Chapter 131: Receiving Preferential Treatment

Page 1 of 3

At that very moment, morning court was being held within the Imperial Palace.

During the court session, Chi Xuan had not forgotten what had happened the previous day. Since Chi Nie and Tie Fan had contributed the most, he rewarded them handsomely.

Chi Nie, however, never attended morning court, and today was no exception.

Thus, after court was dismissed, Chi Xuan would have to write an imperial edict for him.

Tie Fan received a generous reward, yet everyone could not help but look down on him.

After all, they had witnessed Chi Nie’s divine martial prowess with their own eyes the night before. Compared with him, Tie Fan’s strength was simply pitiful.

Having such a man guard the kingdom naturally made everyone worry for their own safety.

But aside from Chi Nie, Tie Fan was the most formidable martial artist available. There was no alternative but to appoint him Grand General Who Protects the State. It seemed rather dubious, but for the time being, they would simply have to make do…

After receiving his reward, Tie Fan was indescribably delighted. The loss of his two fingers had not been in vain, for in everyone’s eyes, he had lost them while saving the emperor!

Just imagine how impressive that would sound when told to others—how devoted he was to rescuing his sovereign, how deeply patriotic he was!

There had been no further matters to present at court, and the session should have ended. Yet Chi Xuan ordered four men to carry in the “Whole Wolf,” which the imperial kitchen had begun preparing the previous day.

Page 1 of 3

Page 2 of 3

The platter holding the “Whole Wolf” was a full two meters long and required four men to carry it into the hall.

A large lid covered the dish. As the “Whole Wolf” was brought in, everyone looked at it in confusion. What could it be?

But the moment they saw the enormous platter, they immediately thought of food.

Chi Xuan then spoke. “Since some of you, my loyal subjects, did not get a share last night, I ordered the imperial chefs to begin steaming this entire wolf yesterday evening. Today, you may all feast and see how wolf meat tastes.”

With that, he clapped his hands. Several attendants immediately stepped forward and lifted the lid.

At once, a rich fragrance spread through the hall, and every minister wore an expression of eager anticipation.

No one had expected to enjoy such a feast after all!

It looked truly delicious!

A pair of chopsticks was handed to each person, after which they could take turns stepping forward to sample the dish.

Seeing how enthusiastic his ministers were, Chi Xuan felt immensely pleased.

But at that moment, a herald’s voice suddenly rang out:

Page 2 of 3

Page 3 of 3

“National Preceptor Xi Kong has arrived!”

Yun Kong was the National Preceptor of the Mo Chi Kingdom. His status was not that of an ordinary court official; he was an exception, a man who enjoyed special privileges. Other than the emperor, he was under no obligation to show respect to anyone.

Whether he would show Chi Nie any regard was entirely up to the National Preceptor himself.

Thus, the National Preceptor was also free to attend or skip morning court as he pleased. Having returned from half a month of wandering, he had unexpectedly appeared at court that day, prompting a eunuch to announce his arrival in a loud voice.

Everyone’s attention was drawn toward the entrance, and they turned to look outside the main hall.

But in the next moment, they were astonished to see Yun Zui!

Yun Zui had disappeared from the hunting grounds along with them. They had assumed that her fate was uncertain, perhaps even that she had died. No one had expected her to reappear safe and sound—and together with the National Preceptor, no less!

Everything was completely unexpected.

Yun Zui’s expression remained calm, but in the next instant, her attention was drawn to the “Whole Wolf.”

As the Dowager Consort, she was technically a woman of the inner palace. Apart from those permitted to hear court affairs from behind a screen, women of the inner palace were forbidden from entering the main hall during morning court.

The moment Yun Zui strode in without the slightest hesitation, someone immediately stepped forward to stop her.

Yun Zui was taken aback. Before she could say a word, the National Preceptor spoke at once.

“Your Majesty, the Dowager Consort was unfortunately ambushed while hunting. By chance, I encountered her during my travels and rescued her. The Dowager Consort later told me that, bearing the late emperor’s solemn charge, she had returned from death to complete an important task. I consulted the heavens and determined that her words were entirely true. Therefore, the Dowager Consort is not to be treated like an ordinary woman of the inner palace. She should be granted special privileges…”