With a clatter, the eunuchs under Sealholding Eunuch Zhang drew their Official Sabers in unison, facing off against their fellow members of the Directorate of Ceremonial.
Some of the Cao Gang's stewards felt a headache coming on at the sight and did not dare get involved.
The various factions' informants looked thoughtful. Some hurried away, while others continued watching from far off.
"Sealholding Eunuch Liu of the Directorate of Ceremonial, a favorite of the Empress..."
Xu Wenjun recognized him at a glance, and his expression shifted slightly.
His presence here meant the Empress already knew everything that had happened.
"Zhang Hong, you bastard! How dare you stand by and watch a traitor from the Iron Clothes Department bully an official of our Zhao State!"
Seeing that Qi Baiyan had already turned into a black fish, Sealholding Eunuch Liu flew into a rage and hurled abuse at Sealholding Eunuch Zhang.
Sealholding Eunuch Zhang narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Mind your tongue, Sealholding Eunuch Liu. What traitor? Why haven't I seen one?
"Watch out, or you'll lose your head for spouting nonsense here."
Xu Zhiyuan said coolly, "Qi Baiyan used the Deep Sea Curse against an official of the Zhao State. Now that the curse has backfired on him, he's reaping what he sowed.
"You start slinging mud the moment you arrive, Sealholding Eunuch Liu. Do you still think you're in the Capital, right under the emperor's nose?"
Sealholding Eunuch Liu took a deep breath, then suddenly switched to a beaming smile.
"There's been a misunderstanding. The truth is, the Empress learned that Master Yang had advanced to the Fourth Rank, giving our Zhao State another outstanding talent.
"Out of her appreciation for talent, she instructed Qi Baiyan to test Master Yang with a Curse Technique from the Nine Immortal Dao Palace.
"Now