How can the distinguished Imperial Court be satisfied with such a rude concession?!?! We must uphold the dignity and authority of our Empire!
If you let that behavior slide, would not every cat and dog be able to be arrogant in your Palace?"
The female Chief Minister surnamed Fei asked with an aggrieved voice and expression. As the half of the room behind her moved together with her to bow and cup their hands.
Nie Xiwang traced her chin as if in thought, the last phrase of the Minister seemingly touching upon her pride.
"Indeed, it appears I gravely misunderstood this matter. The Ministers are wise after all.
And what should our response be in such case? Minister Bei?"
She then spoke turning to the male Chief Minister who once again bowed in respectful pose.
"I say we apprehend this rude man and hold him in confinement for several days. That will uphold the dignity of our Empire"
The Chief Minister Bei smiled as he spoke.
"Mm, quite right, what is your opinion then, Minister Fei?"
Nie Xiwang nodded and turned to the woman who hurried to bow.
"Your Majesty is wise. But this Minister believes that Minister Bei is too lenient for such an impertinent behavior.
I believe this rude man must be made to kowtow and beg forgiveness for three days in front of the Palace after his confinement is over"
The woman's suggestion was once again supported by the crowd behind her.
"This Empress sees your point.
Hahaha, as this Empress thought, this Empress can really only rely on the wise Ministers.
Your words are worth their weight in gold"
Nie Xiwang said as the crowd of Ministers had smiles appear on their faces, but the two Chief Ministers strangely had a bad premonition as the situation changed in their favor too swiftly.
Not to mention that, her last phrase sounded particularly off.
"Well then, since you are so eager to uphold the dignity of our Empire, I will give you the honors.
Go ahead and announce your punishment to Daoist Wu, Minister Bei"
She did not give them time to ponder on the meaning of her earlier words, as she made a gesture with an open palm toward the Chief Minister, who froze on the spot.
He slightly hesitantly spoke up, turning his gaze back and forth between the Empress and Wu Long, who still stood tall with his hands leisurely held behind his back, a smile touching the handsome features.
"Hmm? What is it? Minister Bei?
Weren't you going to announce your brilliant suggestion and have it be enforced?"
Nie Xiwang raised her eyebrows as the man was getting pale.
Wu Long's warning before clearly ringing in his ears, as he knew that the moment he opened his mouth he would be slapped away.
"Then perhaps Minister Fei wants to announce her solution first?"
The Blade Empress turned her gaze toward the woman who gulped, already anticipating this from the moment the trap closed around the other Chief Minister.
"Y-Your Majesty... if we think about it... maybe I have spoken out of turn before.
After all, Daoist Wu has came to personally meet with Your Highness, and it was wrong of us to barge in here"
She spoke as Nie Xiwang's eyes were filled with amusement and satisfaction.
"Is that so? Then what about your earlier words?
This Empress seems to remember you being outraged at Daoist Wu's behavior?"
Nie Xiwang continued to press as Minister Fei had a bead of sweat go down the side of her face.
"I must have made a grave lapse in judgement, as long hours of work for the betterment of our Empire have made me weary, Your Majesty.
This Minister hopes you will let your humble servant retire for the day to not cause any further mistakes"
The woman spoke in complete humiliation.
"What of Minister Bei? Did you not say that the dignity of the Empire was at stake?"
The Blade Empress turned to the man who bowed with the same pitiful expression as the woman on the other side.
"My deepest apologies, Your Majesty.
This Minister has also been buried in the work to ensure this great country's prosperity, thus allowing the tired mind to ramble incoherently before.
This Minister also begs Your Majesty to allow me to take rest"
He quickly jumped on the same train as the other Chief Minister, as both halves of the room behind them lowered their heads, speaking similar words and begging for leniency.
"Oh my, this Empress did not realize you all were so overworked.
It is incompetence of the ruler. When the head is incompetent, the feet suffer, after all"
Nie Xiwang spoke with lament, shaking her head in 'embarrassment' and 'shame'.
"You have all worked hard with no time for rest or even a meal. Your sweat and blood all shed to better this country, how can this Empress not allow you some respite?
That would not only be ungrateful but cruel.
No. A day would not be enough to repay such loyal service!
How about a month? You should all take a leave for a month and let this Empress do some work for once instead of burdening you all"
She continued in a remorseful tone as the eyes of the Ministers widened.
Their teeth clenched as they were still in bowing poses, their heads lowered.
""Y-Your Majesty is magnanimous and wise! We respectfully accept your merciful command""
However, the two had no choice but to accept, and the crowd behind them followed.
"Send my Imperial Command!
For their contributions, the Ministers of the Court shall be awarded a month of rest, the Chief Ministers be awarded two!"
Nie Xiwang, still with a face full of 'remorse' for the 'hardship' she put her subjects through, stood up, receiving a long golden scepter from the servant by the side of the Throne, and striking the floor with a thunderous *thud* that sent a ripple of Spiritual Qi, proclaimed with the voice full of Imperial authority.
Her words, driven by a Formation activated by the scepter resounded throughout the entire Imperial Palace, as the two Chief Ministers exchanged hidden aggrieved side glances while still with lowered heads.
"""Long live Her Majesty! Prosperity to the Empire!"""
The entire Throne Room spoke in unison, and the doors behind the crowd opened, the people starting to retreat backwards, still facing the throne with lowered heads.
"You retreat as well"
Nie Xiwang spoke while giving back the scepter to the servant, as the servant bowed with a surprised face.
"Everyone vacate the room.
Send word that the official Court is retiring for the day. The Throne Room shall not be disturbed under any circumstances"
She then raised her voice as any servants still standing to the sides of the room bowed and started leaving the room as well.
Don't bother waiting, make sure the stay of my ladies is comfortable and not disturbed. I am sure your subordinates alone can manage, but I would prefer if you ensured everything went without a hitch"
Wu Long slightly turned his head to Butler Bang who instantly understood that the inn was likely to be targeted to deliver a message, bowing with the words "Leave it to me, Young Master", and left with the rest.