Grant him the nine bestowments!
Exempt him from hastening his steps when entering court!
Announce him at court without using his personal name!
Grant him command over all military and civil affairs in the nine southern provinces!
This was the pinnacle of a powerful minister's authority, the standard trappings of a usurper.
One could put it this way.
Once the emperor issued this decree,
Li Xinge would be the emperor of the southern court in all but name.
After the emperor finished speaking,
he could no longer contain himself.
He gave a cold snort.
With a sweep of his dragon-embroidered sleeve, he turned and left.
"Court is dismissed!!!"
The shrill voice of the chief eunuch, Song Wuya, echoed through the Golden Throne Hall.
Only after the emperor's figure had vanished completely
did the mountain weighing on the hearts of every civil and military official collapse with a crash.
"Phew..."
Everyone let out a long breath.
Some men's legs gave way, and they slumped straight to the floor, their backs drenched in cold sweat.
Prime Minister Wen stood where he was, his expression shifting between light and shadow, his thoughts unreadable.
After a long while,
he turned around.
He looked at Cui Yuanhe.
Then he said flatly, "Now the Marquis of Chu... no, the King of Chu, should be satisfied, shouldn't he?"
Cui Yuanhe cupped his hands toward Prime Minister Wen.
He said respectfully, "Prime Minister Wen, you misunderstand. This was not His Highness the King of Chu's wish, but the wish of all of us Southern People."
At those words, Wen Zhong smiled without warmth.
Cui Yuanhe paid it no mind.
He continued, "We must thank you for this, Prime Minister Wen. You preserved Great Zhou's state while also preserving the dignity of us Southern People."
Wen Zhong gave a