Not a Minister, But a Slave

The Grand Virtue Hall of Glorious Enlightenment was where the emperor met with his ministers to deliberate on state affairs. But today, at the insistence of the Emperor of Shengming, a carved screen had been placed beside the golden dragon throne, with three sides draped in heavy curtains—an unusual addition to such a solemn venue.

This day, the Shengming Emperor was clearly not as he had been in the past. That morning, three eunuchs and six palace maids had hesitated upon receiving a direct order. For this hesitation alone, the emperor had them beheaded with the Imperial Sword of Authority—a blade historically reserved for traitorous officials, not mere servants. In doing so, he became the first emperor in history to use it against palace staff.

On the hall floor, nearly a hundred ministers stood in neat formation—nine rows and nine columns—symbolizing the doctrine of "nine times nine returns to one," unity beneath the heavens.

Civil officials stood to the right, military ones to the left, though the front ranks were dominated by the civil ministers. Traditionally, the right side held higher status, yet in this court, the civil faction clearly held more weight.

"Left Chancellor," the emperor began, his gaze settling on an elderly scholar in Confucian robes. "A memorial from Mengyue City reports a severe drought, no harvests. They request emergency grain relief. What say you?"

"Unwise, Your Majesty," the Left Chancellor replied with composure. "Mengyue has sufficient reserves. The local officials have exaggerated the crisis. They must be punished."

"I see... Let us set that aside for now. Recently, the Inkwater Sword Sect slaughtered the entire household of Fengfu City's governor—over thirteen hundred lives. Such a bold act is blatant defiance of the court. Chancellor Situ, what is your opinion?"

"The Inkwater Sword Sect is deeply rooted in Fengfu. To stir them now would be unwise. Our priority should be to appoint a new governor to restore order," Situ responded calmly.

"Is that so? And what of the sect itself? Shall we do nothing?" the emperor asked with growing displeasure.

"The martial world grows ever stronger," the Left Chancellor answered coolly. "It is not the time to provoke them."

Then the Right Chancellor stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I recommend one Mu Rong of Nanyang—a man of great talent—for the position of governor."

The emperor's eyes narrowed. Mu Rong was aligned with the Right Chancellor's faction. Though inwardly furious, the emperor betrayed no emotion.

"I, too, have a recommendation," the Right Chancellor added. "Nan Tian of the Twilight Sword Sect. Capable and principled. A fitting choice for such a post."

The emperor sighed silently. Both men had merely advanced pawns from their own camps—men of the martial world, no less. The imperial court was already hanging by a thread. If not for… certain reasons, the throne might already belong to a warlord.

"We shall consider this matter later," the emperor said, waving a hand.

Neither chancellor pressed further.

"Your Majesty," said another scholar-official, stepping forward, "the Grand Academician Gu Lin of the Hanlin Academy requests to retire due to advanced age."

Shock spread across Gu Lin's face. He stared blankly at the speaker, lips trembling. "I… I never said such a thing…"

Yet no one seemed to hear him. Gu Lin, no older than forty, was far from retirement age.

"Gu Lin," the emperor's voice boomed, infused with imperial authority, "is this true?"

Almost instinctively, Gu Lin blurted out, "Absolutely not, Your Majesty. I'm not even forty. I never sought retirement!"

"Ren Chong!" the emperor suddenly shouted, rising from the throne. The rage he had long suppressed erupted with terrifying force. Even the chancellors were taken aback by the sheer power of his fury.

Ren Chong paled. Like many, he had grown complacent under the emperor's usual passivity. They had forgotten—he was still the emperor.

"Mercy, Your Majesty! Mercy!" Ren Chong collapsed, shaking violently. "I confess my guilt!"

The emperor, seeing the chancellors about to intercede, swiftly pronounced judgment. "Ren Chong, you have confessed. I shall show leniency. Though your crime—deceiving the sovereign and abusing your power—warrants death for your entire clan, I shall spare them. You alone shall pay."

"Guards! Drag him out. Execute him at the Meridian Gate!"

Ren Chong sat in stunned silence. But no guards came. The hall remained deathly quiet.

"Guards!" the emperor roared. His voice echoed beyond the hall. Yet outside, the imperial guards, eunuchs, and maids acted as if they heard nothing.

"You dare defy me? Drag him out and behead him!"

"His Majesty is weary," the Left Chancellor suddenly spoke, voice solemn. "Escort him to his chambers."

Still, no one moved.

The chancellor's expression changed. He glanced sharply at two slender eunuchs standing beside the throne. Their calloused hands betrayed the training of seasoned warriors. Yet even they stood motionless, expressionless.

"I said the emperor is tired. Escort him away at once!" the chancellor barked again.

The eunuchs did not budge.

The emperor remained calm, watching silently.

Suddenly—thud! thud!—the two eunuchs collapsed without warning. Gasps filled the hall.

"Do not be alarmed," the emperor said coolly. "These two have long been ill. Today, they passed unexpectedly. Their loyalty shall be honored with a proper burial."

"His Majesty is fevered," the Right Chancellor interrupted. "He speaks nonsense. Come, let's help him to his chambers. Morning court is dismissed."

At his words, two guards entered the hall, clad in armor, wielding halberds. At their waists hung swords—an odd pairing. Faces blank, they walked straight through the crowd and ascended the jade steps toward the emperor.

The emperor showed neither fear nor anger. He simply watched as the guards approached.

Then, just as they reached the third step—thud! Blood trickled from their foreheads, and they collapsed like felled trees.

"Today is an ill-omened day," the emperor declared, his voice firm. "So many deaths… Morning court is dismissed. All ministers may depart. Left Chancellor, Right Chancellor—remain. I have further matters to discuss."

The stunned officials didn't wait for a second command. Many—especially the civil ones, unaccustomed to violence—rushed out like a receding tide.

Behind them, the great iron doors groaned shut. Inside the hall, the two chancellors stood solemnly at the foot of the white jade stairs. Behind them, dozens of ministers remained, faces grave, all eyes turned to the emperor seated upon the dragon throne…