The ministers hurried along the path, their brows furrowed and their faces exceptionally grave.
None of them spoke, and their steps were urgent.
At a glance, there were more than forty ministers. They did not converse with one another; having just emerged from the Court Assembly, they were now hurrying toward the same destination without the slightest hesitation.
The minister at the very front was Lu Yu.
Gao Rou's expression shifted uncertainly as he stared at Lu Yu ahead of him, his thoughts unknown.
When these ministers appeared in the rear palace, they immediately caused quite a stir.
"Halt!"
Someone blocked their way.
The man blocking them was Palace Commandant Sima Xun.
Sima Xun led the Armored Guards in blocking the path. He studied the Ministers suspiciously, but still bowed to them. "Greetings, my lords."
"What brings you here, my lords?"
Before Lu Yu could speak, another minister immediately beat him to it. "We are going to Zhaoyang Hall to pay our respects to the Empress Dowager. Make way at once!"
Sima Xun froze, then asked, "My lords, do you have the Grand General's orders?"
Lu Yu sneered. "Do the Ministers need the Grand General's permission to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager?!"
At that moment, Sima Xun was dumbstruck.
What has gotten into you?
You never behaved like this before!
You do not need the Grand General's orders?
Looking at the bewildered Sima Xun, Gao Rou flew into a rage. He pointed at him and cursed, "Why have you still not made way?!"
Sima Xun instinctively retreated several steps, then said loudly, "I was ordered by the Grand General to guard these halls. Without his orders, I cannot let you enter!"
Gao Rou laughed loudly. "Even Sima Shi would not dare stop the Ministers from seeing the Empress