Qing Chen paused briefly. "The Imperial Pole Hall?"
Wei Jin lowered his eyes deferentially, keeping his voice exceedingly soft. "Yes."
"Is there a grand court assembly today?"
"Yes, there is."
"And I'm to attend?"
"Yes, Marquis."
Now Qing Chen was genuinely somewhat surprised.
His current standing seemed lofty indeed: first-class Azure Abyss Marquis, holder of the Subordinate Second Rank title of Governor-General of Gou Wu, Palace Attendant, and a son-in-law of the Iron Household whose marriage Emperor Jingtai had personally bestowed.
In terms of rank and imperial favor alone, many Immortal Officials in the Divine Capital who had accumulated hundreds or even thousands of years of seniority had to give him some ground.
The problem was that he currently held no actual office or authority.
His title of Governor-General of Gou Wu was merely an honorary title bestowed as a favor; officially, he controlled none of the Gouwu Sea's military affairs, civil administration, Immortal Register, or taxation.
Although his position as Palace Attendant allowed him to enter and leave Jade Capital Mountain freely, it was more a special mark of favor that placed him close to Emperor Jingtai.
As for his first-class Azure Abyss Marquis title, that was a noble rank, not an official post, much less the foundation of a ducal household with hereditary succession.
In principle, he could attend court deliberations, but there was no necessity or requirement for him to participate in the monthly grand court assembly.
Especially a grand court assembly at the Imperial Pole Hall.
That was not a place where just anyone could stand.
The Six Great Regents, senior ministers of the Inner Cabinet, Hall Officials of the Six Ministries, governors-general and generals of the Governor-General's Office, princes and meritorious nobles, and heads of the various supervisory offices all had fixed places on the