As one of the most prominent figures in Qi Country today, the effort of Marquis Wu’an to mobilize national resources to hunt down an unknown cult has become a hot topic of discussion in the streets and alleyways.

Related memorials have been pouring in like raindrops.

There are supporters, and there are opponents.

Up until today, in this court assembly, the Son of Heaven issued a decree allowing Jiang Wang to participate.

It seems that a final judgment is needed to conclude the heated public opinion of recent times.

Qingzhuan is worried about this.

However, Jiang Wang remains very calm. Upon hearing the news, he simply said, "I understand."

Some matters truly have no ground for debate, yet it never stops some from nitpicking and others from fueling the flames.

If one is determined to cause trouble, a reason can always be found. Standing, you block my sun; lying down, you block my path.

He’s long since become accustomed to it and merely faces it.

After taking one last look at Lin Youxie’s tombstone, he rose and flew off into the distance... heading towards Linzi with clouds scattered beneath him.

...

The Purple Pole Hall is the place where the civil and military officials of the Great Qi Empire assemble for discussions.

Local political affairs of this great empire can be resolved at the Governor Mansion. The court usually only oversees them.

Political matters affecting the entire country and affairs that local authorities cannot decide are often adequately addressed during the assembly of officials.

Above this is the deliberation within the Political Affairs Hall, and finally, the Son of Heaven reviews them.

After all, with such a vast empire, extensive territories, and countless subjects, can everything require his personal attention?

In history, it was common for emperors to attend court once every half month, once a month, or even not at all for several months or a year.

However, the current Son of Heaven attends court diligently. As long as he’s not on a campaign, he attends come rain or shine, often sitting high in the Purple Pole Hall, silently listening to officials argue. He participates in discussions only for significant matters, but everything discussed is kept in his mind, thus none dare be careless.

Even after achieving accolades comparable to Taizu and the Martial Emperor, he has never slackened for a single day.

Seated in the supreme position, behind the calm beaded curtain, lies the unfathomable heart of the Son of Heaven, also representing his watch over the entire realm.

Every great emperor must have a great pursuit. Clearly, the Great Qi Empire, spanning the Southeast and eyeing the entire world, has not satisfied his ambitions.

Since ascending the throne, he has been in power for fifty-seven years.

The Yuan Feng era name is already worthy of greatness, but the stories of this era continue to unfold.

Contrary to what many common people imagine, the solemn, majestic, and grand image does not always apply.

Most of the time, the Purple Pole Hall is no different from a marketplace. Opposing sides speak over each other, arguing fiercely, and turning red in the face is not uncommon.

Today is no exception.

One argues that agricultural taxes need further reduction and should be converted from grain to money to avoid the losses incurred during grain collection.

Another contends that a tax of one-third is already a manifestation of imperial grace, and that any decision should consider the national condition, questioning if money can stave off starvation.

The arguments are unending.

Until a Samurai with a golden gourd announced outside the hall, "Marquis Wu’an, an audience!"

The Purple Pole Hall immediately fell into a silence as if a mute barrier had descended, and everyone quieted down.

Some people cast their eyes, real or imagined, towards the right side of the hall, where the renowned scholar, Er Fengming, stood comfortably with his arms folded... without holding any official position. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

At this moment, Marquis Wu’an, adorned in a purple robe adorned with nine python patterns, entered the hall confidently, hand on his longsword, without removing his shoes.

The crisp sound of boots echoed in the hall. Today, he had shed his usual gentleness; his eyes were sharp, his aura like rising clouds, as if the world-famous sword at his waist had been unsheathed!

He walked through the path parted by the ministers, his gaze unwavering. In the grand Purple Pole Hall, he displayed the demeanor of upholding the dome. Step by step, he reached the Cinnabar Steps.

"No need for ceremony," said the Great Qi Emperor as he made a slight gesture while seated on the Dragon Throne.

Song Yao in the Political Affairs Hall lineup remained expressionless, with a sidelong glance catching Yi Xingchen holding a memorial, his hair unperturbed.

Everyone felt somewhat perplexed.

Those supporting Marquis Wu’an and those backing Er Fengming could not grasp the Son of Heaven’s attitude.

Was it satisfaction or dissatisfaction to excuse the ceremony even before he had time to bow?

Did the Son of Heaven raise him high only to bring him down hard?

Those with a keen interest glanced at Marquis Champion, the peer of Marquis Wu’an and one of the empire’s two prodigies, but saw the white-robed marquis in the ranks of nobles, his eyes slightly closed, immersed in his own cultivation world—standing guard at court assemblies was indeed a privilege of these two young marquises known for their military achievements.

Jiang Wang, unconcerned with speculations, simply took his stand, standing straight like a sword, strong enough to support the heavens.

The Son of Heaven’s gaze fell upon him, and his voice enveloped the hall: "Marquis Wu’an’s letter was excellently written, showing evident dedication to study in recent times."

Jiang Wang replied, "I merely let my feelings guide me, writing without pretense, unaware of any literary merit or fault."

The Son of Heaven regarded him, his tone calm: "Recently, several articles containing references and elegant phrasing have been likened to savoring fine tea. Has Marquis Wu’an read them?"

"If they are recent articles, I likely haven’t read them."

"Why not?"

"I didn’t have the time."

"What keeps you busy, beloved minister?"

Jiang Wang answered calmly, "Attending to a friend’s funeral."

The Son of Heaven had more to say but suddenly lost the desire to speak further at this point.

He waved his hand, "Mr. Er, since I have invited Marquis Wu’an here for you, feel free to ask any questions directly."

The atmosphere in Purple Pole Hall was somewhat tense.

Er Fengming, evidently well-prepared, his sleeves fluttering, confidently stepped out of the lineup and approached Jiang Wang.