Chapter Thirteen: A Fatal Remonstrance

A few days later...

The grand avenue leading directly to the palace was cordoned off, with numerous city guards deployed around the perimeter, forbidding any unauthorized persons from approaching.

Carriages drawn by either two or three horses trotted along the avenue in an orderly fashion, their ranks clearly distinguished.

Suddenly, a four-horse carriage burst through the procession, drawing the gaze of many onlookers. They scrutinized it intently but found no clue in their memories to identify who could be inside, sparking endless speculation.

Only when the carriage reached outside the imperial city and a celestial beauty, unlike any mortal, descended from it did the crowd fall silent. Their astonishment was not solely due to the otherworldly aura and captivating appearance of the figure, but also because this person did not match anyone they believed worthy of such an honor—the privilege of riding in a four-horse carriage.

This was a completely unexpected figure.

Yet some recognized him—among them the Minister of Finance, Armand, who had attended secret meetings. Seeing the slave who had been taken away by Heral step down from the four-horse carriage, Armand’s face instantly turned ashen.

No matter the identity, the fact that he was granted the privilege of a four-horse carriage during the morning court session was undoubtedly a reward personally bestowed by the Emperor. And the thought that the slave had met the Emperor and even revealed the secret meetings...

At that realization, Armand felt his knees weaken. Had it not been for a nearby attendant’s quick reflexes to support him, he would have embarrassed himself before the assembled ministers.

Regaining his composure, still somewhat dazed, Armand watched Heral approach the slave. The two exchanged smiles and walked inside together. Watching this, Armand ground his teeth in fury, cursing Heral as a traitor.

Pushing aside the attendant who steadied him, Armand hastened forward in two quick strides. He had to act before matters spiraled out of control.

He hastened up and then slowed a few paces behind, greeting them with a forced smile, “Good morning, both of you!”

By the time they reached the main hall of the palace, the three appeared as if old friends who had known each other for decades.

Upon entering the main hall, the chattering ceased instantly. Everyone stood silently, awaiting the start of the morning court session. Before long, a voice rang out.

“His Majesty has arrived!”

The ministers, many of whom had been resting with their eyes closed, opened them and exchanged surprised glances. Their astonishment was understandable—since the Spirit Emperor began his quest for immortality, he had not attended morning court sessions. The sessions had become meaningless, with attendance merely a formality.

In truth, all matters requiring resolution and policy decisions had long been delegated to lower officials and their superiors, who made decisions independently. Only the most crucial issues were brought before the Emperor.

Listening quietly to Heral’s soft narration, Lu Chong was also amazed. To maintain control over the entire empire without attending court—his revered Emperor’s methods were indeed formidable.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, the ministers hastily tidied their appearance, straightened their backs, and stood solemnly. When the Spirit Emperor entered the hall, they greeted him in unison.

Only a few at the forefront refrained from bowing—a sign that each was at least a duke with lands, subjects loyal to the Emperor but not his servants.

Among them was Lu Chong, who did not even perform the basic courtesies, standing stiffly as if carved from wood. This perplexed the ministers even more.

Seated upon the exalted throne, the Spirit Emperor swept his gaze over the assembly. Those caught in his gaze lowered their heads deeply, revealing the Emperor’s immense prestige.

The Spirit Emperor spoke calmly, “It has been a long time since I last saw you all. I have missed you greatly. If there are reports, present them now.”

Those ministers who had felt a chill at the first two words were taken aback by the last sentence. Was this truly just a routine court session?

Had His Majesty changed his nature?

The ministers exchanged subtle, awkward glances. They had grown accustomed to working from home, coming to court only when convenient, never burdened with heavy reports.

Finally, one brave minister stepped forward respectfully, “Your Majesty is a sage ruler seldom seen in a millennium. Under Your Majesty’s governance, the nation is peaceful, the people prosperous, and the country strong. There have been no significant events for a long time.”

“Hm.”

The Emperor nodded slightly, his expression unreadable. Then he continued slowly, “Since there is nothing pressing, I have one matter to announce.”

“Apothecary, come forth to the center.”

Lu Chong, who was already prepared, stepped forward slowly, smiling at the stunned ministers.

The Spirit Emperor rose from the throne and descended step by step. As he walked, he said, “From this day forth, the Apothecary shall be the Imperial Mentor of the Spirit Empire, in charge of all temples and rituals throughout the nation...”

Stopping before Lu Chong, he repeated the words of reward given that night. When he finished, the ministers were left in a long daze.

Armand glanced at Heral’s calm face nearby. Clearly, Heral already knew of this matter—no, perhaps it was Heral who had orchestrated it. This left Armand uncertain about Heral’s true allegiance.

The Spirit Emperor asked again, “Do any of you have anything to say?”

Someone finally regained composure and said in alarm, “Your Majesty, this cannot be! The position of Imperial Mentor is of utmost importance. How can it be granted to someone of unknown origin? I beseech Your Majesty to rescind this decree!”

“We implore Your Majesty to revoke the decree!”

The ministers knelt, pleading vehemently. They had remained silent about Lu Chong’s extravagant rewards before—after all, the Spirit Emperor had issued similar orders during his decades of rule—but they could not ignore this appointment.

In Lu Chong’s previous life, the title of Imperial Mentor was merely nominal, barely involved in court affairs, only remembered during ritual ceremonies.

But in this world, where gods truly existed, the Imperial Mentor was a vital position, overseeing all ceremonies and temples. It meant being the earthly representative of the divine!

And the representative was truly blessed by the gods!

Lu Chong envisioned the scene: a minister tearing off his robes, falling to his knees and shouting, “Please, Your Majesty, retract the decree! Otherwise, I will die here in this hall today!”

Seeing the minister’s desperate protest, the Spirit Emperor’s face darkened. He said coldly, “Want to die? Then allow me to escort you!”

“Golden Cavalry!”

The Golden Cavalry appeared, swords raised to strike the minister. But in the next moment, two ministers blocked the path, halting the blades. The Emperor glanced back at them.

“Hahaha! Excellent! Truly my loyal subjects! Faithful ministers—all faithful ministers!” The Emperor laughed bitterly, his words sending chills through the assembly.

“Kill! Killing one is killing! Killing two is killing! If that is the case, then kill them all! So that I may have peace!”