The courtyard grew very, very quiet. Everyone's mind raced as they tried to judge which way the winds were blowing behind this affair.
Ning Xiu drew a deep breath. "There has never been a precedent in Zhao State for dismissing a Second Rank Human Immortal from office.
"The Iron Clothes Department cannot even produce evidence for its accusation that I colluded with the enemy and betrayed the state.
"Yet you would strip me of my position as minister on the strength of a few words from Yang Ling?"
"That is why Vice Minister Qi is only filling the position temporarily."
Seal-Holding Eunuch Hong smiled. "If this matter is eventually found to be a misunderstanding, Minister Ning can still be reinstated.
"But in the meantime, please hand your Official Seal over to Vice Minister Qi. Oh, no, Minister Qi, rather."
I've become a minister?
Qi Tairan's eyes shone increasingly brightly, his complexion flushed, and his bearing gradually changed, gaining a measure of dignity it had lacked before.
Yang Ling was somewhat curious. He felt that the Grand Secretary must have acted.
After all, an opportunity like today's was rare.
It was just that the man had moved faster than he had expected.
After several breaths of silence, Ning Xiu looked at Yang Ling again and said coolly,
"Can you let go now? I'll hand the Official Seal to Qi Tairan."
Yang Ling remained unmoved, showing no intention of loosening his grip.
"No matter, no matter. I can come and collect it myself."
Qi Tairan strode up to Ning Xiu and cupped his hands.
"Brother Ning, please hand over the Official Seal."
Ning Xiu silently took out an Official Seal and handed it to Qi Tairan.
The moment Qi Tairan received it, his bearing underwent another marked change!
Qi Baiyan looked delighted.