Dawn had yet to break, but the court waiting rooms outside the Meridian Gate were already seething with voices.
Only two days had passed since the last regular court session, yet the atmosphere at court had changed completely.
The first time, everyone had known only that the Hanlin Academy had submitted a memorial requesting an audit of the Ever-Normal Granary's accounts.
The second time, three memorials had struck like swords, and the Three Judicial Offices had already raised their execution blade.
This third time, they would see whether heads would fall...
At the exact start of Mao Hour, the Jingyang Bell rang.
The officials straightened their robes and headgear, then filed into the hall by rank.
Emperor Jing of Zhou took his seat, the tassels of the Twelve-Tassel Crown hanging before his face.
"My ministers, present any matters you have to report."
Court Tablet in hand, Song Jing was about to step out of the ranks.
The preliminary investigation by the Three Judicial Offices had made progress, and today he intended to report it to the emperor.
But just then, Shen Duan stepped forward from the very front of the civil officials' ranks.
He walked onto the golden-brick floor, lifted his robe, knelt, and bowed his forehead to the ground.
"Your aged servant Shen Duan pays his respects to Your Majesty."
Everyone froze.
Song Jing had already taken half a step, only to force himself to withdraw it.
Wait, wasn't this against their unwritten rules?
You're the Chief Minister, Shen Duan. By custom, we speak first, and you present your business last.
What did you mean by jumping ahead of everyone?
Even Feng Yan had never trampled the rules like this!!
"I failed in my oversight." Shen Duan's voice was deep and forceful.
"As Chief Minister, charged with overseeing