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The eunuch’s loud announcement signaled the start of the court session.

Ji Mingyue sat on the dragon throne.

This time, the six kings and the Immortal Sect members were absent.

This was the normal state of affairs.

The six kings had their own fiefs and wouldn’t leave them without significant cause.

As for the Immortal Sect, there was no need to mention them.

The other day, they had come together to force the Emperor’s hand. Now that their plan had failed, the six kings had returned to their territories.

Without these eyesores, Ji Mingyue felt much more comfortable. Her peripheral vision caught sight of the figure leaning against the corner of the hall, making her feel inexplicably reassured.

“Present your matters or leave,” the accompanying eunuch spoke again.

The officials stepped forward with their memorials, starting to discuss state affairs.

In his previous life, Ye Ning was just an ordinary citizen, with no opportunity to participate in such high-level meetings.

Naturally, he perked up his ears to broaden his horizons.

But the more he listened, the more he found it dull.

The officials’ and the Emperor’s responses were formulaic and lacked any substance.

For example:

An official stepped forward, expressing concern for the people, “Your Majesty, the drought in the northwest continues unabated. The people are suffering greatly and we need substantial funds and grain for disaster relief!”

Ji Mingyue replied indifferently, “The treasury has no money.”

The official immediately fell silent, his earlier concern for the country and the people seeming like an illusion. He returned to his place and closed his eyes to rest.

Another official said, “Your Majesty, there are floods in Jiangnan…”

The Emperor responded, “No money, get lost.”

Another official said, “Your Majesty, the son of Marquis Weiwu rode recklessly in the market, causing many deaths and injuries.”

The Emperor reflexively replied, “No money.”

Then, realizing his mistake, he corrected himself.

“Oh, this time it’s not about money… Then send someone to tell Marquis Weiwu to discipline his son strictly.”

Ye Ning watched the court dialogue in amazement.

This was truly absurd.

Who would have thought that the court of the Great Zhou Dynasty would be like this?

But there were exceptions.

For example, an official said, “Your Majesty, the governor of Tongzhou has found a colorful immortal deer, a sign of good fortune. It is being sent to the capital as a reward for your diligent governance!”

The Emperor was overjoyed and said, “Reward!”

Another official suggested, “Your Majesty, why not transport exotic stones from Jiangnan to build a garden filled with rare treasures for your leisure?”

Ji Mingyue clapped his hands in approval, saying, “Thank you for your hard work, minister. You shall take charge of this matter.”

—

Ye Ning finally understood.

This Emperor avoided dealing with anything related to the people.

Droughts, floods, the suffering of the people… all dismissed with “no money.”

When money was needed, he found ways to dodge the issue.

But when it came to building gardens, collecting rare treasures, or recognizing auspicious omens, he was more enthusiastic than anyone.

“Has the Emperor always been like this?” Ye Ning asked.

He admitted to having no affection for Great Zhou, but witnessing such absurdity still made him somewhat angry.

It wasn’t that he had a bad temper, but the Emperor’s behavior was simply too outrageous.

Is this a court session?

This is more like child’s play!

The entire court, the Emperor, and his officials, seemed like actors, day after day, performing this charade of governance.

Ye Ning wanted to ask them: Aren’t you tired of acting?

“This…” Liu Jin smiled bitterly and said, “How can we dare to discuss the Emperor’s matters?”

He dared not answer directly.

But he didn’t deny it either.

This said it all.

“No wonder everyone says the Emperor of Great Zhou is an incompetent ruler. Today’s session has truly opened my eyes,” Ye Ning said blandly.

“Sir, please be cautious with your words!”

Liu Jin glanced around nervously, only relaxing when he saw no one was paying attention.

Such words were really dangerous…

But then he thought, this was Ye Ning after all, who didn’t even fear the Immortal Sect. What did he have to be afraid of?

“Minister Ye must be very disappointed in me.” Ji Mingyue continued to act, but her mind wasn’t in it.

She felt a bit of pain.

In the past, she didn’t care. She was used to it.

But today, letting Ye Ning see her worst side made her uncomfortable.

What would he think?

He probably regarded me as an incompetent ruler as well.

But what could I do?

Ji Mingyue knew clearly that a wise ruler could do very little.

The wiser the ruler, the more targeted they would be by the Immortal Sect.

On the contrary, being seen as an incompetent ruler made her less noticeable.

Although it looked like she was doing absurd things, she was actually planning something bigger.

But these things couldn’t be explained to outsiders.

She was destined to bear others’ disdain and resentment.

“Minister Ye’s goodwill towards me has probably vanished completely.”

Ji Mingyue sighed. She could ignore others’ opinions, but for some reason, she didn’t want Ye Ning to misunderstand her.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go as she wished.

If Ye Ning knew her thoughts, he would surely tell her: Your Majesty, don’t overthink it. I never had any goodwill towards you.

If not for your betrayal, I would have already been dead.

You prevented my death, and you expect me to have goodwill towards you?

What a joke.

“With an incompetent ruler above and treacherous ministers below, can Great Zhou be saved?”

Ye Ning had no hope for Great Zhou’s future.

He even thought that the fall of such a Great Zhou might be a good thing for the people.

But this had nothing to do with him.

His only purpose in closely observing the court session was to find opportunities to get himself killed.

Now, after watching, he had to admit, he had gained a lot.

After all the “state affairs” were discussed, Ji Mingyue waved her hand, and a eunuch stepped forward to read an imperial decree.

“Seal Keeper Ye Ning, receive the decree!” Liu Jin quickly reminded him.

“Minister Ye, go quickly.”

Ye Ning was a bit confused. What did this have to do with him?

But he still walked forward.

He listened as the eunuch rambled on with praises of Ye Ning’s loyalty and integrity, and finally got to the point.

“…By imperial decree, Seal Keeper Ye Ning is appointed as Censorate Inspector and Hanlin Scholar!” The eunuch finished reading and smiled.

“Minister Ye, accept the decree.”

Ye Ning was utterly bewildered.

What?

I just got promoted?