After a while, the boots before Ma Shunde moved. The Emperor rose and headed outside.
"Your Majesty..." Ma Shunde hurriedly got up to follow, calling out instinctively.
The Emperor looked back at him. His expression was faint, impossible to read for joy or anger, yet this made Ma Shunde freeze where he stood.
"You are not needed here. Withdraw."
"Yes." Only after Ma Shunde had withdrawn did the Emperor glance toward the corner and walk outside.
Diligent Splendor Hall
This secluded palace hall remained secretly guarded, with no outsiders permitted to approach.
Accompanied by Meng Lin, the Emperor came here again beneath the cover of night.
Within the main hall, the Nine-Dragon Instrument was emitting a faint glow.
The Emperor approached and examined it closely. His expression remained mild, but a trace of displeasure surfaced.
The bead on the Nine-Dragon Instrument was indeed brighter than before, but it was still far from what the Emperor wished to see.
The Emperor frowned slightly and asked Meng Lin, "I have issued an edict appointing Prince Dai as Imperial Grandson, and the hundred officials have offered their congratulations. Why is the bead still only half-lit?"
Meng Lin considered it. "Your Majesty, perhaps although you appointed Prince Dai as Imperial Grandson and the officials went to congratulate him, their visit was merely ceremonial flattery rather than sincere allegiance..."
So even if all the officials addressed Prince Dai as Imperial Grandson, the title likely still did not carry much weight.
The Emperor had already been displeased, but after hearing Meng Lin's explanation, he stood stunned for a moment before laughing, his voice somewhat hoarse.
"If that is so, then the ceremony shall be held tomorrow!"
Meng Lin softly acknowledged the order.
The Emperor, who appeared somewhat pleased, soon left Diligent Splendor Hall and returned to