The officials from Prince Jin's camp, for the first time ever, submitted no petitions, aiming to shorten the duration of the morning court and hastily sentence the Imperial Grandson for missing the exam without cause.
The Minister of Agriculture, holding his memorial tablet, spoke up, "Your Majesty, this subject has a matter to report."
Emperor Liang said, "Proceed."
The Minister of Agriculture cleared his throat.
King Qi chuckled, "Minister of Agriculture, you wouldn't be deliberately stalling for time, would you?"
The Minister of Agriculture sighed and said, "Your Highness King Qi, are you aware how many regions in Great Liang have gone without a single drop of rain for months? If this continues, Great Liang will see lands filled with puddles from ox hooves and beached fish in dried-up streams, leaving barren stretches for miles."
King Qi's smile froze.
