The emperor sat upright on the Imperial Throne, twelve strands of beads hanging before his crown. The pearls and jade swayed faintly, his expression unreadable.
The hall was filled with prostrate figures, their cries rolling in wave after wave without pause.
"Your Majesty, please heed Grand Secretary Kou's words!"
"Your Majesty, please keep the realm in your thoughts!"
"If Your Majesty refuses our remonstrance, we shall remain on our knees!"
"Your Majesty, are you an enlightened ruler? Or as benighted as Tyrants Jie and Zhou?!"
Every word they proclaimed pressed him harder. They acknowledged neither ruler nor father!
Emperor Jing of Zhou's face twitched slightly. He clenched his teeth and said nothing.
Whatever he said now would be crushed beneath those two labels.
At that thought, Emperor Jing of Zhou drew a deep breath, his expression taut, and looked toward Wei Zi.
Holding his Court Tablet, Wei Nisheng sensed that gaze and raised his eyes slightly.
Once again, their eyes met, conveying meaning without a word.
Zi'an, today I entrust my reputation as an "enlightened ruler" to you.
Whatever means you use, your Ruler-Father wants the money-and the reputation too!
Wei Nisheng understood.
Do not trouble yourself, Ruler-Father. The Upright Officials have gathered momentum. Break that momentum first, and leave the rest to your subject.
Emperor Jing of Zhou withdrew his gaze and commanded in a cold, stern voice,
"Court is adjourned for three quarters of an hour."
The command fell like a sluice gate crashing down, cutting off the tide of voices throughout the hall.
The Upright Officials kneeling on the floor heard it and, for a moment, did not know whether to rise or remain on their knees.
But Emperor Jing of Zhou was no longer looking at them. He turned his face and signaled Wang Cheng.
Wang