The following afternoon, the Imperial Palace was unusually quiet. Its deep, secluded Palace Complex screened out the blazing summer sun and shut away the ceaseless drone of cicadas outside.
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Cui Yizhong perched gingerly on a chair, his face wearing a constipated expression as he listened to Emperor Chen's sacred instructions.
Although the guards administering the court flogging had been told to stop short of serious injury, they had not dared make too obvious a show of leniency before the assembled civil and military officials. Thus, the Chancellor's buttocks were still red and swollen.
"This western expedition has consumed a tremendous amount of money and grain. Grand Commandant Tong's method may have taken an unorthodox edge, but it did indeed quench the fire at my brows... only... you were made to suffer for it... I regard you as my right arm. There are certain matters I cannot entrust to anyone else..."
Hearing Emperor Chen's heartfelt words, Cui Yizhong's mind raced through countless thoughts. He dropped to his knees with a thud and said plaintively, "Relieving Your Majesty's burdens is my duty... whatever Your Majesty commands, I would gladly spill my liver and brains upon the ground!"
Emperor Chen tapped the Chi Dragon Paperweight with his fingertips. His gaze swept over the lowered wings of Cui Yizhong's official hat as he asked, "What level has Zhixia reached in the Azure Waves Art?"
As his voice rang out, ripples spread across the green jade brush washer on the desk.
Cui Yizhong's sleeves stirred without a breeze, and the fish pouch at his waist trembled faintly. "Thanks to Your Majesty's gift of the Nine-Turn Profound Art, my unworthy son has regained his confidence and broken through to the Dao Integration Realm... several renowned Dao Integration Realm experts in