Chapter 223: Killing two birds following another two birds with one stone (1/2)
Chapter 223: Killing two birds following another two birds with one stone
Translator: Sparrow TranslationsEditor: Sparrow Translations
The present Emperor, the numerous officials, Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, were all standing in this Throne Room, waiting for an ordinary citizen who was still eating his bread.
How unbelievable was this.
The officials were enraged, each of them filled with righteous indignation. There were even people who entertained the thought that it wouldn't be reasonable to pin a criminal offence of withholding truth from the Emperor. However, not a single official voiced this out.
The reason was very simple. Even though Fang Zhengzhi was an ordinary citizen, he was the theory examination roll champion of this Imperial Examination, a stunning talent that scored full marks in all six examination papers. Furthermore, he had even defeated and killed the Vice Domain Chief of the Demon Race, Ying Shan.
Most importantly, nobody knew who leaked the news, but in one night, the entire Yan Capital knew of the news that Fang Zhengzhi was going to enter the palace to meet the Emperor. Hence, numerous rumours were raised. Some claimed that the Emperor was about to reward Fang Zhengzhi's valiant achievement in killing the demon.
There were also some who claimed that Fang Zhengzhi's performance in this Imperial Examination was extraordinary, hence was about to be promoted against convention.
Of course, the centre of attention was always at the incident of the sword. Hence, naturally there were people who suggested that the Emperor might be eyeing the sword…
In that case.
The officials knew very clearly that no matter what, it was impossible to kill Fang Zhengzhi on the spot just because he was late in entering the palace.
That was tyranny, and also a move that would bring chill to the hearts of the people.
Naturally, nobody dared to mention it.
However, this wasn't an acceptable reason for Fang Zhengzhi to undermine the Imperial Government. Such a blasphemous act deserved harsh punishments and serve as a warning to others.
”At least fifty strokes on the spot!”
”Fifty? I believe that if it isn't at least a hundred, it would simply be useless!”
”In the end, it is still because he is too young and lack experience. He doesn't know how to judge the importance of things. The first time I entered the palace to meet the Emperor, I had knelt in front of the room for exactly three hours.”
A few high ranking officials discussed softly among themselves about how best to punish Fang Zhengzhi when he arrived.
Right at this moment, a loud announcement suddenly rang out from outside the door.
”Fang Zhengzhi, enter the room and meet the Emperor!”
”He's here?!”
”This guy ate his bread for a total of half an hour, why hasn't he choked to death?”
”Don't you know that he paired it with chicken soup? The hope of him choking to death isn't very high. However, there is indeed some hope in seeing him beaten to death.”
When they heard the voice outside the door, anticipating looks appeared on each of the officials' faces. Even they were angered. Then, as for His Highness the Royal Crown Prince, His Highness King Duan and the Emperor, how could they not be angered?
”Huh? The morning assembly hasn't started yet?”
A leisurely voice sounded out from outside the door. Right after which, a figure wearing a blue robe stepped across the door of the Throne Room and walked over in a very natural and poised manner.
”Citizen Fang Zhengzhi greets the Emperor!”
”Fang Zhengzhi, you are really daring. What time is it already?” When one official heard Fang Zhengzhi's words, he instantly stood out.
The Emperor was supposed to be kind and forgiving, hence he naturally couldn't tell off an ordinary citizen personally. Thus, it was the jobs of these high ranking officials to do so in advance. This was knowing the Emperor's intent, a good role model of an official who understood the Emperor's intent.
”Time? I am indeed early! I had already told them that it was still early, but the eunuch in charge of leading the way didn't want to believe me at all. When I heard that I am invited by the Emperor yesterday, I was so excited that I couldn't sleep the entire night. Only in the early morning was I finally able to close my eyes. Who knew that I would still interrupt everybody's morning assembly? Should I go outside the room to kneel for a while?”
As Fang Zhengzhi spoke, he turned his body around and really prepared to step across the door once again and kneel for a while outside the room.
”Stop right there, you… you better come back…” How could the official ever imagine that Fang Zhengzhi's skin would be as thick? He was clearly almost an hour late, yet, he claimed to be early?
All the officials in the dynasty had already been standing for such a long time in this Throne Room. Who among them wasn't aching all over and would allow Fang Zhengzhi to continue to drag the time?
”Never mind, one who doesn't know isn't guilty. Fang Zhengzhi was born in a village, and this is the first time he is invited to enter the palace. Not knowing the timing of the morning assembly can be forgiven. Please enter!” At this moment, Emperor Lin Mubai spoke.
”Emperor is kind and forgiving!” When the officials heard Emperor Lin Mubai's words, they all praised in unison.
After Fang Zhengzhi heard what Emperor Lin Mubai said, he turned around swiftly and smoothly, looking at the numerous enraged officials with an innocent expression on his face.
”Fang Zhengzhi, I heard that you killed Vice Domain Chief Ying Shan of the demon race in the World of the Sage. I am very happy. What reward would you like?” Emperor Lin Mubai asked.
Naturally, he couldn't direct inquire about the sword. This was the heart of the Emperor. The Emperor's role in the dynasty was to gain the support of the people. Hence, the things he had to do were naturally righteous.
As for the sword…