"You're referring to Baili Shaoguang, Jin Haorang, and Zeng Jialiang, correct?" The middle-aged man wearing a white flower laughed gleefully, his mirth deepening.
"Those three fools—who knows what warped thoughts they've entertained—actually dared to question His Majesty and the State Preceptor's decisions. And they remain obstinately defiant. Now, their respective family heads have apprehended them. I'd wager tonight's feast will be their public apology."
"Tsk, tsk, what fools courting death! I bet their families are utterly at their wit's end over this mess!" someone chuckled mockingly.
Just as the crowd conversed freely, a commotion stirred at the entrance.
The crowd instinctively parted to both sides.
Those gathered, nobles and dignitaries alike, fell silent, lifting their gazes toward the door.
