Chapter 2338: Mission 18

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

They were all high-ranking officials and influential figures. Their positions insulated them from most consequences. Whether or not women in the clan could engage in cultivation, they still relied on these officials. With the exception of the emperor, these individuals, be they men or women, held a superior status.

As the emperor’s unfulfilled mandate circulated among these officials, they began to discuss the matter among themselves. Their deliberation was unhurried, as no one had managed to accomplish the task. As the saying goes, the law cannot penalize the ma.s.ses. Even if the emperor felt anger or frustration, there was little he could do to them. The number of officials and n.o.bles was substantial, and it was impractical to punish them all. Such an action might even complicate matters further for the emperor.

Upon careful examination, the situation involving Xu Xunnan from the Xu family significantly impacted the common people’s interests. This was the source of the emperor’s concern, a matter largely unappreciated by the general populace.

For countless years, Jinwei Land had remained peaceful and uneventful. The emperor’s worry primarily revolved around the potential consequences during his reign. He let out a sigh.

“Summon me to the palace.”

Certain decisions needed to be made promptly.

Inside the court, the Emperor of Jinwei Land’s countenance was exceedingly grim. While it was the eunuchs’ responsibility to handle the task, the emperor had heard of their less than satisfactory progress.

It was really unsatisfactory!

“How insolent!” The Emperor of Jinwei Land furiously swept aside the stack of memorials before him. “How insolent!”

The Emperor’s ire boiled within him, but words eluded him. This situation had unfolded with such swiftness and abruptness that it defied containment. The appearance of the paG.o.da seemed like a heavenly s.h.i.+eld, a protection beyond his imperial authority.

As the ruler, he found himself utterly powerless.

“Your Majesty, it is time for court,” the attending eunuch reminded, casting a glance at the sky outside.

The Emperor of Jinwei Land pounded the table with great force, then rose with an exceedingly grim countenance. He made his way to the court.

Inside the court, the ministers had a.s.sembled, their expressions riddled with apprehension. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on them all, causing anxiety to gnaw at their hearts.

When the Emperor of Jinwei Land arrived in court, he immediately knelt, a chorus of repentance in unison. “We have failed in our duties. Please punish us, Emperor!”

“We have failed in our duties. Please punish us, Your Majesty.”

The hall reverberated with these fervent pleas, as everyone prostrated themselves. It was as though they were compelling the Emperor of Jinwei Land to humiliate himself.

His anger, already raging, flared further upon seeing that none had fulfilled their duties, and he was left spluttering with frustration before he could utter a word.

“Your Majesty!” The ministers cried out in worry.

The Emperor of Jinwei Land rolled his eyes at them.

“If their concern for him was genuine, they should have followed his instructions. Instead, they’re deeply worried now, despite not acting upon his prior guidance.

“Your Majesty, this situation is exceptionally challenging to resolve. The Lady of the Xu family has managed to sway their loyalties, and I’m unsure of what incentives she’s provided, but they remain reluctant to return. In my humble opinion, we may need to entrust Lord Xu with the task. It appears to be the most viable option given the circ.u.mstances.” Recognizing the Emperor of Jinwei Land’s discontent, an individual promptly stepped forward, deferring the matter to Xu Yuanlong.

Xu Yuanlong was abruptly singled out for the responsibility..