Three quarters of an hour passed, and the bells and chimes sounded again.
The officials returned to the Hall of Sagely Governance, each taking his place in the ranks.
Unfortunately, the atmosphere had grown a shade heavier than before the recess.
Before long, Emperor Jing of Zhou ascended the throne again. Barely seated, he demanded coldly,
"Where is Minister Wei?"
Those four words told everyone in the hall that the sovereign meant to draw his sword!
Wei Nisheng stepped out of the ranks, walked to the center of the hall, and bowed as he answered,
"Your servant is here."
Seeing Wei Zi's solemn expression, Emperor Jing of Zhou felt nothing but reassurance.
This is my Zi'an, my Zi'an!
My Zi'an, whom I raised from childhood!!!
Emperor Jing of Zhou drew a deep breath before speaking in an even tone.
"You were the Imperial Envoy to Suzhou, and you uncovered this silver. I wish to hear your opinion: where should it go?"
With that question, the Heavenly Son's Sword was drawn and placed in Wei's hand.
Every gaze in the hall fell upon the youth in the scarlet robe.
The Son of Heaven's favorite minister? His adopted son? His sword?
Unfortunately, before Wei Nisheng could speak, Kou Yuan had already stepped out of the ranks.
His purple robe swept outward as he stared straight at Wei Nisheng, his court tablet almost thrust into Wei Zi's face, his voice sharp as an awl.
"Wei Nisheng!"
"You have bathed deeply in imperial favor, yet instead of admonishing the sovereign for his faults, you encourage the Son of Heaven's selfish desires."
"You have the talent to assist in governing. Do not assume the guise of a treacherous minister!"
Kou Yuan grew more agitated as he spoke, advancing step by step and bearing down on