The Forbidden City stood majestic.
The Imperial Carriage and Phoenix Carriage stopped outside the Grand Secretariat Office.
The officials in purple robes and jade belts, led by Yang Taiyue, welcomed them with utmost reverence.
Emperor Jingde stepped into the Land of All Under Heaven's Decrees, his eyes wide with fury:
"An affront to Heaven!"
"The Emperor's Personal Guard dared defy the emperor in full view of everyone!"
Thud-
The grand secretaries dropped shakily to their knees:
"Please calm your anger, Your Majesty."
"How am I supposed to calm my anger?" Even the corners of Emperor Jingde's eyes twisted with menace as he roared hoarsely:
"Draft the decree at once! Strip Jia Treachery of his position as Commanding Commissioner!"
As his words fell, the atmosphere grew delicate.
The officials bowed their heads low. No one answered.
"Have you all gone mute?" Emperor Jingde breathed heavily and pointed an accusing finger:
"You allow a treacherous villain to brazenly stand among the court officials and do nothing! Have you any shame left to stand in the Grand Secretariat?"
The officials remained silent, not uttering a word, like so many aged clay statues.
"Speak!" Emperor Jingde thundered.
Yang Taiyue said quietly:
"Please calm your anger, Your Majesty. Do not harm your imperial health."
Emperor Jingde laughed in sheer fury, raising a finger as he demanded:
"The head of all officials can only repeat a single sentence?"
Chief Grand Secretary Yang fell silent again.
None of the grand secretaries dared raise their heads, nor would they speak.
Have the Grand Secretariat draft a decree removing Jia Commanding Commissioner?
On what charges?
Where was the Retired Emperor's Imperial Edict?
With nothing at all, how could the Grand Secretariat dare risk upheaval throughout the realm to impeach the man at the Pinnacle of the Embroidered Uniform Guard?