Dawn had barely broken, and thick fog shrouded everything.
Inside Rongguo Mansion, Jia Zheng, Jia She, and Jia Zhen prepared to depart for the Imperial City.
Officials from every level of government in the Capital, including honorary officials, were required to attend the Grand Court Audience.
As Jia She straightened the cuffs of his official robes, he asked in puzzlement:
"How strange. His Majesty hasn't held court in ages. What does he mean to announce today?"
Jia Zheng stroked his beard and said proudly:
"Perhaps Cui Xiangwei's tenure was so riddled with evil deeds that Heaven raged and the people seethed, and His Majesty intends to purge official corruption and put every official on his guard!"
At those words, Jia She and Jia Zhen fell silent. Jia Zhen in particular lowered his head, fierce jealousy flashing in his eyes alongside a profound sense of helplessness!
Jia She passed over the subject and forced a smile:
"In another two days, Baoyu will have to retake the county examination. Hopefully he'll earn his scholar's degree this time."
"Why concern yourself with that ignorant little beast?" Jia Zheng flung his sleeve angrily and declared with ringing conviction:
"With Huan'er around, I can stand tall and straight! That accursed boy does nothing but disgrace himself!"
With that, he climbed into his sedan chair and proceeded slowly through the fog.
Jia Zhen and Jia She exchanged looks.
"I heard Wang Ziteng bowed and apologized to him yesterday, right before all the officials, swallowing the humiliation whole."
"If even Wang Ziteng can't deal with him, he'll blot out the sky over the Jia Family with one hand."
Jia She heaved a long sigh.
"He's offended too many people. He's bound to stumble!" Jia Zhen declared confidently.
The three arrived at the Imperial City, where a vast