He rose to his feet and paced twice.
"All right, go work on your Earth Beast, Sima Yi. This is none of your business anymore."
"Yes, Chancellor."
Sima Yi bowed to accept the order. After hesitating for a moment, he still added quietly, "Also... Chancellor, my name is Smai..."
"I know, Sima Yi."
"..."
Just as Sima Yi fled the bath palace as though escaping for his life.
Yan Huan rubbed his chin, considering how to use the resources at hand to give those restless fellows outside the city something unforgettable, when a guard strode in, his armor clinking softly.
"Reporting to the Chancellor, Lord Aglaya has returned from the Tree Court and has arrived outside the palace. She has also brought three scholars seeking an audience!"
"Oh? She was finally back?" Yan Huan's eyes lit up, and he temporarily set aside his thoughts.
"Bring her in at once."
Before long, Aglaea entered the grand hall, dusty from travel. Her once-neat robes bore traces of the road, but there was a hint of relief in her expression at having completed her task.
Behind her followed three middle-aged men in scholars' robes of ancient design, each with a distinctly different bearing.
Their gazes—smooth, sinister, or shrewd—quietly surveyed this place at the heart of Okhema's power.
"Lord Yan Huan, I have returned."
Aglaea bowed slightly. Her voice carried a trace of fatigue, yet remained clear.
"These three are scholars strongly recommended by the Tree Court. They have made considerable achievements in public welfare, Law, and resource management. I hope they can be of help to Okhema."
"Oh?" Yan Huan's gaze immediately passed over Aglaea and landed on the first scholar with great interest.
The man had a plump, prosperous face and seemed to wear a smile even before speaking. He looked exceedingly