Grand Court Assembly

The morning bell rang nine times, solemn and majestic.

Great Xia Imperial Palace, Heaven Bearing Hall.

White jade steps, golden pillars coiled with dragons. Civil and military officials stood in two orderly ranks according to their stations, silent and rigid. A heavy stillness hung in the air. Today's grand court assembly was destined to be anything but peaceful.

At the long cry of the attendant eunuch—"His Majesty arrives—"—Emperor Xia emerged slowly from the rear hall, clad in a black dragon robe and wearing the Flat Heaven Crown. He ascended the imperial steps and took his seat upon the dragon throne.

"Your servants pay respects to Your Majesty! May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!" The officials cried out as one, kneeling in salute.

"Rise, my ministers." Emperor Xia's voice was steady, carrying an unquestionable majesty. His gaze swept across the gathered officials below, pausing briefly on the upright young figure at the end of the military officials' right-hand line.

Lu Chen stood with his head lowered. Feeling that gaze upon him, his expression remained calm and unruffled.

"If there are memorials, present them. If not, court is dismissed," the chief eunuch announced loudly.

Before his words had faded, an elderly man in purple robes with a lean, refined face stepped out from the civil officials' ranks, tablet in hand. He bowed and said, "This servant, Minister of Rites Wang Qingyuan, has a memorial to present!"

Here it comes. Lu Chen's eyes flickered slightly. He recognized the man as a core member of Third Prince Xiao Jinghong's faction, famed for being "steady and observant of propriety," though in truth he was conservative and stubborn.

"What matter does Minister Wang bring?" Emperor Xia asked blandly.

Wang Qingyuan declared, "This servant impeaches Lu Chen,