The atmosphere at court was stranger than it had ever been.
Especially after the Empress Dowager and the Jing Lord appeared, both sides of the hanging curtain were as cold as deepest winter.
After a long while, the Jing Lord's voice rang out. "My ministers, do any of you have matters to report?"
Every official could hear the slight tremor in the Jing Lord's voice.
Fang Yun looked toward the Jing Lord through the hanging curtain. His voice had matured considerably since their last meeting, but it still could not conceal his youth.
The child's face had grown somewhat more mature than before, while his eyes held a little more bewilderment and apprehension as he looked at Fang Yun.
Beside the Jing Lord, the Empress Dowager still sat with her face covered by black gauze, concealing her features completely.
After the Jing Lord asked his question, no one answered. Almost everyone looked toward Fang Yun.
Fang Yun remained seated in the Marquis Wu Chariot and said nothing.
Only after quite some time, when the Empress Dowager whispered into the Jing Lord's ear, did he ask, "Minister Fang, you have just assumed the prime minister's office. Do you have anything to report?"
Fang Yun smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Having only just assumed this office, I am unfamiliar with the various affairs of government. As head of the Grand Secretariat and foremost among the officials, I must first familiarize myself with its affairs before reporting to Your Majesty. If Your Majesty would show consideration for me, please permit me to borrow a few officials from other offices who are familiar with the affairs of the Grand Secretariat, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Ministry of Rites, so that they may assist me in revitalizing the Jing Kingdom."
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