“Brother Liang, don’t lose heart. The world is vast—even if you can’t make it in the court, there are other places to find peace,” Lin Yun comforted.
“You’re right. At worst, I’ll leave the court. I’d never sacrifice my daughter for my career!” Liang Yuan said firmly.
Then he turned to Lin Yun. “Lin Yun, you should be careful too. Your words just now have offended Shi Wen. Given his nature, he’ll likely try to trip you up, and he’s got the Dongguo Party behind him.”
“No worries. Let him come with whatever he’s got—I’ll handle it as it comes. As for the Dongguo Party, they probably already dislike me anyway,” Lin Yun said calmly.
To a faction like the Dongguo Party, someone like Lin Yun—an outsider—was undoubtedly a thorn in their side. He wasn’t surprised at all.
After walking together for a bit, the two parted ways and headed to their respective residences.
Upon returning to his mansion, Lin Yun began cultivating. His current focus was on stabilising his realm.
During the return trip from the Endless Sea on the flying vessel, he had also been working on this.
…
The next day arrived.
The Huoyun Empire’s morning court was held at eight o’clock every five days.
Under normal circumstances, unless there were special matters, Emperor Huoyun wouldn’t attend, leaving Chancellor Dongguo to preside in his place.
After all, Emperor Huoyun had been emperor for tens of thousands of years. He couldn’t possibly attend every session—often, he’d enter secluded cultivation for extended periods.
The morning court took place in the Chongwu Hall of the imperial palace.
By seven-thirty, the hall’s doors were still closed, but the officials attending the court had begun gathering outside.
Lin Yun, dressed in the official robes of the Huoyun Empire, arrived to wait outside the hall as well.
“Who’s that?”
Lin Yun’s appearance immediately drew the attention of many present.
They found him utterly unfamiliar!
“That’s His Majesty’s disciple, Lin Yun,” a voice rang out.
Lin Yun followed the sound and saw it was Shi Wen from yesterday.
As a second-rank official, it wasn’t surprising for him to attend the morning court.
“So that’s His Majesty’s new disciple, Lin Yun. Today we finally see him in person.”
“Why’s he here? Is he attending the morning court?”
“Though he’s been granted a third-rank title by His Majesty, he holds no specific post. By rights, he shouldn’t be here outside the morning court, should he?”
…
A buzz of discussion arose.
But it lasted only a moment before the crowd turned their attention elsewhere, resuming their chats with those nearby.
During the wait, the officials naturally grouped together with their allies to talk.
Shi Wen was surrounded by a cluster of people—all members of the Dongguo Party.
“It’s been half a month since the prefect of Dongyuan Prefecture was poisoned. They still haven’t decided on a new prefect, and with the urgent situation there, they’ll probably settle on a candidate soon, right?”
Someone brought up the topic.
“Lord Shi Wen, the Chancellor has strongly recommended you to His Majesty for the role of prefect of Dongyuan Prefecture. Barring any surprises, that position is yours for the taking.”
“Indeed, Lord Shi Wen, your appointment as prefect is practically set in stone.”
“We should congratulate Lord Shi in advance!”
The group showered Shi Wen with praise.
Though Shi Wen remained outwardly composed, he was inwardly delighted.
The position of prefect was a coveted one. In their respective prefectures, prefects wielded immense authority—far more appealing than many other posts of the same rank!
He was eagerly anticipating it!
“You all flatter me. It’s not set yet—congratulating me now is a bit premature. Even if I do become the new prefect of Dongyuan Prefecture, it’ll be thanks to the Chancellor’s selfless recommendation,” Shi Wen said, cupping his hands in a gesture of humility.
Lin Yun stood alone, ignored by everyone.
Dongguo Lie had long issued a directive forbidding any Dongguo Party members from associating with Lin Yun.
This made even non-Dongguo Party officials wary of approaching him, fearing they’d offend the formidable Dongguo Party.
Hearing these conversations, Lin Yun was somewhat surprised. Shi Wen was vying for the prefect position in Dongyuan Prefecture?
At that moment, He Dianzhu, the head of the Martial Examination Hall, stepped out from the crowd to greet Lin Yun.
“Lin Yun, I didn’t expect to see you at court. It’s quite a surprise,” He Dianzhu said.
“His Majesty said there’s something to announce and asked me to come,” Lin Yun replied.
He Dianzhu was about to ask what it was when a commotion broke out nearby.
Turning, they saw Chancellor Dongguo Wuji and his son, Dongguo Lie, approaching the hall’s entrance.
Everyone stopped talking and turned to face the Dongguo father and son.
“Greetings, Chancellor!”
The crowd saluted Chancellor Dongguo Wuji in unison.
As Dongguo Wuji and his son approached…
“Hmm?” Dongguo Lie noticed Lin Yun.
“Father, that’s His Majesty’s new disciple, Lin Yun!” Dongguo Lie pointed him out to his father.
He continued, “Oh, and yesterday, I heard from Shi Wen that this guy got into a spat with him at the entrance of the imperial treasury. He knows Shi Wen is one of us in the Dongguo Party, yet he still dared to run his mouth.”
Chancellor Dongguo Wuji frowned slightly. “Refusing to join our Dongguo Party is one thing, but daring to challenge us? It’s been a long time since someone like that appeared in the court.”
Though many in the court hadn’t joined his Dongguo Party, none dared to openly oppose it.
“Why’s he here?” Chancellor Dongguo Wuji’s brow furrowed further.
He’d naturally heard from his son about Lin Yun’s refusal to join their faction.
“I’ll go ask,” Dongguo Lie said.
Under everyone’s gaze, Dongguo Lie strode over to Lin Yun.
“Lin Yun, you hold no official post. The morning court isn’t a place you can attend! Who let you come here?” Dongguo Lie demanded, his tone laced with hostility. Clearly, he still harboured a grudge over Lin Yun’s rejection of the Dongguo Party.
“His Majesty told me to come. Is there a problem?” Lin Yun met his gaze.
“His Majesty?” Dongguo Lie faltered.
Caught off guard by Lin Yun’s response, he found himself momentarily speechless.
“Hmph.”
With a cold snort, Dongguo Lie turned and returned to his father’s side.
“Father, His Majesty told him to attend the morning court,” Dongguo Lie reported.
“Why would His Majesty summon him?” Chancellor Dongguo Wuji was puzzled.
“Maybe he just wants him to experience a court session,” Dongguo Lie said dismissively.
At that moment, Shi Wen approached.
“Chancellor!” Shi Wen bowed to Dongguo Wuji.
“Shi Wen, you’re here about the Dongyuan Prefecture prefect position, I presume?” Dongguo Wuji asked.
“The Chancellor knows me well,” Shi Wen said with a broad smile.
“Rest assured, I spoke with His Majesty the day before yesterday. Your appointment as prefect of Dongyuan Prefecture should be a done deal,” Dongguo Wuji said calmly.
Shi Wen’s smile widened, his heart leaping with joy.
“Chancellor, with your word, there’s no chance of a hitch. Thank you for your gracious support!” Shi Wen hurriedly bowed in gratitude.
After years of waiting, Shi Wen had finally secured this position!
