"Your Majesty."
Wang Xiang's expression was exceptionally stern.
"How could you do such a thing?"
"How many times have I admonished you? Glib words corrupt virtue; failing to endure a little can ruin a great plan."
"Why would you do this, Your Majesty?!"
Wang Xiang was truly angry.
Yesterday, when he received the envoy Cao Mao had sent and learned that Cao Mao was summoning every minister at court, Wang Xiang had been terrified.
What was the emperor trying to do?
Was he preparing to go straight to war with the Sima Family??
Wang Xiang had not come, nor had the other ministers. They were all afraid. If the emperor suddenly proclaimed Sima Shi's crimes after summoning them, what were they supposed to do?
This was not something that could be settled in private.
Although Wang Xiang looked calm, he had actually spent the entire night without sleep, worrying about the situation in the Imperial Palace. Only today, upon learning that the emperor had merely debated the classics yesterday, had he breathed a sigh of relief. He had hurried to the East Hall and launched into a scolding the moment he faced Cao Mao.
Cao Mao grinned. "Teacher, surely you weren't frightened?"
Wang Xiang frowned without saying a word.
Cao Mao could only say, "Teacher, you're worrying too much. I wasn't doing anything unwise. I merely wanted to debate the classics with everyone, which was why I thought of gathering them."
"And did the Grand General know that was what you intended?"
"If the Grand General had thought you had some other design, I would never have seen you again today."
"Others cannot know what is in your mind, Your Majesty. You had best avoid doing things that invite such speculation, lest you bring disaster upon yourself."
Wang Xiang said