Watching the Changes in the Two Offices, Intending to Sacrifice to Heaven and Enfeoff a God

"How long has it been? And something like this has already happened?"

Emperor Li Kun frowned deeply as he looked at the people before him, his expression distinctly displeased.

Compared to two years ago, he had aged considerably. Much more white had appeared in his hair, and his face was full of weariness. He no longer seemed so shrewd and capable, yet he had developed another kind of majesty.

Across from him, several chief ministers and high officials kept their heads lowered in silence. Xu Jin in particular, who stood at their head, saw his expression change repeatedly. This disaster had begun with a member of the Xu Clan. Even though Xu Jin was now the foremost chief minister, facing the emperor's wrath was more than he could bear.

Indeed, compared with two and a half years earlier, the ranks of the chief ministers had changed again. Because of the national war, Wang Jing, the Privy Council Commissioner, and Geng Chi, the Deputy Privy Council Commissioner, had remained in their posts, but the Council of State Affairs had undergone earthshaking changes.

Of the original five men in the Council of State Affairs, Wang Fu and Ma Yang had led the group. The others were Zhang Lian, whose prestige was no less formidable, followed by Yan Dongting, while Xu Jin, as a newcomer, had possessed the least seniority.

Now, only two of those original five still held their places: Xu Jin and Ma Yang. Ma Yang had half-retired, however, devoting all his attention to writing books and expounding doctrines. Even at a gathering like today's, with so many ministers assembled, this chief minister merely sat off to one side without saying a word.

Besides Ma Yang, Yan Dongting had died two and a half years ago. A year ago, Li Kun