The Department of State Affairs Terrace oversaw the myriad affairs of the realm, and the Eight Seats oversaw the terrace. Of those eight, the three most exalted offices were the Chancellor and the Left and Right Vice Directors, collectively known as the chief ministers. The man upstairs who had silenced the entire courtyard and made every head bow was the incumbent Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs (a standing committee member of a certain political bureau and a vice premier of a certain state council), the Son of Heaven's cousin, the Marquis of Xichang—Xiao Luan.
"Carry on."
Xiao Luan cut a striking figure. With both arms resting on the railing, he watched the courtyard below with interest, his voice casual.
"Go on, then. I'm waiting to watch."
No one dared answer. They all maintained their postures of salutation.
Only Shen Yuan raised his voice in reply:
"This subordinate will respectfully obey Your Lordship's instructions!"
He straightened and was about to give an order when the pavilion doors suddenly opened wide. A man in court robes and a martial cap-a cap reserved for close palace attendants and military officials, distinct from the Worthy-Advancement Cap worn by civil officials outside the palace-emerged with a file of men carrying four large chests. They walked straight between the two groups and set the chests on the ground with a thud.
The man in the martial cap waved his hand, and all the chests were opened. Cold light gleamed within. They were filled to the brim with swords and sabers!
Everyone's expression changed. Xiao Luan leaned against the railing.
"How can you fight without weapons? We'll issue you some now. Pick one each. Anyone who can wield two swords or two sabers may take two. Go ahead."
No one moved.
No one