Upon hearing the maid report that Wisdom Shield, the Cabinet Council's prime minister, sought an audience outside, Chen Cheng set down the latest edition of the Compendium of Magic in his hands and said with a smile:
"The prime minister handles ten thousand affairs every day. It seems something important has left you unable to make up your mind, and you've come to discuss it with me. Hurry and let him in."
Led into the hall by the maid, Wisdom Shield saw nothing but papers and books strewn across the floor.
"Your Majesty."
"Sorry, it's a bit of a mess here. Make yourself at home."
Chen Cheng then stacked the books beside him into a makeshift stool and said:
"Sit."
After bowing in thanks, Wisdom Shield sat down.
"Tell me, what troublesome matter have you run into this time? Let's see whether I can find a solution for you."
Wisdom Shield looked at Chen Cheng somewhat awkwardly before speaking.
"Your Majesty, it is not really a problem. I came to submit a military operation report and request Your Majesty's approval."
After all, he had come asking for a favor. Even Wisdom Shield, who stood at the very pinnacle of officialdom, spoke somewhat haltingly. Still, he managed to explain why he had come.
Upon hearing this, Chen Cheng put aside the work he had been sorting through, plopped down onto the floor, leaned against a stack of books, and said:
"Difficult, difficult, difficult. I knew I wouldn't be able to dodge this hurdle. I already told you before—give the military authority to the Cabinet Council too. Then this damned matter would not have landed on my head today."
Chen Cheng sounded like a shameless street rascal, utterly devoid of the majestic bearing and domineering presence he had possessed three years ago