"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
As Xiao Jinxuan slowly took his seat, the civil and military officials bowed in unison.
Jiang Xiaobai was among them, bowing in salute as well.
"Mm. My ministers, dispense with the formalities!"
Xiao Jinxuan raised a hand.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Only then did the ministers straighten.
"Today... does anyone have anything to report?"
Xiao Jinxuan swept his gaze around and spoke calmly.
"Your Majesty, I have a matter to report!"
An official stepped forward. "Wenxuan Bridge in the south of the city has long fallen into disrepair. A corner of the bridge deck collapsed a few days ago, causing considerable inconvenience to the people crossing it!"
"I ask that Your Majesty authorize the Ministry of Works to allocate funds for repairs!"
"Your Majesty!"
Upon hearing this, the Minister of Works immediately stepped forward. "The Ministry of Works has already received a report of this matter, but Wenxuan Bridge connects three wards, so we cannot close the road lightly!"
"However, I have already ordered a repair plan to be drafted. Work can begin... within three days!"
"Good. In that case, see it done as soon as possible!"
Xiao Jinxuan spoke.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The Minister of Works and the other official withdrew, but another man immediately stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, the Autumn Sacrifice is approaching. The Ministry of Rites will likely need to begin preparing the ancestral rites in advance."
At this point, the official's voice noticeably faltered. "But with the Ministry of Rites currently under investigation, how should this matter be arranged?"
Chen Zhanqiu's face twitched, but he remained sullenly silent.
"Minister Chen!"
Xiao Jinxuan glanced at Chen Zhanqiu. "The Autumn Sacrifice is a matter of national importance. It must not be delayed!"
"The Ministry of Rites should continue its preparations as usual!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"