In the eyes of the onlookers, a major incident had undoubtedly occurred—an incident capable of shaking the Tianxiang Kingdom from top to bottom.
As a matter of fact, a major incident indeed happened. The Grand Preceptor and Chancellor of the State, Li Shang, suddenly contracted a grave infirmity and had been unconscious ever since, leaving his life and death uncertain. Grand Preceptor Li was the highest-ranking official in the imperial court in the Tianxiang Kingdom. His unanticipated collapse had thrown the imperial court into disorder and confusion.
His Majesty the Emperor was furious!
Sitting on the imperial throne, he slammed the table with both hands. “…a perfect healthy civil official cultivates his Xuan Qi behind closed door, but instead of restoring his Xuan Qi, he squandered away what remain of his old life!…had long since overseen all aspects of court politics. The entire imperial court has been paralyzed with his collapse today! How can we not grieve under such circumstance? You all, you…” After His Majesty said up to this point, he immediately fell silent. He massaged his temple as if to soothe a headache and sighed helplessly.
When he had looked up earlier, His Majesty realized that he had done something stupid! Something incredibly stupid!
Of the several people below, Jun Zhan Tian wore a long face as he stared vacantly ahead at nothing in particular, completely spaced out and apparently did not hear a word.
Dugu Zongheng was grunting and sighing while using a thick carrot-sized finger to dig at his nostril and nonchalantly flicking his finger from time to time. What kind of demeanor is this…
Tang Wanli frowned as he watched Dugu Zongheng from the corner of his eyes. His lip trembled, and he angrily cursed in his heart from having to frequently dodge errant balls of snot. Tang Wanli looked disdainfully at the Meng Family and arrogantly at the Li Family, but he did not dare to show his discontent against the big boss, even if he dared to curse in his heart.
The master of the Meng Family had a serious and solemn appearance, sitting quietly without looking sideways as if in meditation.
Murong Fengyun’s back lean against main hall pillar. Something that looked suspiciously like saliva appeared on his white beard…
The old fool from the Song Family had his head drooped down as if he was trying to figure out if he can insert his head in the crotch of his trouser…
His Majesty suddenly woke up from his daze and wished he could give himself two slaps. Would expressing my anger mean anything to these old bags of bones? Was that any different than casting pearls before a swine? Was it even worth a fart?! Eventually, he impatiently waved his hand. “Leave. Everyone leave. It was our mistake! We were wrong to inconvenience esteemed elders such as yourselves. Just leave and quickly go back home to your beds since you all seem too tired to be here!”
As if waking from a dream, the old men started blaming each other and then proceeded to thank His Majesty as they made their exit. Dugu Zongheng was just about to leave before he turned back and kicked Murong Fengyun’s body with a bang. “Wake up. Go home to sleep.”
Murong Fengyun mumbled incoherently, sleepy eyes unclear before loosely standing up, seemingly at a loss for what to do, “Your Majesty, this old official is guilty. This official must be going senile from old age to actually fall asleep in Your Majesty’s palace. This…”
“GET OUT OF OUR SIGHT! GO BACK HOME TO SELL RICE CAKES*!” The Emperor’s bellow frightened the many court officials waiting in the side chamber. The old men all appeared to be battered, exhausted and even scared witless as they exited the main hall. However, once they left the imperial palace, these crafty old men looked at each other with evil smiles before parting ways and leaving abruptly.