Published: March 8, 2025
In the midst of the cheers of the civil and military officials, Tie Butian slowly descended from the imperial carriage. With a stern gaze, he swept his eyes across the crowd and softly said, “All officials, rise.”
The officials expressed their gratitude and stood up.
However, there was one person who did not kneel.
Chu Yang leaned casually against a pillar in the grand hall, watching Tie Butian with disdain in his heart: You want me to kneel? Hmph!
It had been nearly two years since their last meeting, and it was evident that the young emperor had changed compared to before.
He was still youthful and handsome, still standing tall and proud, but now he exuded a more dignified demeanor and lacked some of his previous naivety; every move he made was already graceful and confident.
The fact that Chu Yang, who was impersonating Cheng Pavilion Master, did not kneel and offer his respects didn’t seem to bother Tie Butian at all, and the civil and military officials were accustomed to it.
It turned out that the Pavilion Master of Butian Pavilion had this privilege: once they entered the Golden Hall, they represented Chu Imperial Seat and were allowed not to kneel!
In the Iron Cloud, who would not respect Chu King of Hell? Under the royal family's extravagant promotion, Chu Imperial Seat had become the savior of the entire Iron Cloud!
Seeing the emperor not kneel? What’s the problem with that? It was only natural!
Even if he was merely representing Chu Imperial Seat, he could never bow to anyone!
Tie Butian stepped forward, moving closer.
But suddenly, Chu Yang felt a sense of confusion. This was clearly... still a man! Is he really a woman?
Chu Imperial Seat looked at Tie Butian, carefully examining him; the more he looked, the more doubts filled his mind: He has an Adam's apple! No breasts! His waist isn’t very slim, and his hips aren’t round...
Aside from the lack of facial hair, in every regard, he looked like a man.
Chu Yang muttered to himself: Wu Qianqian would never lie to me... But what’s going on now?
Could it be that this troublesome woman has been pretending to be a man for so long that she herself has changed halfway into a man?
Chu Imperial Seat's eyes gleamed mischievously.
Tie Butian walked up to the ministers, suddenly scanning the crowd with his eyes. He gently said, “Prime Minister Wang, I heard that you are unwell; why aren’t you resting at home? I intended to visit you after the morning court today, but I didn’t expect to see you here. You are getting older and need to take care of yourself.”
Prime Minister Wang, moved to tears, replied, “Your majesty, you are so concerned about state affairs and still remember my illness; I am incredibly grateful. A minor ailment, how could I delay state matters…”
Tie Butian sighed and said, “Yesterday, I had already prepared the appropriate medicine and prescriptions. After the morning court, I will send the imperial physician to the Prime Minister's Residence to treat you.”
Such consideration from the emperor touched the hearts of the ministers. They all looked at Prime Minister Wang with envy. Some even had tears in their eyes.
As Tie Butian walked calmly, he exchanged pleasantries with several officials along the way, making the civil and military officials feel as though they were wrapped in a spring breeze.
Although the morning court had not yet started, the atmosphere brimming with loyalty and patriotism was palpable.
Tie Butian continued forward. Suddenly, he caught a whiff of an intense smell of alcohol. He couldn’t help but slightly furrow his brows; following the scent, he saw the Pavilion Master of Butian, dressed in black, leaning against a pillar, looking as if he hadn’t recovered from a hangover.
The two Pavilion Masters of Butian Pavilion took turns attending court; yesterday it had been Cheng Ziang, and today, of course, it was Chen Yutong.
“Cheng Pavilion Master, were you drunk last night?” the emperor joked. Tie Butian had always valued these two old subordinates left by Chu Yang; otherwise, he wouldn’t have given them such privileges.