Everything, Great and Small, Taken in Hand; Dismissals and Retentions Decided at Will

Wang Jing was in the main hall of the Privy Council. He was not alone; many officials handling confidential Privy Council affairs bustled about within. Many military and state matters passed through their hands, were bound into volumes, and issued across the land.

When Qiu Yan entered, he saw people coming and going, as well as the two men seated farthest inside.

Wang Jing and Geng Chi, the two heads of the Privy Council, sat on opposite sides of a table, seemingly in dispute.

It was clear that Geng Chi had kept a low posture. His lips moved only slightly, giving an impression of unhurried deliberation, while Wang Jing was lofty and overbearing, his words carrying an aggressive edge.

Before he had even approached them, Qiu Yan faintly sensed the differing auras around the two Privy Council Commissioners.

Wang Jing and Geng Chi also noticed Qiu Yan's party. They stopped speaking, straightened in their seats, and waited for the clerk to lead Qiu Yan over.

"Greetings to the two superiors." Arriving before them, Qiu Yan cupped his hands in salute.

"Sit." Wang Jing did not stand on ceremony. He pointed to several chairs nearby and gave the order.

Qiu Yan offered his thanks and went to sit to the side with Zhang Hai and Qi Jinchang, each taking a seat.

Throughout this, Wang Jing and Geng Chi studied Qiu Yan, taking in his bearing and manner.

Neither man was unfamiliar with Qiu Yan. Indeed, no one in the official circles of the entire Imperial City could have been unfamiliar with him. What had happened on the Grasslands had already stirred the winds and clouds, and the Emperor's subsequent rewards had pushed Qiu Yan onto the crest of the storm.

The past two days had seemed calm only because Qiu Yan's