"This..."
After Yang Guang said this, the entire Imperial Court fell into stunned silence, whether they had been advising him or keeping their mouths shut.
It was a long while before some of the ministers came to their senses. They hurriedly bowed and tried to dissuade him.
"Your Majesty, you mustn't!"
"We beg Your Majesty to withdraw the decree. You must not set this precedent—"
"Your Majesty, think it over!"
Watching the ministers rush to stop him, Yang Guang's gaze turned cold. He took in their expressions, a note of derision appearing in his eyes. "You're trying to stop Zhen. Then give me a reason. If all you can do is stand here shouting that I mustn't, may I take it that you're nothing but a pack of useless fools?"
"We are terrified, Your Majesty!"
The ministers fell to their knees and knocked their foreheads against the ground.
"Hmph!"
Yang Guang snorted.
"Take a look at yourselves. Do any of you look terrified? I've made up my mind. There's no need to say another word!"
"If you make another racket... Hmph!"
"Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Rites, Ministry of Revenue: issue the notices. I will hold the examinations and select talent for the nation!"
Yang Guang's mind was made up. The ministers exchanged glances, knowing they could no longer change his decision. One after another, they sighed.
After court was dismissed, a group of officials from the Guanlong Aristocrats gathered together.
"His Majesty's move was far too impulsive!"
"Impulsive?"
"This is clearly sheer recklessness!"
"Duke of Yue, why didn't you say a word in court today? You just let His Majesty run wild?"
Everyone's eyes fell on the old man sitting silently, looking utterly at ease.
Yang Su raised his eyelids a little and coughed a few times. "This old