Feng Xie rested his chin on one hand, his face a mask of grim determination. None of his officials dared to speak.
The vast Jinluan Hall was utterly silent, save for the ragged sound of breathing. Feng Xie glared, his anger like a raging fire, at Qin Lang, the Censor-in-Chief, usually the most vocal among them.
"Qin Lang, you have nothing to say either? I recall you are always eager to speak. Why are you mute now?"
Censor-in-Chief Qin Lang stiffened. While he was resourceful, his talents lay in strategy and grand policy.
As for disaster relief, he truly hadn't considered it. He hadn't expected the Emperor to single him out from so many. It seemed the Emperor was tired of his meddling. He truly needed to be more cautious.
"Replying to Your Majesty, I am not familiar with the affected regions, and therefore cannot devise a solution."
As Qin Lang finished speaking, Feng Xie slammed his palm onto the dragon throne. His fair hand gripped the dragon head on the armrest, his voice cold and hard.
"Qin Lang, the next time you dare to remain silent when you should speak, and speak forcefully when you should not, I will punish you severely." As the Emperor's words fell, the elder ministers' minds sounded a warning bell. Even Qin Lang had been reprimanded by the Emperor.
They should find some backing as soon as possible. The officials immediately divided into three factions: those leaning towards the Jin family, those towards the Lou family, and a small, righteous minority still loyal to the Liu family.
For a time, everyone in the hall wore a different expression, not considering countermeasures, only thinking of self-preservation.
"Your humble servant remembers Your Majesty's words." Qin Lang dared not say anything more and could only speak subserviently.
Feng Xie looked at the unmoving figures below and glared at them with frustration. He straightened his body and coldly commanded.
"I give you three days. By then, you must present me with a proper solution, or do not blame me for dealing with this group of useless individuals."
As his words ended, the elder ministers became immediately fearful. Glancing sideways at those beside them, they secretly speculated who would be the first to be moved if the Emperor decided to act.
Feng Xie's anger grew with their behavior. He no longer wished to stay in the Jinluan Hall. With a flick of his dragon sleeve, he left his high seat. The young attendant standing there shouted loudly.
"The Emperor retires from court."
"Your humble servants respectfully see off His Majesty." The shouts from below were like thunder, and many could clearly be heard to sigh with relief. Only after the Emperor left did they slowly stand up, rubbing their knees.
They were old, and their legs were sore after kneeling for such a short time. Some began to leave one after another.
Feng Xie stormed into the imperial study, his face ashen. The young attendant dared not speak, shrinking in a corner, waiting until the Emperor's temper had subsided before daring to approach.
"Your Majesty, take care of your dragon body."
"Go get a set of casual clothes. I wish to leave the palace," Feng Xie lifted the corner of his lips and lounged onto the imperial yellow soft couch. The young attendant dared not say another word, quickly fetching a set of ivory-white casual clothes and attending to the Emperor as he changed out of his dragon robe.
The fabric was not ordinary, but the finest cloud brocade from the woven silk manufactory. As Feng Xie put it on, he was no longer exuding the imposing nobility of before, but an understated elegance. The cloud brocade carried a faint, elusive fragrance, a type of incense that was very pleasant.
Feng Xie, accompanied by the young attendant, Ri Ying, and Yue Ying, left the imperial palace and went to the outskirts to find Jin Shaoyuan.
"How is it? Have all the beggars come?" Feng Xie swayed his jade-ribbed fan, a fragrant breeze swirling. His eyes held the unfathomable depths of a clear pool, yet with a charmingly evil allure. A faint smile played on his lips, captivating many women who watched from afar.
"No?" Jin Shaoyuan was wearing very ordinary clothes that day, yet they could not conceal his heroic and resolute demeanor.
"Why?" Feng Xie closed his jade-ribbed fan, somewhat incredulous. They had already distributed porridge, so why were the beggars still unwilling to come?
"I heard that porridge is also being distributed elsewhere today, so many beggars have gone there," Jin Shaoyuan replied truthfully. He had investigated thoroughly. The ones distributing porridge there were a subordinate of Qi Ye named Dai Mei, and the person who had impersonated Qi Ye before him.
What was strange was why they said the Emperor had distributed the porridge. Could it be that they were truly doing good deeds without seeking recognition?
Seeing Jin Shaoyuan lost in thought, Feng Xie asked curiously, "What happened?"
"Nothing much. The one distributing porridge is a subordinate of Qi Ye, but they actually claimed to be sent by Your Majesty. Isn't that strange?"
Jin Shaoyuan could not fathom it. Feng Xie was also taken aback. His first thought was whether these people were trying to cause trouble or incite some incident. If that were the case, he would not show mercy, and a brutal killing intent flashed in his eyes.
"Let's go and see them," Feng Xie stepped forward, his eyes flashing with sharp, stiletto-like brilliance. His cloud brocade robes outlined a graceful arc, captivating the hearts of the women.
Who was this man? So noble and extraordinary, dressed in a light robe woven from cloud brocade, like floating clouds passing by. His dark hair, lightly tossed, was as smooth and lustrous as the finest silk. His face was like a painting, exquisitely beautiful.
The jade fan in his hand alone indicated its extraordinary value. Moreover, he was with the handsome and distinguished Minister Huang, and Minister Jin showed him great respect. He must be a prince or a noble.
Feng Xie had long lost his previous leisurely mood, his mind entirely occupied with what those people truly intended. Listening to the chattering crowd around him, his eyes swept over them with icy coldness.
That gaze was like the bloodthirsty blades of a Asura in the night, scaring the women into scattering instantly and fleeing in disarray. This man was so frightening.
"Your Majesty, you will reveal your identity like this."
Jin Shaoyuan cautiously reminded the arrogant and unrestrained Emperor. His demeanor could easily lead to wild speculation.
"Let's go," Feng Xie did not believe Jin Shaoyuan's words at all. Even if someone recognized his identity, so what? His martial arts were powerful, and he didn't believe those scoundrels could succeed.
The two, their robes fluttering, sped past, quickly disappearing from sight. The subordinates following behind them did not dare to be negligent. If anything happened to their masters, ten heads would not be enough to pay for it.
The weather was clear and bright, the trees lush, and willow catkins fluttered like snowflakes. Flowers bloomed, and butterflies danced.
The lotuses blooming in the lotus pond were delicate and vibrant, swaying in the gentle breeze, like radiant beauties standing on the lake, dancing to a light song.
On the shore were beggars resting, and not far from them was a row of red-doored houses, their temporary resting place.
As Feng Xie and Jin Shaoyuan approached, they startled the people, who pointed and gestured. When they learned the two were looking for the young master who distributed porridge, they extended their hands, indicating that the handsome young master and beautiful lady were not far ahead.
Feng Xie flashed and sped forward. As they approached Liu Liu and Dai Mei, the two sensed them. They had been discussing matters of shop and trade when they suddenly felt a strange, cold presence.
Liu Liu spoke with a chilling tone, "Who? Come out?"
A fragrant breeze passed her ear, and she knew who had arrived. The fragrance was so familiar, a scent only royalty and nobles could use, and it was the aroma of spices infused into fine fabrics. Her heart was filled with surprise.
Why had he left the palace? She didn't move, her heart feeling a little tense. She could remain unfazed facing Jin Shaoyuan because he was not familiar with her. But he was different. They had crossed paths several times. Agile as he was, would he detect any flaws?