The atmosphere in the hall instantly froze.
Huo Qubing stood where he was with a deep frown, looking at Cai Yuan's deathly pale face, unsure what to say.
"What... do you make of this?" Emperor Wu of Han slowly asked.
Huo Qubing fell silent for a moment before answering, "This subject... knows little of celestial omens and prophecies, and dares not speak rashly."
Astrology was ultimately a mystical art, and it was difficult to tell truth from falsehood. But saying things like "great chaos is sure to arise" and "within a day, all living things will be plunged into misery" before the Son of Heaven could get one beheaded if one was not careful!
It was clear that with two successive Chief Astrologers dying suddenly, Cai Yuan had truly panicked. At this moment, his fear of the Crimson Star and the prophecy had completely overwhelmed his reverence for the imperial family.
"Lately, I have indeed received many memorials regarding Evil Spirits causing havoc, and I have dispatched considerable manpower for disaster relief and exorcisms... But the Han has neither been invaded by foreign enemies to the point of national ruin, nor suffered famine or drought. How could a mere crimson star in the sky bring misery upon all under heaven within a single day?"
Emperor Wu of Han's voice was exceedingly low.
"This subject... this subject..." Cai Yuan stammered at the side for a long while, unable to form a complete sentence.
Emperor Wu of Han stared at him for a long time. Only when cold sweat continuously seeped from Cai Yuan's temples did he slowly speak:
"Enough... you may withdraw."
"Yes!"
Cai Yuan looked as if he had been granted a pardon. He turned to leave, but after taking one step, his legs went weak. Huo Qubing swiftly caught