Salted Fish Breakfast (Second Update)

Chapter 218

The atmosphere in the Imperial Study was nearly frozen solid. The palace servants standing outside had become clay figurines molded in a kiln, breathing so lightly that the rise and fall of their chests could not be seen.

The young man in vermilion robes embroidered with dragon patterns was clearly seated at the head, yet he was far less calm than Jiang Hansheng, who stood motionless below the steps.

"Teacher, are you saying there is no room left for discussion?" the emperor asked, an inescapable gloom clouding his eyes and brow.

Jiang Hansheng remained unmoved. "The momentum for reform cannot be turned aside. A few fools in court who cannot tell the five grains apart have spoken up, and Your Majesty's resolve has already been thrown into disorder."

Li Wenchuan knew roughly when this had happened. It was during Jiang Hansheng's reform. The emperor had initially supported it, but after several court officials repeatedly submitted memorials urging against it, he began to waver.

Reform touched too many interests and was bound to provoke the dissatisfaction of those with vested power. Li Ji had been too young; after hearing too much, he felt that everyone had a point. Coupled with certain rumors, he began to doubt Jiang Hansheng again.

But why was he dreaming of this? Before he could figure it out, the man on the throne shot to his feet, his wide sleeves sweeping everything from the table onto the floor.

"Prime Minister Jiang, you are rather full of yourself. Just because you can see a problem, does that mean no one else can? I sit upon this imperial throne and must weigh every side. Am I not even allowed to make a decision on this matter?"

From "teacher" to "Prime Minister Jiang," from the moment he referred