Smack!
Li Kun hurled the memorial in his hand to the floor, then rose to his feet, as though only this could quell the fury in his chest.
"Good! Good! Good! Hu Bin, you not only handed my hundred thousand troops over on a silver platter, but even joined the rebels yourself! Truly loyal and devoted! He has worn that title of Earl of Courage and Resolve so well! I... I... I..."
Li Kun's rage surged, but as he spoke, a flush of color abruptly rose on his haggard, pallid face. His footing gave way, and he collapsed onto the dragon throne!
"Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty!"
The ministers below the imperial steps were badly startled. They all cried out in alarm; were it not for the restraints of court etiquette, they would likely have rushed forward to support him.
"I'm fine, I'm fine..." Li Kun sat dazed upon the dragon throne for two or three breaths. His vision had gone dark, his limbs weak, and his heart pounded erratically. Knowing he could not continue for the moment, he merely waved a hand.
At his side, Eunuch Wei was frantic. With a turn of his eyes, he urged that court be adjourned.
The ministers understood when to advance and when to retreat. Though affairs of state were urgent, the Emperor was unwell and could not be forced to endure. Besides, the Council of State Affairs and the Privy Council could make decisions, so they naturally withdrew with the flow.
Yet after court adjourned, news of the matters discussed in court and the Emperor's condition immediately spread. Undercurrents even emerged throughout the city, with people believing that half the realm might be cast into storm-tossed uncertainty.
However, because the channels through which the news spread remained under control, the common people were