The white-robed young man propped himself against a white jade desk with one hand, chin in palm, idly fiddling with several pearl-like Innate Spiritual Treasures.
The world was full of troubles; the Heavenly Court had none.
He strove to govern diligently, yet there were no gods to govern.
—"Record of the Current Jade Emperor's Early Life"
He had wholeheartedly wanted to become a Heavenly Emperor revered by all living beings, but six great mountains stood before, behind, left, and right of him, preventing his sacred radiance from reaching heaven and earth.
They said even the cleverest housewife could not cook without rice; in his current situation, even a clever emperor could hardly be lord of empty gods...
The Heavenly Court had become so idle that it spent its days planting peaches, raising divine birds, and rolling Five Elements Treasure Pearls.
Taking office to retire, ready to retire at any time...
"Your Majesty! Dong Mugong requests an audience outside the hall!"
At the sudden report from outside, the white-robed young man immediately sat upright, put away the treasure pearls, cleared his throat, picked up a memorial from beside him, and opened it to read the words he could nearly recite backward...
"Summon him."
Outside the hall, Dong Mugong lowered his head as he ascended the flights of white jade stairs. Looking up at the scene atop the platform, his eyes filled with gratification.
His Majesty the Jade Emperor was truly diligent.
"This old minister greets Your Majesty!"
"Wood Duke, there is no need for such formality." The white-robed young man wore a calm and refined smile as his gaze slowly moved away from the memorial. "Wood Duke, you appear to be in a great hurry. Is there some urgent matter?"
Dong Mugong took out a memorial and respectfully said, "Your Majesty,