Once the Vermilion Brush fell, the Yellow Silk Decree was rolled up and placed on its tray.
Wei Nisheng and Wang Kan returned to their places in the ranks.
Unfortunately, before the murmurs in the hall had fully subsided, someone had already drawn every gaze back together.
The promotions had been settled, but every minister in the hall knew perfectly well...
The true subject of today's court assembly had never been the offices of Wei Nisheng and Wang Kan.
It was the destination of those 3.2 million taels of silver from Suzhou.
Kou Yuan stood at the head of the Ministry of Revenue's ranks, his expression still as deep water.
From Shen Duan's intervention, to the Son of Heaven personally descending the steps to lay a hand on Wei Nisheng's shoulder, to Yao Zhen requesting an office for Wang Kan,
he had not spoken a single word, merely standing with lowered eyes and a Court Tablet in his hands.
But everyone at court knew his temperament...
Kou Yuan might remain silent, but once he spoke, he would set the direction of the wind.
And now, that direction had been set.
Kou Yuan slowly raised his head, fixed his gaze on the Imperial Throne, and walked out of the ranks.
Three steps set the tone. Reaching the center of the hall, he bowed with clasped hands.
"Your Majesty, I have something to say."
"Minister Kou..." Emperor Jing of Zhou had barely begun to nod.
Kou Yuan had already straightened, looking levelly at the Imperial Throne, his words swift and his voice stern.
"Today in this hall, Your Majesty promoted Wei Nisheng to Selection Bureau Vice Director. I have no objection.
Your Majesty promoted Wang Kan to Assistant Censor-in-Chief. I likewise have no objection.
The advancement of talent is a blessing to