Demotion in Disguise
She abruptly changed the subject, dismissing the matter as a "minor incident" and a "misunderstanding," before offering a solution. "How about this, in the name of the royal family, send a letter to Lord Karl of Carnford, asking him to remind his father Duke Schmidt."
"We must act with greater caution and thoroughness, lest we give others a handle to use against us, lest we cause unnecessary misunderstandings. After all, we are all family now, and harmony is the most important thing for making money."
This approach, seemingly punishing both sides equally, is actually a case of raising the issue high and then letting it go lightly.
This approach appeased the impeachers, preserved the Schmidt Family's reputation and practical interests, and cleverly passed the buck to Karl was far away in the Northern Territory, to handle this thorny family matter.
Although the Lord Seal Minister was unwilling, the Empress Dowager had already spoken, and her reasons were quite plausible, so he could only bow and accept the order without saying anything more.
However, the controversy did not subside, and another military official with close ties to the Eisenberg Family stepped forward, speaking in an even harsher tone:
"Your Majesty, Your Empress Dowager! I also wish to impeach someone! The eldest son of Duke Schmidt, Friedrich von Schmidt!"
"This man is unruly and has repeatedly violated military discipline! Previously at Blackstone Pass, he disobeyed Earl Eisenberg's orders and went out to meet the enemy without authorization. Although he won a minor victory, it left the pass defenses vulnerable and almost caused a major disaster!"
"Later, at Osric Fort, he overstepped his authority, executing several local officials without trial and effectively sidelining General Reynard, acting with utter lawlessness! Even worse, he recently dared to steal the warhorse that Count Valerius was ordered to reinforce the Carnford troops, abandoning his post!"
"Their various actions, showing utter disrespect for the emperor and contempt for military law, are a great scourge to the nation! We beseech Your Majesty to issue an edict to severely punish them without leniency, in order to uphold the dignity of the army!"
This series of accusations all point to core issues of discipline and loyalty within the military, and are far more serious than the previous commercial disputes.
Clearly, the Eisenberg faction harbored deep resentment towards Friedrich, this highly capable but uncontrollable "outsider," and wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible.
As expected, Sigmund, King's rage was reignited, and without thinking, he roared, "So many crimes? He deserves to die! Kill him! Kill him for me! Hang his head..."
"Your Majesty!" Empress Dowager Katerina abruptly interrupted her son, her voice rising sharply with unquestionable authority.
She gave the officer who stepped forward a cold glance, quickly weighing her options.
Friedrich von Schmidt —she certainly knew him—a Fourth-Order Knight as brave as a lion, extremely powerful in personal combat, and highly respected in the army, but indeed unruly, especially when it came to disobeying the Eisenberg Family's orders.
His father, Earl Eisenberg, wrote several times, demanding that a way be found to get rid of this "troublemaker," even hinting that it would be best if he disappeared "accidentally," but...
Queen Katerina sneered Empress Dowager.
Kill him? Easier said than done! Leaving aside his terrifying strength, a general capable of charging in and out of Sauron army 100,000 several times over—he's not someone so easily "accidentally" killed.
More importantly, he was the eldest son whom the Duke Schmidt loved most and on whom he placed the most hope, and the recognized heir to the family business.
Killing him would be tantamount to a complete break with the Schmidt Family, who control the lifeline of the South. Given the current predicament of the royal family, beset by Besieged from Within and Without and financial depletion, they simply do not have the resources to deal with both the southern rebellion and the northern threat at the same time.
Suppressing her agitation, Empress Dowager Katerina spoke in as calm a tone as possible, "Sir Friedrich is young and impetuous, exceptionally brave, and has rendered meritorious service to the country, but his actions have indeed been inappropriate."
"Considering his initial intention was to resist the enemy, and that his merits and demerits offset each other, he may be spared the death penalty, but military discipline must not be abandoned! Effective immediately, Friedrich von Schmidt is relieved of all military posts at Blackstone Pass and transferred... um... to the Hewenham Territory as a cavalry captain, to serve in disgrace! He is not to leave without imperial decree!"
This punishment is ostensibly a promotion but in reality a demotion, and exile to the frontier.
Finally, the Empress Dowager Royal Capital immediately for a political meeting.
Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall understood perfectly well that the political discussion was just a pretext; the core issues were twofold: first, to reward the soldiers who fought against the Sauron army last year; and second, to discuss strategies for defending against the enemy next year.
After all, this year's war was extremely fierce, with several important border towns razed to the ground, hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians killed, and the national treasury completely depleted. The Sauron will most likely return next year, and the situation will only be more difficult than this year. This is something that all the officials and civil servants are well aware of.
The morning assembly ended in this atmosphere.
On the surface, the ministers all appeared solemn, speaking earnestly about Border defense, provisions, and military pay, as if they were all working tirelessly for the safety of the empire. But in reality, each of them harbored their own thoughts. Some were scheming to gain more benefits for themselves when it came time to reward merit, some were eyeing the power to allocate provisions for the following year, and others were figuring out how to shift the blame to others and preserve their own positions.
As soon as the court session ended, the ministers bowed and said, "We take our leave," and then filed out of the Council Chamber in order of their rank.
The heavy palace doors slowly closed behind them, shutting out their whispers and ulterior motives.
However, the young Sigmund, King first stretched out a big yawn, then yawned impatiently, clapped his hands, and his drowsiness instantly vanished, replaced by an undisguised look of excitement.
"Alright, alright!" he yelled, "All that tedious stuff is finally over! Someone, bring up my dancers at once! I've been waiting for this!"
The servants, having already received instructions, dared not delay upon hearing the order and immediately retreated.
Before long, a group of exotic dancers gracefully entered the main hall.
They wore light, transparent saris, revealing their slender waists and snow-white skin, their figures as graceful as willow branches in spring.
As a soft, seductive melody began, the dancers gracefully began to dance in the center of the hall, their eyes and brows radiating a myriad of charms.
Sigmund, King was all smiles, his eyes glued to the dancers.
He simply grabbed the delicate female official in his arms, strode down from the throne that symbolized imperial power, and plunged into the dance troupe, laughing and frolicking with the dancers.
He would reach out to pull at the dancer's sari one moment, and then hug and cuddle with the lady-in-waiting the next, completely losing any semblance of King and displaying an ugly disgrace.
In the solemn Council Chamber, the portraits of the imperial ancestors that once hung there stood silently, as if watching everything in silence. The hall that was once used to discuss important national affairs had been turned into a place of debauchery and pleasure-seeking.
Empress Dowager Katerina sat on her throne to the side, her gaze sweeping coldly over her son's absurd figure. A fleeting, barely concealed disgust flashed across her deep eyes, only to be replaced by a deep sense of helplessness.
Her lips moved, but she ultimately did not speak to stop her.
She had seen far too many absurd things happening in the palace; saying more would be pointless and would only add to her troubles.
She quietly rose, straightened the gold-embroidered hem of her skirt, and, surrounded by her personal maids, steadily left the noisy area.