The sun rose in the east, and with it, the history of the Sun Moon Empire officially turned to a brand-new chapter.
Within the magnificent, imposing Sun Moon Imperial Palace, all the officials had already lined up in orderly ranks.
It was still far too early for morning court to begin, yet a solemn, dignified atmosphere filled the hall.
Today marked the new emperor's first morning court. The ministers knew little about him, could not gauge his temperament or preferences, and feared provoking his wrath.
The crowd was arranged by rank as always. The princes stood closest to the Dragon Throne, looking far more composed than the trembling ministers.
They represented the older generation of imperial nobility. Even Xu Tianran, when he was alive, had to address them respectfully as imperial uncles due to their seniority, so they had no need to curry favor with him.
According to the imperial genealogy, the new emperor was still their junior. Naturally, none of these old princes believed he would do anything to them.
Quite the opposite: the new emperor had only inherited the throne in name. To gain complete control over the imperial family, he would have to court these old princes with their tangled web of interests.
Among the old princes stood a somewhat thin elderly man. He arrogantly surveyed the Main Hall, then spotted a familiar portly figure a few places away. Clearly displeased, he sneered coldly, "Jing Hongchen, you're standing rather far forward today."
That portly figure was none other than Jing Hongchen, the Hall Master of Illustrious Virtue Hall.
Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen stood behind him without a word, though the looks they directed at the elderly imperial clansman were anything but friendly.
The old man disliked their looks immensely. He frowned in displeasure and was about