"Have you considered the consequences of saying that?"
Von looked at the old nobleman.
"Take it back, and I'll pretend nothing happened."
Bishop Hydrak spoke up as well.
"You should show reverence and obedience to the Emperor's envoy."
"My loyalty has been trampled upon, my family has received no protection, and now you expect me to respect and revere him?"
The old nobleman spoke each word deliberately, his anger obvious.
"From this day onward, my family refuses to carry out any of his orders unless he revokes those foolish reforms."
After saying that, the old nobleman turned and left the hall.
"Revoking them isn't enough. He must apologize to us in person. Otherwise, my family will no longer support him either."
"Same here. I will never accept such humiliation."
Many of the powerful nobles voiced their support for the old nobleman.
They left in anger and swore to stand on the same front, advancing and retreating together.
Until the Emperor's envoy yielded and apologized to them.
Those who remained looked hesitant, but they stayed.
The reforms would also affect their families' interests.
But loyalty outweighed everything.
After the meeting ended, Von immediately informed Qin Yun of what had happened.
Qin Yun smiled and issued new orders.
"If those families are unwilling to do it, then let those who are willing take their places."
"Remove those family members from their posts immediately and promote a batch of people from the lower ranks."
"Also, find ways to improve the benefits of the military and workers. Secure the support of the army and the people."
Qin Yun had no intention of compromising.
He instructed Von to promote capable people from the Mid Hive and Lower Hive.
Most of the Hive City's daily work was handled by grassroots personnel.
The nobles wasted most of