The moment those words left his mouth, everyone was stunned.
Everyone present turned to look at Qin An in unison, stirring up a faint breeze.
They stared at him in shock. A few even began to tremble.
When granted an audience with the emperor, everyone usually answered with extreme care.
They knew that if their answers were not measured enough, or strayed too far from convention, they might make a mistake.
And a mistake before the emperor would leave them unable to hold their heads high for the rest of their lives.
So, following the example of those who had come before them, this group had given answers that were orderly and well supported.
But those answers had been of no use. As though discussing some vague topic, they went round and round it without ever reaching a conclusion.
Qin An's answer was entirely different. It was sharp and unmistakable, like a sword pointed straight at the heart of the question.
They did not know why Qin An had answered that way, but they knew that if Emperor Xuanwu was displeased, Qin An might lose both his life and his path. He might even die without a place to be buried.
Emperor Xuanwu fell silent. His fingertips tapped rhythmically on the armrest of the dragon throne, producing a dull sound that set hearts racing.
No one spoke. The silence around them was like the Ghost Domain, tightening around their hearts.
Yu Feng's mouth felt bitter. His heart felt even worse.
Before they came, the Director-General had warned him that Qin An was sharp-edged and unpredictable, and told him to keep Qin An in check so he would not get into trouble in the Imperial Capital.
Yu Feng had wanted to do as the Director-General said, but now it seemed there