The matter of the military review was still pending when the Emperor decreed that Prince Zhenbei lead his troops south. This time, the courtiers offered no opposition, maintaining a tacit silence.
The Right Minister glanced at the Left Minister, who stood with his eyes downcast and a long, preoccupied expression, before slowly looking away.
Grand Tutor Qin's old malady had flared up, so he had requested leave to recover at home.
The Six Ministers looked to the Left and Right Ministers for their cue. When they remained silent, the others naturally held their tongues.
The only one who felt he had narrowly escaped disaster was the Minister of Revenue. He had been terrified the two Prime Ministers would lock horns, leaving him caught in the crossfire. If the Emperor became enraged, he would undoubtedly be the first sacrifice.
The Emperor then ordered an overhaul of the Capital Guard: to purge the old and weak, and to repair their equipment.
