If this system passed and became a written regulation, any sovereign who dared to act recklessly again would inevitably face resistance from his officials.
Sheng Boyuan spoke only of how the accountability system could restrain officials, without mentioning that it also protected them.
The Empress Dowager knew perfectly well that the accountability system was excellent. Had she been an official rather than the Empress Dowager, she would have supported it without hesitation. But for the sake of the sovereign's power, she was unwilling to approve the draft.
After a long while, the Empress Dowager sighed softly and said, "He is so young. Where did he acquire such talent? Some of these things require more than talent alone. They demand extensive experience."
Sheng Boyuan said, "Burial Saint Valley contains great wonders. The Human Race can ascend Book Mountain to temper themselves, so the other races must have their own methods of tempering. Perhaps Fang Yun received fortune vast enough to reach the heavens and experienced things none of us ever have. In that case, it is only natural that his learning spans the myriad races and that he understands the affairs of the world."
"Fang Yun truly is fortunate."
The Empress Dowager's tone brimmed with resentment. Over the past several days, she had been wondering why Fang Yun, who had previously regarded government service merely as a stepping stone toward the Sacred Way, had suddenly become so absorbed in power.
Could he have some hidden reason?
The Empress Dowager glanced at the draft and asked, "How long can we hold this back?"
Sheng Boyuan looked troubled. "If Your Majesty does everything in your power to obstruct it, this humble minister will naturally spare no effort. However, this is Void Sage Fang's first formal draft and first reform since Ten Rainbows Across