Chapter 716: Chapter 159: Leaving No Regrets in This Life

Today is his first time participating in the grand court assembly as Marquis Jing’an.

He did not wear official attire, still dressed in the Golden Silk Jade Qilin Armor, with the Ghost Slash Blade hanging at his waist.

Last year, he was bestowed the title of Marquis in front of the hall; among the Emperor’s series of rewards for him was one – permission to bring a blade to court!

This reward doesn’t carry any practical benefits, but it is a huge honor.

Across the entire Da Lan Dynasty, fewer than ten people have received such an honor.

Neither the Crown Prince, the Eldest Prince, nor the Third Prince, including many Martial Arts Masters at the Realm level, have this privilege.

Once allowed to bring a blade to court, not wearing official attire naturally becomes inconsequential.

Moreover, the Golden Silk Jade Qilin Armor worn by Li Fei is a treasure bestowed by the Emperor himself. By wearing this Divine Clothes to court, it further demonstrates his remembrance of the Emperor’s grace.

Li Fei dressed in golden attire, with a long sword at his waist, step by step walked towards Zhenglan Hall.

On the imperial path, numerous officials moved aside to let him pass.

“Greetings, Marquis.”

Inside the hall, numerous officials greeted Li Fei proactively.

Li Fei responded with a smile and continued walking to the front of the Great Hall, arriving before the cabinet ministers of the Supervision Pavilion.

“Gentlemen, this is my first time attending the court assembly, I am not sure where I should stand?”

Li Fei asked amiably to the colleagues before him.

These cabinet ministers exchanged glances with each other, none offering an answer.

In terms of official rank, Li Fei was merely a Sitting Official, not qualified to stand with the cabinet officials.

But in terms of title, Li Fei was enough to stand on equal footing with them.

Yet exactly where to stand—front row or back row, left or right—these seemingly subtle distinctions actually reflect status and influence.

What should be the current status of Li Fei?

This question, none of the cabinet ministers could provide an answer.

At this moment, the Supervision Pavilion Master Lou Hongtao turned and called out.

“Pavilion Master Lou.”

Li Fei clasped his hands in salute.

Lou Hongtao said calmly.

The surroundings quickly quieted down, many officials turned their gaze towards him.

Li Fei was taken aback for a moment, then nodded: “Very well.”

Then he stepped forward, coming to stand behind Lou Hongtao.

Before him stood the Pavilion Masters of Six Ministries, level 18 officials, almost standing at the forefront of the entire court of civil and military officials!

Looking further ahead, the Eldest Prince turned back for a glance, his face slightly somber, while the Third Prince smiled at Li Fei.

Further ahead, three chairs were placed side by side; the Crown Prince and Grand Secretary Ye Ze’an occupied two of them, with the other chair empty—reserved for the secluded State Preceptor Yun Shu.

The Crown Prince also turned his head towards Li Fei, nodding to him.

Opposite the Crown Prince and Ye Ze’an, sat Military Affairs Grand Marshal Wenren Zheng.

Beyond these three, there was the Red Steps.

Above the Red Steps, was the Dragon Chair.

For the first time attending the court assembly, Li Fei clearly saw his current position within the court hierarchy.

Suddenly, he felt something and turned his head to look towards the row of officials on the right.

There stood the military officers, among them was the Princely Heir Qin Ziyu, positioned in the same row as Li Fei.

Each one representing civil and military, coincidentally at the outermost of their respective lineups, with a passage between them.

Li Fei and Qin Ziyu exchanged a glance, each calmly shifting their gaze.

A moment later, Li Fei turned his head to look back, just in time to see He Jian walking into the ranks.

He Jian stood in a position quite far back, almost near the door of the Great Hall.

Seemingly sensing Li Fei’s gaze, He Jian turned to look.

Li Fei gave him a smile and nodded.

This made He Jian recall what Li Fei said to him a few days ago:

“You just focus on investigating the case, leave the rest to me.”

The last time he attended the court assembly, no official stood up to speak for him in the hall.

This time, it won’t be the same.

The clear and resonant sound of the bell echoed.

“His Majesty arrives—”

A piercing and sonorous voice resounded throughout the Great Hall, far and wide.

The grand court assembly began.