Jiang Kingdom.
Capital City Imperial Palace.
Bang!!
A jade cup was smashed viciously onto the ground.
"Guangnan Prefecture has actually fallen?!"
Empress Gu Xiangnan's expression was icy beyond measure.
She raised her eyes and looked ahead.
The majesty around her surged like a tide, pressing down upon the assembled ministers.
Throughout the grand hall, not a single civil or military official dared speak.
"Guangnan Prefecture lies on the border of my Great Jiang State, its two cities both protected by towering walls, mighty fortresses forged of iron!"
"And they were breached in barely a month?!"
"Prince Nan deserves to die!!"
Gu Xiangnan's voice carried the biting chill of the coldest days of winter.
The moment those words were spoken.
They stirred dissatisfaction among certain people in the court.
Everyone knew that the Empress had ascended the throne only a few short years ago, and her imperial position had yet to be secured.
Outside, the Great Sage Dynasty and the Demon Race watched like tigers eyeing their prey.
Within, restless elements smiled in harmony while harboring different thoughts.
Thus, even within the grand hall, there were those who dared step forward and directly offend imperial majesty.
"Your Majesty's words are improper in matters of etiquette. I fear they should not have been spoken."
An old man calmly stepped forth, holding his jade tablet as he stared straight at the Empress, his voice carrying a cold edge.
The old man was past sixty, his face somewhat aged.
This old man was named Ji Hongli.
He was the Jiang Dynasty's Minister of Rites.
Empress Gu Xiangnan narrowed her eyes slightly.
She looked toward Ji Hongli.
The sharpness in her gaze could not be concealed.
Yet Ji Hongli paid no heed to the Empress's imposing aura. He met her gaze calmly and stated outright: