The Emperor was lost in thought, his mind completely filled with thoughts of Lian Hua. There hadn't been any major affairs these past few days, so he hadn't really paid attention to the discussions of those below him.
As usual, a senior minister from the Ministry of Revenue complained about the lack of silver, droning on and on, suggesting cuts here and there. Once the Ministry of Works heard this, they would have none of it, and neither would the Ministry of War. The people from the Ministry of War were hot-tempered, swearing and cursing as the representatives from the three departments quarreled fiercely in the hall.
After the various parties had argued until their faces were red and their ears hot, and finding themselves at an impasse, they stepped forward together to plead for His Majesty to pass judgment. They waited for quite some time, but His Majesty, seated aloft, remained expressionless and silent.