The next day, in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
The ministers arriving for court learned early that Yang Chengming, the Master of Ceremonies responsible for the Northern Liang delegation's marriage arrangements, had once again faced Sacred Judgment the day before.
The news drew different reactions from those who heard it.
Some secretly rejoiced, some felt regret, and others remained indifferent.
Chancellor Wei, however, spoke a few kind words on his behalf, saying there must have been some misunderstanding.
Given Yang Qing's character, he would never do anything that disgraced the nation.
At these words, everyone agreed that Chancellor Wei was truly a pillar of Western Chu, broad-minded enough to let bygones be bygones.
Yang Qing, the man at the center of all this discussion, paid no heed to the surrounding clamor.
He simply stood quietly to one side, his head lowered in thought.
"His Majesty arrives!"
At Eunuch Zhang's loud announcement, everyone fell to their knees.
After Chu Jinghui took his seat above them, he spotted Yang Qing standing to one side. Raising a brow, he asked, "Minister Yang, have you reflected deeply on yesterday's affair?"
Yang Qing replied to Chu Jinghui, "Your Majesty, I know I was at fault. Thus, I have sworn that from this day forward, I shall serve with utmost diligence, relieving Your Majesty's worries and seeking blessings for the people."
Chu Jinghui nodded. "It comforts me greatly to hear that you have such resolve."
Yang Qing changed tack. "Your subject has a memorial to submit."
"Granted!"
Chu Jinghui waved his hand. "Does it concern the Marriage Envoy Mission? I was just about to decide upon a marriage candidate with my ministers."
Yang Qing shook his head. "No, Your Majesty. I wish to submit a memorial on another matter."
"Not the marriage? Then what is it?"