Order and the Golden Tower Council my entire life. You can’t lump me with Sun Heyu!”
Zhang Yuelu replied calmly, “I’m not trying to scare you, Elder Zhou. I’m merely reminding you of a precedent. If one doesn’t learn from history, one will end up becoming the next cautionary tale.”
Zhou Hegang glared fiercely at Zhang Yuelu. “Hmph! No wonder people say you’re domineering and stubborn. I’ve finally seen it for myself today. Zhang Yuelu, don’t forget this. I have committed no wrongdoing. I am still a Sage recognized by the Daoist Order, so you are not above me. Although I no longer hold a formal post, I have served the Daoist Order my entire life and have remained unwaveringly loyal since childhood. How many years have you worked? Yet here you are, issuing threats without shame! Do you even understand the proper order between elders and juniors?
“Zhang Yuelu, I might as well tell you. I’m not the only one dissatisfied with you. Quite a few old comrades are unhappy as well. We have devoted our entire lives to the Daoist Order, yet this is how you treat us when we are in our twilight years. How can we not feel disappointed? Those who know the situation understand that it’s you acting on your own whims. But those unaware might think the Daoist Order has forgotten our contributions and now intends to discard us once the work is done.
“What are you trying to do? Are you trying to shake the foundations of the Daoist Order? Can you even consider yourself a Daoist if you’re opposing the Daoist Order and throwing it into chaos?!”
These accusations were extremely serious. The label he slapped on her was detrimental. If she had been someone of humble origins, she likely would not have been able to withstand it.
But Zhang Yuelu was different. This was the advantage of being born into a great family.
The Zhang family had been one of the major contributors to the rebuilding of the Daoist Order, a founding stakeholder who had invested heavily from the beginning. Like the Li family, they were one of the pillars of the Daoist Order. Thus, accusations like this could not be pinned on Zhang Yuelu, just as they could not be pinned on the Li family.
Zhang Yuelu said coldly, “Elder Zhou, I do not deny that you have devoted your life to the Daoist Order and remained loyal to it. But the Daoist Order has not treated you poorly either. What benefit of a second-rank Taiyi Daoist have you been denied? You may list them right now, and I will apologize to you immediately.”
Zhou Hegang froze for a moment, unsure how to respond.
The Daoist Order never cut corners when it came to ensuring the benefits of retired senior Daoists. After all, these elders were not ordinary Daoist priests. Many had disciples, old associates, and extensive networks. Their cultivation was also far from weak. If they truly stirred up trouble, it would not be a trivial matter. When ordinary people caused disturbances, they could be appeased or suppressed. But when old Daoists caused trouble, the usual response was simply to avoid them. Otherwise, one would have to endure endless scolding.
Zhou Hegang could not simply make things up, because Jade Capital kept detailed records. Talking nonsense would amount to spreading false accusations and could lead to an investigation. Once that happened, his benefits might truly be taken away.