Some scholars had originally intended to stiffen their necks and object, but now they abandoned their attempts to stop Fang Yun.
After Zhao Hongzhuang left, Fang Yun continued handling official business. Before a quarter of an hour had passed, Great Scholars filed in, one after another.
Purple robes filled the hall, and righteous energy surged.
Fang Yun held the brush he had been using to review documents, gently swirled it in the brush washer, lifted it from the water, gave it a light flick, and placed it on the brush rest. Then he looked at every Great Scholar present.
The twenty-odd Great Scholars said nothing, watching Fang Yun calmly.
Fang Yun's expression remained unchanged, his manner composed.
"Bring seats." At Fang Yun's words, the bailiffs brought over chairs.
Once the Great Scholars were seated, Fang Yun asked, "May I ask what brings all of you here together?"
Some of the Great Scholars smiled helplessly. Though Fang Yun did not wish to be hostile, resistance lurked between his words.
They exchanged glances before finally turning their eyes toward the oldest Great Scholar, Tian Songshi.
Tian Songshi's hair and beard were snow-white, his gaze warm. Though his skin was wrinkled, his eyes shone, and his face was so kindly that anyone who saw him would instinctively lower their guard.
Tian Songshi smiled freely and said, "Since none of you wishes to speak first, this old man will trade on his age and come straight to the point. Void Sage Fang, although granting Zhao Hongzhuang the status of a woman entitled to a scholar's robes and cap was unusual, it was still understandable. But granting her the title of Official Metropolitan Graduate today and promoting her to chief administrator of the Garrison Army truly violates ritual and law."
"Ritual and law forbid Zhao