"His Majesty arrives!"
The call from the attending eunuch marked the start of the court session. Seated upon the throne, Empress Mingyue looked over her assembly. This time, Six Kings (Chinese mythology) were absent, as were the Immortal Sect representatives. This was how it should be. Six Kings (Chinese mythology) each governed their own territories and wouldn't come unless summoned by urgent matters. As for the Immortal Sect, their earlier visit had been to pressure her, but now that their plan had failed, Six Kings (Chinese mythology) had returned to their respective lands.
With these unwanted guests gone, Empress Mingyue felt much more at ease. She cast a glance towards the corner of the hall, where she spotted Nathan Ye leaning casually against the wall, bringing her an unexpected sense of comfort.
"If you have something to present, step forward; if not, court is adjourned," announced the eunuch.
Officials, clutching their memorials, stepped forward and began discussing state affairs. Nathan, who had never witnessed anything of this magnitude in his past life, perked up, eager to learn. However, as he listened, his initial interest quickly turned to disappointment as he realized how repetitive and uninspired the proceedings were.
One official stepped forward, proclaiming with heartfelt concern, "Your Majesty, the drought in the northwest has yet to abate, and the people are suffering terribly. We need substantial funds and grain to provide relief!"
Empress Mingyue, with little interest, replied, "The treasury is empty."
The official immediately fell silent, his display of concern vanishing as he returned to his place.
Another official said, "Your Majesty, the southern regions are suffering from flooding..."
"The treasury is empty. Leave."
Another spoke up, "Your Majesty, the son of the Marquis of Wei rampaged through the marketplace, injuring dozens."
The Empress reflexively responded, "The treasury is empty."
Realizing her mistake, she corrected herself. "Oh, well, this isn't a financial matter. Have someone inform the Marquis of Wei to discipline his son."
Nathan watched the court proceedings, shaking his head in disbelief. "This is absurd," he muttered to himself. Who would have guessed that the esteemed Da Zhou court would conduct its business like this?
However, there were exceptions. When another official proclaimed, "Your Majesty, the governor of Tongzhou discovered a seven-colored celestial deer, surely an auspicious sign rewarding Your Majesty's diligence!" the Empress beamed, saying, "Reward him!"
Another official suggested, "Your Majesty, how about bringing exquisite stones from the south to build a garden filled with rare treasures for your leisure?"
Empress Mingyue clapped her hands in delight. "Excellent suggestion. I leave this matter in your capable hands."
Nathan now understood: when it came to matters concerning people, the Empress wanted nothing to do with it. Droughts, floods, and the suffering of commoners were dismissed with a curt "no money." If the matter didn't require funds, she'd wave it away with some vague response. But when it came to palatial gardens, rare treasures, and auspicious omens, she was remarkably enthusiastic.
"Is this how the Empress usually rules?" Nathan asked Leo Kim, feeling anger rise within him despite his usual indifference toward Da Zhou. This wasn't ruling—it was playing make-believe.
"Well..." Leo Kim forced a wry smile, replying cautiously, "We mustn't criticize the monarch."
His answer, while evasive, confirmed Nathan's suspicions.
"People call the Empress a foolish ruler, and after today, I can see why."
"Please, sir, mind your words!" Leo Kim whispered, glancing around to ensure no one overheard.
Such statements were dangerous—at least for most people. But for Nathan, who had already challenged the Immortal Sect, it hardly seemed out of place.
"Sir Nathan must be utterly disappointed in me," thought Empress Mingyue, maintaining her outward composure as she went through the motions of the court session. Although she was used to being misunderstood, today felt different, knowing that Nathan was witnessing her facade.
"If only he understood..." she thought, sighing internally. She knew that a capable ruler was more of a liability to the Immortal Sect's plans. Pretending to be an incompetent ruler was necessary to go unnoticed and achieve her ultimate goals.
But no one could know of her sacrifices. She had to endure the scorn and judgment, even from those she admired. "Nathan must surely think I'm a foolish ruler," she thought, disappointed.
However, if Nathan knew her thoughts, he would have told her, "Your Majesty, don't flatter yourself—I've never had a high opinion of you. If it weren't for your interference, I'd already be dead, and I certainly wouldn't hold any positive feelings for you."
"With a foolish ruler and corrupt officials, how can Da Zhou be saved?" Nathan thought. A part of him even wondered if the fall of this kingdom would ultimately benefit the people. But it wasn't his concern. His primary interest lay in seeking opportunities to end his life—a quest that had proven surprisingly difficult.
Finally, when the discussions were over, Empress Mingyue waved her hand, and a eunuch stepped forward to announce an imperial decree.
"Baolang Fu, Nathan Ye, step forward to receive the decree!"
Leo Kim quickly nudged Nathan. "Sir, step forward!"
Nathan was taken aback—what did this have to do with him? Nonetheless, he complied.
The eunuch began reading the long-winded decree, praising Nathan's courage and integrity before finally getting to the point.
"...we hereby appoint Baolang Fu, Nathan Ye, as Censor in the Office of Censors and a Scholar of the Hanlin Academy!"
"Please accept the decree, Sir Nathan," the eunuch said, smiling.
Nathan was dumbfounded. "Wait... I've just been promoted?"
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