“Shi Wen, you’ve contributed greatly to our Dongguo family, and we never mistreat our own. His Majesty will attend the morning court today, and your appointment as prefect of Dongyuan Prefecture should be finalised,” Dongguo Wuji said slowly.
“Chancellor, your treatment of us is beyond reproach—heaven and earth can bear witness to that!” Shi Wen declared emphatically.
The surrounding officials watched with envy, reinforcing their belief that joining the Dongguo Party promised a bright future.
Those already in the Dongguo Party grew even more resolute in their loyalty to the Dongguo family.
Even some who hadn’t joined began to waver in their convictions…
After all, a living example stood right before them.
At that moment, the doors to the hall slowly opened.
“The morning court begins!” a resounding voice announced.
“The doors are open!”
“Let’s go!”
The assembled officials filed into the hall.
He Dianzhu, the head of the Martial Examination Hall, turned to Lin Yun. “Lin Yun, follow behind me. It’s your first time at morning court, and there’s a lot you don’t know. Plus, His Majesty might attend today, so you’ll need to be extra mindful.”
“Alright, Lord He,” Lin Yun nodded with a smile.
While most avoided getting close to Lin Yun, He Dianzhu didn’t shy away. This took some courage, as it risked offending the Dongguo Party.
Lin Yun followed He Dianzhu into the hall.
The hall was resplendent with gold and jade, its vast expanse awe-inspiring!
Once inside, everyone quickly took their positions.
Chancellor Dongguo Wuji stood at the forefront.
“His Majesty arrives!”
As the announcement rang out, the hall fell silent.
Emperor Huoyun emerged slowly from the back of the hall, walking to the throne at the front and taking his seat.
“Greetings, Your Majesty!”
All the officials in the hall saluted in unison.
“Chancellor Dongguo, any progress on tracking the demon clan’s teleportation arrays?” Emperor Huoyun asked.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, there’s no progress yet, but we’re investigating with full effort. I’ll keep close watch on this matter and inform Your Majesty the moment there’s news,” Dongguo Wuji replied.
“Since the demon clan has the capability to send beasts into our empire, all regions must enter a wartime state and remain vigilant against potential attacks,” Emperor Huoyun instructed.
“Yes!” Dongguo Wuji responded.
Next, a few other officials reported various matters.
Lin Yun stood quietly behind Emperor Huoyun, observing the proceedings of the morning court.
After a brief discussion, Emperor Huoyun spoke again.
“Dongyuan Prefecture is currently in turmoil and urgently needs a new prefect to take charge. Today, I formally appoint the new prefect of Dongyuan Prefecture.”
At these words, Shi Wen, standing below, perked up. His face lit with anticipation as he gazed at Emperor Huoyun, awaiting the announcement of his name.
The other officials in the hall turned their eyes to Shi Wen, assuming it was a foregone conclusion.
“Lin Yun, step forward to receive your appointment!” Emperor Huoyun called out.
When Emperor Huoyun said this, the hall erupted in confusion.
Why was Lin Yun being called forward?
Lin Yun stepped out immediately. “Your disciple is here!”
“Lin Yun, I formally promote you to second rank and appoint you as the new prefect of Dongyuan Prefecture. You will set out for Dongyuan Prefecture tomorrow!”
Emperor Huoyun’s voice echoed through the hall.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. Your disciple will do his utmost!” Lin Yun bowed.
“What?!”
The announcement sent a shockwave through the court.
“How could it be Lin Yun?”
“His Majesty is making him the new prefect of Dongyuan Prefecture? Heavens, how is this possible!”
…
The crowd found it unimaginable.
Even He Dianzhu, the head of the Martial Examination Hall, stared at Lin Yun in a daze, unable to fathom that His Majesty would appoint Lin Yun to such a role.
Shi Wen’s smile froze. It felt like a bolt from the blue, as if someone had doused him with ice water from head to toe—his entire body went numb!
Emperor Huoyun hadn’t named him but Lin Yun? He even wondered if it was a joke.
But in the court, how could Emperor Huoyun jest?
A ruler’s word is no laughing matter!
Even Chancellor Dongguo Wuji and his son Dongguo Lie were struck as if by lightning by this declaration!
“Father, how could this happen!” Dongguo Lie whispered urgently.
Dongguo Wuji didn’t respond, but his mind was equally filled with doubt.
Just two days ago, he had discussed this with Emperor Huoyun and strongly recommended Shi Wen. The emperor had seemed to agree—how had it suddenly changed?
“Your Majesty! I believe it’s inappropriate to appoint Lin Yun as prefect of Dongyuan Prefecture!”
“Indeed, Your Majesty! He’s only been in the empire for a short time—his experience is far too lacking to take on the role of prefect. Especially with Dongyuan Prefecture in chaos, he lacks the ability to handle it!”
“Your Majesty, beyond experience, his strength is nowhere near sufficient. He’s only been in the Tribulation Realm for a few months—likely not even at Second-Turn Tribulation Realm. How can he possibly serve as prefect of Dongyuan Prefecture? He’s far too weak to hold such a position!”
“I, too, find this unsuitable. Please reconsider, Your Majesty!”
…
In an instant, numerous officials stepped forward to protest.
Naturally, most of these dissenters were from the Dongguo Party faction.
No one had expected Emperor Huoyun to name Lin Yun for this role. His experience and strength were simply too far below what the position demanded!
Dongguo Lie also stepped forward.
“Your Majesty, the prefect of Dongyuan Prefecture is a critical post, affecting billions of lives there. Choosing the wrong person could harm not only Dongyuan Prefecture but also the empire’s prestige!”
“I believe Lord Shi Wen surpasses Lin Yun in experience, strength, and capability by far. Even any other candidate would be a hundred times better than Lin Yun. Appointing someone with no experience or strength like him will surely spark resentment in the court and dishearten the veteran officials!”
Dongguo Lie’s words dripped with impassioned conviction.
“Indeed, Your Majesty, please reconsider!”
The officials in the hall chimed in, each adopting a tone of desperate remonstration.
Lin Yun wasn’t surprised by the strong reaction.
Indeed, in terms of strength and experience, he appeared unqualified for the role of prefect.
Moreover, with his poor relationship with the Dongguo Party, they were naturally going to oppose him vehemently.
Emperor Huoyun frowned slightly at the uproar.
He had anticipated opposition, but not this level of intensity.
“Silence!” Emperor Huoyun’s cold command rang out.
The hall fell quiet instantly.
“Regarding experience, Lin Yun is indeed lacking. But I don’t judge solely by experience—I value capability. As my disciple, Lin Yun’s abilities have been tested by me multiple times and proven beyond doubt!” Emperor Huoyun declared.
He continued, “As for strength, he’s currently at Third-Turn Tribulation Realm. Reaching Eighth or Ninth Turn is only a matter of time. This matter is settled—no further discussion is needed.”
“This…”
The officials were momentarily at a loss for how to argue further.
Shi Wen cast a pleading glance at Chancellor Dongguo Wuji, hoping he’d step in to fight for him.
At that moment, Chancellor Dongguo Wuji, who had remained silent until now, took a step forward.
