At Zhang Yuan's blunt words, Zhao Lian's face instantly flushed red. She clenched her teeth so hard her back molars nearly shattered, her hatred for him setting her teeth on edge.
It was bad enough when he had only hinted at it with his gaze. Now that he had ascended the throne, he was saying it outright.
Damn him!
If he weren't still useful, I would have this Daoist dragged into the palace and tortured day and night!
Zhang Yuan was quite pleased with Zhao Lian's reaction and finally felt reassured. He then continued shooting the breeze with Qi Han, Ruan Jiang, and the assembled civil and military officials below. At the slightest sign that someone wanted to discuss serious business, he immediately changed the subject. He cared only about eating, drinking, and having fun, fully displaying the folly and depravity of an incompetent ruler.
"We are weary. If there is nothing else, Our beloved ministers may leave! Court is dismissed!"
Zhang Yuan yawned.
Qi Han, Ruan Jiang, and the others were persistent, too. They had kept this rambling conversation going from daybreak until now. Noon had already passed, they had yet to eat lunch, and Shen Hour-the hour of sunset in the Crimson Firmament Roselight Realm-was fast approaching. He could not keep this up any longer.
Never mind anything else; Zhao Lian had nearly sat his legs numb. She looked slender, but she certainly weighed a lot sitting on him. Zhang Yuan almost suspected she had strapped weights of pre-heaven artifact treasure quality to herself.
Qi Han and Ruan Jiang wanted to say more, but seeing Zhang Yuan's lack of interest, and with the hour indeed growing late, they could only sigh and join the other officials in cupping their hands and taking their leave.
Court was dismissed.
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