None of the other Cabinet members were present. Only Jing Hongchen and Huo Yuhao were there.
The moment Jing Hongchen saw Huo Yuhao, he said gravely, "Huo Yuhao, you're taking too big a stride."
"You've only just ascended the throne, and your footing at court is still unsteady. How much resistance do you think you'll face, launching reforms with such fanfare?"
"Even Illustrious Virtue Hall and I can't monopolize power at court. Do you think those elders and corps commanders accept my authority just because they haven't submitted memorials impeaching me?"
"Did you see the way Ye Yulin looked at me? Do you think he's willing to take orders from me?"
To avoid suspicion and win acceptance, the Cabinet had been forced to include some veteran Level 9 Soul Engineers and senior ministers. Starry Sky Douluo Ye Yulin was one of them. His seniority and strength were no less than Jing Hongchen's, so expecting him to obey Jing Hongchen willingly, without resentment, was hardly realistic.
Huo Yuhao chuckled and said casually to Jing Hongchen, "Grand Secretary Hongchen, relax a little. There's no Sun Moon Emperor Xu Sheng here right now, only Cabinet member Huo Yuhao. I still have to follow your arrangements, Grand Secretary."
Jing Hongchen didn't know whether to laugh or cry at that. He sat beside the table, poured himself a cup of tea, and savored it.
After a few sips, he said slowly, "The Hand of National Protection's soul engineer corps are loyal only to the imperial family. They previously considered Xu Tianran the rightful ruler, but with Elder Kong backing you now, legitimacy is no longer a concern."
"The Third Prince has lost his ambition to fight for power, so there's no need to worry much about him either. Those civil officials can't stir up any