The Capital’s Turmoil

At today's grand court assembly, the officials inside the hall were surprised to see the long-absent Marquis Huo, who hadn't appeared for a long time. They all came forward to greet him warmly.

"I have fought for many years, and now, plagued by injuries, I am unable to serve the Yunmeng Dynasty on the battlefield. However, His Majesty has graciously come to visit me in person, and I am grateful for the support of my colleagues. I apologize for the simple feast and wine yesterday; it is indeed inadequate. I have come here today to personally thank everyone." Marquis Huo bowed deeply in gratitude.

For over 50 years since the founding of the Yunmeng Dynasty, through three generations of monarchs, Marquis Huo had been a steadfast companion, expanding the borders and defending the nation's frontiers. He was the pillar of the Yunmeng people. His presence in the court today, expressing his gratitude, made everyone feel that their visit to Huo Manor yesterday was indeed well worth it. Consequently, small groups began to reminisce about yesterday's festivities, and the atmosphere in the hall remained light and harmonious until the Emperor arrived for the court session, and the Court Inspector, Mr. Pei, stepped forward to present his report.

"Your Majesty, I, Court Inspector Pei Zhenyan, discovered yesterday during the banquet at Huo Manor that a Wa sword was mixed among the gifts. I secretly confiscated it and present it to Your Majesty for your personal review!" Pei Zhenyan's revelation stirred up a thousand waves, and the faces of the court officials varied in expression.

"The Wa sword?! It was decreed ten years ago that the people of Yunmeng are forbidden to privately possess Wa's weapons. Why was this not mentioned by Marquis Huo yesterday?" The Emperor erupted in anger.

"Your Majesty, we were unaware of this matter." Marquis Huo, along with his sons, Chang Feng and Chang Lin, knelt before the court, their faces filled with confusion and fear.

"Your Majesty, at the time, I was at the table with the gift list. The announcer was reading aloud a congratulatory gift from Cui Qi, a precious sword. However, the box containing the sword was long and narrow, resembling a scabbard. When the servants of the Huo Manor received it, it appeared unusually heavy, arousing my suspicion. Therefore, when the opportunity arose, I discreetly opened the box to inspect its contents. Upon seeing the WA's sword, I did not wish to cause a commotion during yesterday's celebration, so I quietly confiscated the item and present it to Your Majesty." Pei Zhenyan, as the Court Inspector, bore the responsibility of security inspection and detention of suspicious items, so his actions were justified.

"It appears that the Huo family was unaware of this. Rise, all of you. Minister Pei, please open the evidence for inspection, and let Minister Cui from the Ministry of War verify." The Emperor's gaze lingered on Chang Feng for a moment.

Pei Zhenyan opened the sword box and approached Minister Cui. "Minister Cui, this sword was sent by your nephew, Cui Qi, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Do you recognize this sword?"

Chang Feng hurried forward and stood on the other side of Minister Cui, alongside Pei Zhenyan, pleading loudly, "Minister Cui, please confirm whether you recognize it or not. My father is old, and over a decade ago, he fought against the Wa bandits, losing his beloved general and his younger daughter for many years. He cannot bear such a shock again. Minister Cui, I cannot believe that Minister Cui would actually send a Wa's sword as a birthday gift."

Cui Qi, who had just recovered from his shock, quickly knelt before the court, repeatedly kowtowing, "I am guilty, I deserve death a thousand times over. Uncle, nephew only saw the sharpness of this sword and thought that Marquis Huo, a martial artist, would appreciate it. Uncle, nephew only wanted to befriend the Huo family, I didn't think much about it."

The Minister of War, upon seeing the WA's sword in the box and hearing Cui Qi's explanation, realized that this incompetent nephew, dissatisfied with the long-standing dominance of the Huo family over his position as Minister of War, had gone to their residence to show off. He was about to scold him severely and consider his next steps, but suddenly felt a pain in his abdomen, unable to speak the rest of his words.

"Minister Cui, Minister Cui! What's wrong with you?" Chang Feng shouted, one hand supporting the stiff body of Minister Cui.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty! Minister Cui was momentarily angered and fainted," Pei Zhenyan quickly pressed the acupoint on his neck, slipped a pill into his mouth unnoticed, and supported his back with his other hand, applying some force to help him swallow the pill.

"Quick, summon the imperial physician! General Huo, quickly take Minister Cui to the imperial hospital for treatment. The Imperial Guards must ensure the safety of Minister Cui and prevent any rumors from spreading about this incident." The Emperor's expression was anxious, expressing his deep concern for Minister Cui. "Minister Pei, I entrust you with the full authority to investigate the matter of the gifts received by the Huo residence. Do not overlook any prohibited items."

"Marquis Huo, I believe this incident caught you by surprise, but I must give Minister Cui and you clear instructions. I hope you can understand and cooperate. You all may leave the court now."

The changes came too suddenly, and after the Emperor announced the end of the court session and swiftly departed, the atmosphere in the hall remained stunned, with everyone frozen in place except for the officials from the Inspectorate swiftly escorting Minister Cui away. However, around the members of the Huo family, there was noticeably less activity.

Standing beside Marquis Hou were mostly military officials and those from the faction led by Elder Yuwen, quietly offering comfort. The most anxious were those who had sought to ingratiate themselves with the Huo family through lavish gifts yesterday. As soon as they snapped out of their daze, they hurriedly left to devise a plan of action. Another group of people suddenly realized that Deputy Minister Tian from the Ministry of War, who was usually very close to Minister Cui, had not attended court today! Exchanging glances, they all hurriedly left in a state of panic.