Published: November 30, -0001
Seeing all the ministers in a state of panic, Zhao Gao couldn’t help but sneer in his heart.
“Eh, esteemed ministers, weren’t you all quite enthusiastic earlier? Why is it that when it comes to executing things, none of you can manage it?”
He spoke with a smile that was not quite a smile, deliberately making a point.
“This…”
Everyone was rendered speechless, closing their mouths.
Previously, they had been eager to give advice, but that was because they were unclear about Zhao Gao's attitude and wanted to take advantage of the situation.
Now that Zhao Gao had said this, it was evident that he didn’t want to take action against the Alchemy Pavilion at all. If they spoke up now, it would only be a waste of their efforts.
“Old Li, why don’t you talk about your earlier suggestion to stop the supply of medicinal materials to the Alchemy Pavilion? I think it’s quite good. How about you take the lead and go to the Alchemy Pavilion to announce this result?” Seeing that everyone was silent, Zhao Gao pointed at an elder in the lead and said with a cold smile.
“Your Majesty…”
The elder named Old Li felt his legs go weak and nearly knelt down.
Just now, the old minister had been talking nonsense. Upon careful reflection, he realized that over the years, the Alchemy Pavilion had contributed greatly to the national strength of our Great Qi, and if we were to strike hard for such a trivial matter, it would indeed be very harsh. So after thinking it through, I still believe a verbal warning would be better.”
Old Li spoke cautiously, his forehead dripping with cold sweat.
“A verbal warning?” Zhao Gao nodded. “Since that’s the case, I will leave it to you, Old Li, to give them a warning.”
“Uh…”
Old Li opened his mouth wide, nearly crying, wishing he could just bang his head against a wall.
It seems that His Majesty doesn’t even have the intention to punish the Alchemy Pavilion at all?
He had initially suggested a punishment to avoid a sudden shift in attitude, leaving some room for buffer. Now it appeared that His Majesty completely did not want to punish the Alchemy Pavilion, yet he still insisted on a verbal warning.
How foolish of him to speak carelessly.
If he really dared to go to the Alchemy Pavilion and give a warning, would he even be able to walk out alive?
“Your Majesty, Your Majesty…”
With a thud, Old Li knelt down, sweat pouring from his forehead like rain.
“Upon further consideration, I feel that given the contributions of the Alchemy Pavilion to our Great Qi, even a warning wouldn’t be appropriate. Perhaps we should just let this matter slide.”
“Just now, Old Li, you were quite passionate about wanting me to punish the Alchemy Pavilion. What’s with this change in attitude?”
“Your Majesty, it was just a moment of confusion. Ahem, I’m getting old, and sometimes my mind isn’t as sharp, so I beg for Your Majesty’s forgiveness.”
Old Li trembled in fear, shaking like a leaf.
“Since Old Li is old and has such issues, why didn’t you tell me earlier? If this gets out, wouldn’t the people think I’m a tyrant who only knows how to exploit? In that case, Old Li, you should go home and rest for half a year. Wait until you recover or have more energy, and then we can see if you can continue your duties.” Zhao Gao looked at Old Li, a cold smile lingering at the corners of his mouth.
Buzz!
His mind went blank, and Old Li’s face turned bitter as he bowed: “Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty.”
Standing up, he appeared haggard, as if he had aged a decade in an instant, trembling as he retreated.
Seeing this, everyone felt a chill in their hearts, each one trembling with fear.
Old Li was a key minister of the Great Qi, yet he was so easily dismissed. It was clear that His Majesty was truly angry.
“Is there anyone else who wishes to punish the Alchemy Pavilion? You may step forward.”
Zhao Gao scanned the hall, his tone icy.
The many ministers looked at each other, each shrinking their necks and retreating, no one daring to step forward.