Zhang Tie narrowed his eyes slightly and watched Meng Shidao's retreating figure grow smaller and smaller until it vanished beyond the end of the steps outside the Nine Extremes Grand Hall. Only then did he withdraw his gaze and sweep it across the civil and military officials filling the hall.
Under Zhang Tie's gaze, many among the assembled officials did not even dare meet his eyes.
No matter what, the first step in kicking Meng Shidao out had been completed... Zhang Tie told himself inwardly. There were only two things left: first settle matters at home, then repel the enemy abroad. Next, he had to bring this Holy War being fought upon the homeland of humanity to a complete end—to drive every last one of those damned Devil Race bastards back underground first...
This was the sole and highest goal in Zhang Tie's heart at this moment.
For that goal, Zhang Tie could do many things he had once been unwilling or reluctant to do—for instance, becoming Regent Prince; for instance, becoming more hard-hearted and giving enemies and rivals not the slightest chance or possibility of striking back.
"The position of Grand Minister of Instruction is of great importance and cannot remain vacant. Now that Minister Meng has left office, do any of you have a suitable candidate to recommend?" Zhang Tie continued.
A position such as Grand Minister of Instruction was hardly one that ordinary officials could recommend someone for. Upon hearing Zhang Tie's question, all the civil and military officials turned their gazes toward the few people who could still sit beneath the imperial steps.
If nothing unexpected happened, the Thousand Mechanism Emperor must have already reached an understanding with some lord, hadn't he? Otherwise, how could he have driven Meng Shidao away so cleanly and decisively just