Chapter 1571: Meeting An Emperor

At first, Emperor Jing Run did not disappoint the Chief Libationist. He governed Chu properly and studiously to the point where it looked like the state was going to experience a new golden age. However, Emperor Jing Run’s ambition knew no limits, and time exposed many flaws such as incompetency—specifically, his competence could not keep up with the rate his ambition was growing—self-serving, excessive paranoia and more.

To be fair, these weren’t the worst personality traits for an emperor. They would definitely drag Emperor Jing Run down if he was hoping to expand their borders or something, but they were more than enough to keep the empire secure. Besides, he, the Chief Libationist, was present. He was confident he could protect Chu from all threats and harm.

However, reality was a cruel mistress. One misstep; one moment of negligence. That was all it took to cost Chu the Heavens’ Eye. Since then, the empire lost its Will, the emperor lost its virtue, and the entire realm was in danger as a result.

People learn from their mistakes, or so the Chief Libationist thought. He thought that Emperor Jing Run would reflect on his mistakes and regret his past actions. He thought Emperor Jing Run would temper himself and work hard to make up for his errors.

In fact, the Chief Libationist even felt gladdened by Emperor Jing Run’s attitude. From his perspective, the emperor had been burying himself in work. During the day, he would summon the court and listen to his subjects. During the evening, he would work until deep in the night. He had acted prudently and issued cautious orders. He was showing signs of a wise ruler.

Besides that, Emperor Jing Run had visited the Jixia Academy multiple times to discuss governmental matters with him. He had invited him to return to the palace multiple times as well. He thought that Emperor Jing Run had finally become mature and was beginning to exude the virtues of a benevolent ruler.

Unfortunately, he was wrong.

Everything Emperor Jing Run did, he did it to keep him in the dark; to carry out even more wicked and horrifying things without him finding out about them. He had played him like a fiddle.

How pathetic! How laughable!

Oh, his regret knew no bounds!

“We’re sorry, mister. We weren’t planning to trouble you with this. The fact is, we could have stopped Emperor Jing Run’s conspiracy right now by destroying the altar.”

Feng Qingyou said apologetically as she watched the Chief Libationist’s angry, sorrowful expression, “However, you probably know Emperor Jing Run’s character better than this junior does. Do you think he will realize his mistakes and change his ways after failing this time?”

The Chief Libationist did not say anything. There was nothing to say.

He knew deep in his heart that Emperor Jing Run wouldn’t.

Ye Qing and Feng Qingyou knew as well.

“Personally, I don’t think so. On the contrary, he would only become worse, crazier, and more radical. Not only that, he would carry out his future plans with even greater caution than before.”

Feng Qingyou continued, “Joyless and I can stop him once or twice, but we cannot stop him forever. Just the same, we can save the people once or twice, but it is unrealistic to think we will always succeed.”

“That is why we came today, mister. We ask that you guide us and provide us with a true solution!”

The Chief Libationist asked after a short silence, “What do you wish for me to do?”

“I’m sure you already have a decision in mind. We dare not comment on this.”

Ye Qing and Feng Qingyou exchanged a glance with each other before clasping their fists in front of them. “All we ask is that your decision takes not the standpoint of one man, but all of the people into consideration!”

“My decision should take not the standpoint of one man, but all of the people into consideration, huh? Well said! Well said!”

The Chief Libationist let out a sigh before he looked at Ye Qing and Feng Qingyou and said seriously, “As unworthy as he is, Jing Run is the emperor of an empire. We cannot simply kill him and be done with this matter. It is not that I fear earning the reputation of a killer of emperor, nor am I afraid of being laughed at and scorned by the people. I simply fear that the consequences that may arise from his death are too much for the realm to bear.”

“That said, it is time for Chu to gain a new emperor.”

“Are you planning to remove Emperor Jing Run from the throne, mister?” Ye Qing sounded surprised, but he wasn’t really. They predicted this would happen after all.

“Jing Run has neither benevolence nor virtue. Yes, he is no longer suitable to be emperor.” The Chief Libationist murmured, “Once I’ve removed him, I will personally supervise him and ensure that he may never commit another evil act again.”

Ye Qing warned, “I don’t think he would give up without a fight though.”

“Since I have decided to interfere with this matter, his fate is no longer up to him to decide,” the Chief Libationist declared calmly yet tyrannically.

“In that case, we leave this to you, mister.” Both Ye Qing and Feng Qingyou saluted him.

“It is my duty.”

The Chief Libationist got up to his feet and began walking toward the exit. “Would you like to accompany me?”

“We need to rescue our friends, so the answer is no.”

Ye Qing shook his head. “We wish you all the best, mister.”

“Very well.” The Chief Libationist did not force them to accompany him. He quietly stepped out of the study hall.

“This servant greets you, Chief Libationist!”

As soon as the Chief Libationist stepped out of the study hall, Zhou Dongchao immediately opened his eyes and walked up to him. He bowed to the scholar obediently and respectfully.

“Save it. Let’s go!” The Chief Libationist walked past Zhou Dongchao and continued forward.

Zhou Dongchao did not understand his meaning at first. Go? Go where? Seeing his confusion, the Chief Libationist urged, “What are you doing? Your master wants me to return to the palace, doesn’t he? Let’s go!”

“Oh!” Despite what the Chief Libationist said, it took Zhou Dongchao a couple more breaths before he finally realized that the scholar wasn’t joking. He erupted with joy and delight, “This servant apologizes for his tardiness! This way please!”

Zhou Dongchao jogged up to the Chief Libationist’s back while saying, “His Holiness will be very happy when he hears about this, Chief Libationist.”

“I sure hope so,” the Chief Libationist replied in an indifferent voice.

Zhou Dongchao did not understand what he meant. He continued with an obsequious smile, “His Holiness has been looking forward to your arrival for a very long time. I am sure he will take it all in like honey no matter what happens today.”

“You’re a smooth talker alright,” the Chief Libationist remarked in a tone that could not be fathomed. “Sometimes, what’s honey to another is poison to me, and vice versa.”

“Huh?”

Zhou Dongchao frowned again. Just what on earth was the Chief Libationist trying to say?

“You’re too slow. I’ll help you.” The Chief Libationist could not be bothered to give Zhou Dongchao a proper explanation. He grabbed the eunuch’s shoulder, took one step, and appeared at the bottom of the Meet The Worthy Mountain as if by magic. He took another step, and he was outside the imperial capital.

𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

“Please wait a moment, Chief Libationist. His Holiness is holding the morning court right now. Please head to the Palace of Heavenly Purity[1] and rest—” Zhou Dongchao said.

“That’s too long. I’ll head to the Hall of Supreme Harmony[2] directly. I need to say something anyway.”

The Chief Libationist replied, “I’m going now. You can travel at your own pace.”

“Chief Libationist, you mustn’t! That goes against etiquette!”

Zhou Dongchao was shocked as a matter of course. His Holiness was currently discussing politics with his subjects right now. Although the Chief Libationist was lofty and well-respected, it was both a breach of rules and etiquette to appear in court uninvited and unannounced. More importantly, it was a challenge to the emperor’s authority and dignity. It just wasn’t right no matter how he thought about it.

The Chief Libationist was a scholar. Usually, there was no one who cared more about rules and etiquette, law and regulations than him. He had certainly never done something so audacious until now. Zhou Dongchao just could not figure out what was going on with the Chief Libationist today.

Most importantly, the Chief Libationist would not suffer any consequence because of his strength and status, but he would! He would be the one to shoulder everything!

But what could he do? He was just a lowly servant!

Unfortunately, the Chief Libationist disappeared because he could appeal to his better senses.

“Oh no...” Left with no choice, Zhou Dongchao could only press a hand to his brow. A speck of weak light glowed from where he touched his brow, and his lips moved as if he was reporting something to someone.

He might not be able to stop the Chief Libationist, but he could at least make an effort to show that he had done his best.

1. The Palace of Heavenly Purity, or Qianqing Palace is a palace in the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. It is the largest of the three halls of the Inner Court (the other two being the Hall of Union and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility), located at the northern end of the Forbidden City. During the Qing dynasty, the palace often served as the Emperor's audience hall, where he held council with the Grand Council. ☜

2. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest hall within the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. It is located at its central axis, behind the Gate of Supreme Harmony. Built above three levels of marble stone base, and surrounded by bronze incense burners, the Hall of Supreme Harmony is one of the largest wooden structures within China. It was the location where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties hosted their enthronement and wedding ceremonies. ☜