He Beiyi sent over a stream of thoughts, analyzing the predicament before Xu Yi.
Xu Yi agreed with his analysis. After years in office and a passionate love of reading classics and taking notes, he had figured out many of the twists and turns in the systems of the Southern Court, Northern Court, and Evil Court.
Judging by what they knew so far, this formal appointment ceremony was undoubtedly a trap deliberately laid to target him. It wasn't meant to take his life, but to ruin his future.
He Beiyi's analysis was right, but Xu Yi believed it wasn't the whole picture.
They had schemed and plotted so carefully. How could they possibly leave him room to retreat? The problem before him wasn't one he could solve simply by refusing the appointment.
After all, this was a favor from the supreme ruler. Refusing it would itself be a crime. His achievements might instantly turn into offenses, and all the painstaking work he had done over the past three years could be wiped away along with them. That was something he would never allow.
"Xu Yi, why haven't you accepted the decree?"
Song Zhendong watched Xu Yi with a beaming smile, unrestrained mockery showing in his eyes.
Xu Yi suddenly knelt. "Xu Yi accepts the decree. I thank the supreme ruler for his grace."
Song Zhendong frowned. The decree came from Lingxiao Province—what did the supreme ruler have to do with it? This brat was either far too bold, truly ignorant of the danger, or planning to play rough. Heh, whichever it was, he was headed for a dead end.
Meeting Xu Yi's resolute gaze, Song Zhendong handed him the Gold Register appointing him to office.
Xu Yi took the register firmly, and the uproar throughout the hall grew louder.
"On