The gates of the Imperial Palace were thrown open once again, and the ministers walked out, looking utterly lost.
Cui Zan looked somewhat anxious, and somewhat vexed.
Xun Yi had actually stayed behind in Taiji Hall. If he had shown a little more initiative earlier, might the position of Senior Secretary have been his?
"Alas, so it was His Majesty who defeated us."
Cui Zan shook his head as he spoke.
"His Majesty is only fifteen. Such heroic talent and grand vision truly inspire... dread."
Yu Chun, Commandant of the Palace Guards, suddenly sighed.
Cui Zan glanced at the young Commandant of the Palace Guards beside him and said nothing more.
At that moment, the ministers' feelings were particularly complicated.
They had never imagined it would end this way.
Not long ago, they had still been in the Imperial Secretariat, shamelessly boasting about how they would divide up power. Now, however, they could not utter a word.
The emperor was far more frightening than they had imagined.
Only now did the ministers seem to believe Zhong Hui's assessment.
In martial prowess, he resembled Emperor Taizu; in literary talent, Chen Si.
This young emperor had actually accomplished all of it. They were still somewhat dazed and needed to go home to recover.
Meanwhile, Cao Mao had already arrived at the place where Sima Gan and the other commandants were being held.
Xiahou Xian, Ma Long, and the others were all still there.
Seeing Cao Mao, they hurried to bow in greeting, while Cao Mao helped them up with a smile.
Whatever happened at the Imperial Court, the Central Army was the key to his position.
Cao Mao looked at Xiahou Xian, his eyes full of sincerity. "For this success, I must thank you, Second Father."
By family seniority, Xiahou Xian was