Chapter 60: What a romantic Emperor 2 (1/2)
The imperial palace, at the throne room.
”The court session has come to an end, the Emperor is leaving. play the music!!” a short eunuch dressed in navy blue robes, standing below the upraised throne announced.
As soon as the announcement was made the eunuchs playing the large music instruments began to hit the drums and flutes. Meanwhile, the officials and minister's present for the court session all knelt and raising their white slim plank bowed.
Everyone present except for the Emperor all chorused ”Sending His majesty off, long line the Emperor, Long live the Emperor, Long live the Emperor!!!”
The Emperor stood, got down from the throne and walked out of the room. He passed through the center of the room, walked down the long red carpet that led to the door. The Emperor's retinue of ten guards, twelve Eunuchs and four imperial secretaries followed him out.
The officials and Ministers were all on their knees their foreheads resting on the ground until the Emperor's procession was long gone. They all stood and began to leave in groups, everyone had been keeping a low profile ever since the drug scandal involving the Shi family.
A few other officials and Ministers were implicated in the case, most of the officials directly involved lost their position and were arrested. While those not directly involved were demoted or fined. No one expected the Emperor to come down hard on everyone involved since his most favoured Imperial consort's family was involved but he did.
The Sixth Prince and Prime minister Shi weren't saved from the Emperor's punishment, as punishment for not guiding their family better, Zhongshan Cheng and Minister Shi were suspended for two weeks. They also had their pay docked for three months.
To say that the Emperor was annoyed with the outcome of the investigation was an understatement. Everyone kept a low profile to avoid getting on the Emperor's bad side.
Lu Yaozhu attended the court season to submit a report on the completion of the training session for the recruit. By the end of the court season, some officials approached Lu Yaozhu and his elder brother to discuss some of the new reforms proposed by the two during the court season.
As he got to the door, Lu Yaozhu was approached by one of the Emperor's high ranked eunuchs. Boeing the Eunuch stood a few steps away and reported in a low tone ”sorry to interrupt General, the Emperor is asking for an audience”.
The officials surrounding Lu Yaozhu exchanged looks with each other and replied ”his majesty's time is precious, we won't hold you any longer,” they walked away, nodding at the eunuch as they left.
Lu Yaozhu caught his brother's eyes briefly before making a move ”please lead the way” he said to the Eunuch. Lu Yaozhu followed the eunuch to the Emperor's study. The Emperor sat at the desk waiting for him, Lu Yaozhu knelt and bowing until his forehead touched the ground.
”Your Majesty,” he said as he bowed.
Emperor Zhong looked down at his bowed head and smirked. No matter how much military power Lu Yaozhu had, he still had to bow to him. Emperor Zhong pushed back his seat ”please stand, no need for this much formalities my dear Nephew”, Emperor Zhong said acting like the benevolent ruler.
”Yes,” Lu Yaozhu replied as he stood. The Emperor leaned back on his seat, smiling at him.
”I read the report, you did well since to troupe is set we will have a military display ten days from now for the court and the Envoys from Chu state. Make the necessary arrangements”
”Yes, Your Majesty” Lu Yaozhu replied.