The shadow finally dispersed.
The civil and military officials throughout the Court finally emerged from their daze.
As their senses returned, some gritted their teeth.
Wei Nisheng had not cursed the assembled officials, yet a single remark had blunted the edge of every purple-and-scarlet robe in the hall.
A mere vice director, yet he had cut off the uproar filling the hall, then laid out military affairs, law and discipline, and the temper of men for His Highness.
What did this mean?
Had all the Court's great ministers become subordinate clerks awaiting his orders?!
"Vice Director Wei!" Song Yue stepped out from the Ministry of War's ranks and pointed at him, his voice burning with anger.
"You are a vice director of the Selection Bureau. On what authority do you presume to apportion military and state affairs in this hall?
The Tangut have massed troops, and our delegation has been detained. These are matters for the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites, to be deliberated upon by their ministers and the grand secretaries.
You reach across another's chopping board to do his cooking-where does that leave the Court's established statutes?!"
"Grand Secretary Song." Wei Nisheng turned to look at him, his voice still level.
"Of the three matters I just raised, which word was wrong?
Should military and state affairs not be discussed first? Should matters of law and discipline not fall to the Relevant Authorities?
Or does Grand Secretary Song believe that filling this hall with shouting is the proper conduct of a minister?"
Song Yue choked on his reply.
"If I was wrong, Grand Secretary Song, please point it out here and now." Wei Nisheng enunciated every word.
"If I was not, what does it matter whether this humble official is a vice director or a