Chapter 274: The Seven Deadly Sins

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The morning assembly of the Shangjing Immortal Dynasty is divided into the grand assembly and the small assembly.

The small assembly is attended only by the "capital officials" of Changning City and its neighboring counties, held once every three days. The grand assembly, on the other hand, involves main local officials from various regions and is held once a month.

Today is a small assembly day.

The main local officials of Changning City and its neighboring counties gather in the Celestial Will Hall.

The dragon chair, symbolizing the highest power of Shangjing, is empty. A group of officials known as "cabinet advisors" is lined up in two rows on a square platform below the dragon chair. When the Immortal Emperor does not attend, it is this group of cabinet advisors who preside over the assembly. They usually hold a cabinet meeting first to decide on the main topics of the assembly.

Right Minister Gong Tianrui stands at the forefront. He is the chief powerholder beneath the Immortal Emperor, and one could say he is the host of this small assembly.

The assembly was in full swing when Left Minister Pei Weiyi arrived late, her imposing Chiwen Robe harmonizing extraordinarily well with the resplendent Celestial Will Hall.

Everyone turned to look at her, while she stared straight ahead at the gathered cabinet advisors.

Though she is the Left Minister, she is not a member of the Cabinet.

Gong Tianrui, with his high crown, slightly furrowed his brow,

"Prime Minister Pei, it is already the fifth small assembly since September, and you missed the previous four and are late this time. I wish to know what exactly is preventing you from entering this Celestial Will Hall?"

This month, Pei Weiyi has been neglecting her duties for only one reason: Fan Wubing is at her home. If Fan Wubing hadn’t completed refining the Heart of All Wonders today, she would surely have missed this small assembly too.

Facing Gong Tianrui’s reproach, Pei Weiyi remained expressionless, her voice devoid of any emotion,

"I had matters to attend to."

Gong Tianrui’s face darkened, "What matters?"

Pei Weiyi stared directly at him, "You have no right to inquire."

Gong Tianrui was taken aback and couldn’t utter another word.

If even the Right Minister has no right to inquire, it can only be a matter arranged by the Immortal Emperor. On this court, Pei Weiyi has neither confidants nor personal connections; her only reliance is the greatest support in this immortal dynasty—Emperor Shangjing, Jiang Xuan.

One such backing is more than enough.

Gong Tianrui waved his long sleeve to reclaim some authority, "I hope that next time, Prime Minister Pei can inform in advance."

Pei Weiyi sat in her exclusive Chiwen Chair, closed her eyes, and remained silent.

Gong Tianrui had no means to deal with her and could only swallow his feelings and continue presiding over the assembly.

The assembly lasted for three hours, ending only in the afternoon.

"Dismissed!"

At Gong Tianrui’s announcement, the officials bowed towards the dragon chair and then dispersed one by one.

Gong Tianrui called out to Pei Weiyi,

"Prime Minister Pei, please wait."

Pei Weiyi asked, "What is it?"

"Let us talk as we walk."

It was a rare sight to see both ministers walking together.

Walking down the long steps outside the Celestial Will Hall, Gong Tianrui slightly restrained the authority he displayed in the court,

"Prime Minister Pei, have you been in contact with the Demon Extermination Bureau?"

"The Demon Extermination Bureau should be under Prime Minister Gong’s responsibility, should it not?"

"It’s hard to say," Gong Tianrui’s eyes glimmered with a deep light, "When the Demon Extermination Bureau was established, I never imagined it would evolve into this. Originally, it was meant to be Shangjing-led with Heaven-Questioning Sect as support. But in just four short years, Shangjing is no longer in charge and even the supportive position is precarious. Ye Wuyue’s methods are completely beyond what one would expect for someone her age. She is slowly but surely squeezing Shangjing out of the Demon Extermination Bureau."

Pei Weiyi said blandly, "That seems to be Prime Minister Gong’s problem."

Gong Tianrui shook his head, "No. Wenxin Heaven initially had Shangjing team up with Heaven-Questioning Sect to a certain extent to weaken Shangjing’s influence in the Immortal Continent. But the current situation isn’t about weakening our influence there; Ye Wuyue’s fame and even authority already threaten Shangjing’s own position. Surely, Prime Minister Pei understands this."

Pei Weiyi said, "But what has this to do with me? The Demon Extermination Bureau was an impromptu establishment for the suppression of Demon Cultivators, and the founding rules dictate that it must rely on results. Political struggle, Prime Minister Gong is skilled at that, but in managing Demon Cultivators...it appears that Ye Wuyue is more adept."

Gong Tianrui, knowing Pei Weiyi was always blunt, did not take it to heart,

"Does the Immortal Continent truly need the Demon Extermination Bureau?"

Pei Weiyi glanced at him.

Gong Tianrui said, "The Immortal Continent is vast and resourceful, with no so-called weak areas, as great forces are stationed everywhere. Demon Cultivators cannot stir up storms at all. Indeed, the existence of the Demon Extermination Bureau makes it nearly impossible for Demon Cultivators to harm the Immortal Continent. But even without the Bureau, the damage to the Immortal Continent would only increase from one in ten thousand, to two in ten thousand."

"Such vague descriptions do sound like something a power minister would say."

Gong Tianrui shook his head, "Prime Minister Pei, whether or not you care about court affairs, don’t forget your primary duty is to maintain Shangjing’s stability. Now, with the Demon Extermination Bureau led by Ye Wuyue affecting Shangjing’s stability, do you still intend to stay out of it?"

"I only follow the Emperor’s orders."

"Your Majesty hasn’t issued orders for some time now."

Pei Weiyi shook her head, "No matter what you plan to do, I won’t be involved."

With that, Pei Weiyi walked away briskly.

Instead of feeling disappointed, Gong Tianrui’s lips curled into a faint smile.

He never intended for Pei Weiyi to help him; he just needed her to stand by and not interfere. Pei Weiyi saw through his thoughts and made her position clear.

"Now it will be manageable..." Gong Tianrui knew that the real obstacle in front of him was never Ye Wuyue, but Pei Weiyi.