Chapter 481 - Proper Palace Intrigue (20) (1/2)

Yuwen Xun was too busy dealing with the natural disaster to bother about Shi Sheng. The latter didn’t show off either, instead holing up in her palace, eating and drinking without a care in the world.

The Zhuang Clan made use of the chaos to make quite a few arrangements.

Zhuang-fu had even tasked someone with sneaking some things into the palace and telling Shi Sheng to make sure Yuwen Xun ingested it.

After Shi Sheng felt the time was right, she swaggered off to find Yuwen Xun to make him uphold his end of the bargain.

He had probably suppressed the news back then, partly with the intention to go back on his word if Shi Sheng had ever won the bet. But Yuwen Xun never expected that she would’ve straight up barged into his throne room.

None of his guards could stop her.

Zhuang-fu also had a surprised look on his face, clearly unaware as to why Shi Sheng would barge in at this time.

Compared to all his confused officials, Yuwen Xun appeared much calmer.

“Zhuang Qiong, what are you doing, bringing a sword into this hall?!” Someone from the Emperor’s faction immediately stood out and rebuked her.

Shi Sheng leaned against her sword and turned slightly to look at the old fellow who’d spoken, a faint smile on her face. “In any case, not you, so don’t worry.”

“Y-y-you…”

“Lord Zhuang, look at what kind of daughter you raised! She even dares to carry a sword into the throne room! Is your Zhuang Clan planning to rebel?!”

“Lord Song, don’t slander the innocent! I(c) am utterly devoted to His Majesty and have no other intention.” Zhuang-fu immediately expressed his loyalty.

“That’s enough, you lot!” Shi Sheng pointed her sword at the people who had started arguing, whereupon they immediately shut up.

Seeing that no one was speaking any longer, Shi Sheng lowered her sword in satisfaction. “Why is the first thing you guys jump to rebellion? If I wanted to rebel, do you think he’d still be sitting here?”

Everyone, “…” ‘Surely she is being too overconfident?’

“Your Majesty, Yun Jie Yu shows disregard for the law and acts in an arrogant and insubordinate manner. I(c) propose that she be punished for lèse-majesté[1].”

“I(c) agree!”

“I(c) do as well!”

“I(c)…”

A bunch of people seconded the motion for Yuwen Xun to drag Shi Sheng out and execute her.

Zhuang-fu’s face was dark as he stared at Shi Sheng, extremely dissatisfied with her current actions.

“Your Majesty, when are you going to fulfill your promise?” Shi Sheng ignored the group of officials clamouring for her head.

Yuwen Xun raised his hand, and everyone immediately quietened down.

He looked at the arrogant woman standing before him, his expression turning inscrutable. ‘This woman…’

After a long while, Yuwen Xun finally spoke in a deep voice amidst the doubtful looks of all the officials, “Yun Jie Yu is stripped of the title of Jie Yu.”

The expressions of several officials revealed joy.

Zhuang-fu stepped forward, but before he could say anything, he heard Yuwen Xun speak once more, “The Di daughter of the Zhuang Clan, Zhuang Qiong…is henceforth especially awarded the title of State Teacher.”

Yuwen Xun really couldn’t find a better term to describe her.

The hall fell into silence for several seconds.

And then fell into chaos. ‘How can a woman become State Teacher?! And one who belongs to the harem at that?! What ability could she have?!’

After all, though the position of State Teacher held no authority, actual ability was still required.

“Your Majesty, you mustn’t!” A group of old officials knelt to the ground and cried their hearts out.

Yuwen Xun felt stifled from the anger. ‘Do you think I want to?! If this woman really has that ability, how could I afford to offend her easily? I’m an emperor, not a god!’

“Your Majesty…”

“Enough!” Yuwen Xun slammed the table, silencing everyone immediately.

Amongst the various angry, surprised, shocked, and odd gazes, Shi Sheng successfully took the title of State Teacher.

‘It feels pretty good to be an official state fortune teller[2] huh.’

When she was leaving the throne room, Zhuang-fu wanted to stop Shi Sheng. But since she didn’t want to waste time with him, she vanished before he could reach her.

There was a place made especially for State Teachers to stay in—Star-Plucking Tower. Shi Sheng went back to move her belongings over.