The Sage watched the heavy rain outside the hall, seemingly lost in thought. Zhang Ying dared not disturb him, standing quietly at the back.
Mo Xiang and others, having received the Sage's summons, hurried over.
The Sage had been furious during the morning court, stripping Han Congsheng of his position as Grand General of the Northern Army and appointing Feng Qirui in his stead.
Song Wei and Han Congsheng had been at odds for years vying for the position of the most favored general, but their feelings towards Feng Qirui could not be described with just those three words.
Song Wei had not slept all night, having been involved in the events and exerting himself. It had been a thrilling night, and although he would not fall into disgrace alongside Han Congsheng, the thought of working with someone surnamed Feng made him feel as sick as if he had swallowed a fly.
Song Wei and Yao Zhinian arrived one after another. As they entered, Song Wei feigned politeness and let the other precede him.
"Lord Yao, please go first."
"Then I thank you, General Song." Yao Zhinian stepped into the Taiji Hall first.
Song Wei rolled his eyes inwardly, thinking that there were more and more disgusting people around.
There was no help for it; after all, she had a sister who was favored by the harem and a nephew who would be the next ruler.
He had to endure it!
When Yao Zhinian entered, Mo Xiang was sitting there as steady as a mountain, leisurely sipping his tea.
Gu Bohao nodded slightly upon seeing Yao Zhinian enter, showing no intention of rising.
A little disharmony among colleagues was beneficial for harmony between ruler and minister, so Gu Bohao saw no point in making any futile efforts.
Yao Zhinian gave a dry chuckle. Although he often wished to replace Mo Xiang and step on Gu Bohao, he could see that the time was not yet ripe.
However, with such a major incident at the Imperial Academy, Mo Xiang could not escape responsibility.
Song Wei entered and sat down with a swagger. Having shared a common cause last night, Song Wei enthusiastically nodded at Gu Bohao.
Yao Zhinian was immediately displeased. When did these two get involved?
The collusion of civil and military officials was not a good thing. Yao Zhinian lowered his gaze, his face darkening. He made a mental note to impeach them at an opportune moment.
Xie Jiayan arrived the latest. He had been drenched in the rain and had to change clothes back at his manor. Seeing that the other officials were already seated, he quickly apologized, "This student is late."
Mo Xiang already knew that Xie Jiayan had persuaded the students to leave. With a kind smile, he said, "You worked hard today."
Yao Zhinian did not even spare Xie Jiayan a glance. He was merely a Hanlin academician, only temporarily favored by the Sage.
Xie Jiayan was responsible for recording and drafting imperial edicts for the Sage. He sat down at a desk in the corner, as this was not an occasion for him to speak.
He did not take Yao Zhinian's attitude to heart, which greatly annoyed Yao Zhinian, who cursed him as a pauper under his breath.
A hundred years ago, the Xie family was as renowned as the Wang family. Unfortunately, their descendants were not prosperous, and they had long since declined. The saying "the two Xies of Hedong" was merely a flattering reputation.
The Sage entered, and everyone, with their own thoughts, rose from their chairs. "Sage!"
The Sage waved his hand, signaling everyone to sit down. These were all trusted confidants, and they were very familiar with each other.
"What do you all think of today's matter at the Imperial Academy?" the Sage asked directly after taking his seat.
Yao Zhinian was about to speak when the Sage continued, "Jiayan, you were the one who persuaded those students to leave today. What are your thoughts?"
Xie Jiayan quickly stood up and cupped his hands, saying, "This student believes those students were merely misled. The important thing is the person behind the scenes."
Xie Jiayan knew his position and did not wish to steal the limelight from the adults present.
"I asked casually; you don't need to be nervous," the Sage said, gesturing for Xie Jiayan to sit down.
Clearly, his current answer was not entirely satisfactory to the Sage, compared to how he had handled the matter.