The Capital of Great Wei.
Wang Xinzhi arrived at Shouren Academy in a towering rage.
He was indeed furious enough to scorch the heavens.
The civil and military officials had all agreed to stand together against a common enemy, yet somehow he had ended up the clown.
That much he could accept. Court politics had always been a matter of you digging a pit for me and me digging one for you. Wang Xinzhi held no grudge over that.
What Wang Xinzhi resented was this.
Why had all five other ministries received funding? Why hadn't my Ministry of Rites?
What's wrong with my Ministry of Rites? I may belong to the Great Wei Literary Palace, but I haven't caused you any trouble, Xu Qingxiao, have I?
Besides, no matter what, I'm the Minister of Rites, an official of the court. What gives you the right to deny our ministry funding?
Don't you know the Ministry of Rites is destitute?
Don't we need money for the envoys from foreign lands?
Doesn't the imperial household need to replace some ceremonial equipment and attire? Don't great nations need to exchange gifts?
All of that costs money!
Even the Ministry of Punishment and the Ministry of Works received twenty million and twenty-five million taels respectively, yet the mighty Ministry of Rites didn't get so much as a million?
I won't accept this! At least thirty million taels! No matter what, at least thirty million!
"Xu Qingxiao!"
"Xu Shouren!"
"Come out!"
Wang Xinzhi stormed into Shouren Academy in a towering rage, drawing curious looks from several students. When they recognized the newcomer as a Grand Confucian of the Literary Palace and the Minister of Rites, they immediately stood and bowed to him.
"We pay our respects to Grand Confucian Wang."
The students rose. Li Shouming