Chapter 976 – In the Heavens Is a Capital of White Jade (2/2)
The Shi clan leader silently thought for a few moments, then said, ”I also object.”
Soon after, a general of the He clan famed for his bravery took off his helmet and impassively declared, ”I object.'
The demi-human Prime Minister, who had remained silent ever since the preparations for the Heavenly Selection had begun, stood up and said in his timeworn voice, ”I will only agree once I personally meet His Majesty.”
”I also object.”
”I as well!”
The Xiang clan leader remained unmoving as these cries rose and fell.
Madam Mu slightly raised her brows, her starry eyes devoid of emotion.
She was somewhat surprised that there were still so many voices of opposition.
But this did not matter.
This was a decree issued by both her and His Majesty.
Moreover, this decree had gained the support of the Xiang clan leader, who led the Council of Elders.
How could some random noise stop the surging great river from flowing west?
……
……
The court debate concluded. Almost forty percent of the gathered tribal leaders, ministers, and generals had objected to the demon alliance, but the decree was sent down nonetheless.
A Grand Scholar of the Abyssal Pearl Pavilion who had attended the Grand Examination in the capital one hundred years ago was nervously writing out the formal decree.
The demi-human personages who had debated in the oppressive atmosphere for a long time walked out of the stone hall to rest for a while.
And then, they saw the young Demon Lord.
The sky was a clear blue, the edge of the platform a thin line. He stood beneath the lonely figure of the pear tree.
He had already taken off the tattered bamboo hat. It sat by his feet, almost buried under the white pear blossoms.
His face was handsome, white as jade. His robes rustled in the wind as if about to take flight.
With this scene and this person, nothing could be more beautiful.
A general stared at him with a murderous gaze, as if he would charge over at any moment.
A tribal leader warily stared at him, as if he would turn and leave at any moment.
A minister forced a smile and looked towards him, as if he would get on his knees and bow at any moment.
Regardless of what sort of emotions they felt, they all had to admit that the young Demon Lord was truly an extraordinary individual.
A Demon Lord standing alone in the Imperial City of the Demi-human race while still so calm and indifferent truly inspired admiration.
Ritual music came from Whalefall Platform down below.
The mood over the observation platform instantly became dignified.
The decree had been finished.
The Heavenly Selection, the marriage alliance and the treaty were about to be formally proclaimed.
Proclaimed to the world.
At this moment, the ritual music suddenly became a little disordered.
Perhaps it was because of those footsteps.
Several dozen palace maids and attendants arrived at the observation platform.
They were led by Luoluo.
She gazed at the Demon Lord beneath the pear tree.
The Demon Lord gazed at her.
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1. This line is from the longest poem written by Li Bai, which has the long Chinese title of '经乱离后天恩流夜郎忆旧游书怀赠江夏韦太守良宰'. The poem begins with Li Bai imagining himself ascending to the heavens, to the capital of white jade where the Celestial Emperor resides, where Li Bai is blessed with immortality.