Forgotten Legend of the Bloodied Flower

<Inside the Palace>

The hall was decorated nicely and firmly packed with people. They were all seated based on their position with the highest would be able to sit nearest to the throne above.

This was not the first time Old Master Nan attended an inauguration. He had already attended one in the past when Emperor Yang Zhou's father was selected as the Emperor.

But of course, the inauguration took place faster, not long after the death of Emperor Huan.

"Great General Nan," Prime Minister Lan called while pointing to the seat. He was indicating that Old Master Nan could pick whichever seat he wanted. Though, not many people would dare to sit above him.

Old Master Nan nodded. He looked around and saw several other politically important officials around. His eyebrows creased slightly, but he said nothing. They all indeed had to attend this important inauguration.

He only hoped that they wouldn't try anything funny.

If they did, then don't blame him for being ruthless.

"It's been a while, Prime Minister Lan."

"Indeed." Prime Minister Lan nodded and slowly walked towards his seat. As the Prime Minister of the right, his position was not far below Emperor Yang Zhou. It was just slightly to the right.

Great General Nan moved to the right and found a seat for himself. Because he was also the one and only Grand Duke and Great General in Fei Yang Kingdom, his status was basically unmatched.

However, he refused to be seated right below Emperor Yang Zhou and chose to sit beside Prime Minister Lan. This would make it seemed that his position was lower than this Prime Minister while in truth, it might not necessarily be the case.

"Oh, everyone is here."

Hearing that voice, Prime Minister Lan's body tensed up slightly, His sharp eyes swept to the front as he said mirthlessly, "Prime Minister Bei, we've been waiting for you."

"I'm sure that I'm not late. The ceremony hadn't started." Prime Minister Bei smiled calmly. His tone was leisure as if he was not worried about the impeding inauguration ceremony at all.

Not far from him were several other important officials who were still following him. It has been some time since Prime Minister Lan gave them calls to switch, but until this time, their position still seemed to be by Prime Minister Bei's side.

Though, they managed to somehow collaborate with each other.

The two prime minister, Prime Minister Lan and Prime Minister Bei, had been on odds for so many years. There was no definite winner, but the two of them liked to challenge each other and gave contrary advice.

This often gave headache to the officials below them.

But neither one of them would dare to go against either one of them. The two of them were both equally powerful at this point of time. In fact, once the inauguration was complete, it was estimated that the political power would turn towards Prime Minister Lan.

After all, Emperor Yang Zhou had been wary of Prime Minister Bei for a long time.

'How messy.'

Song Chuan was listening at the side, sitting at the middle and tried his best to be inconspicuous as much as possible. Even though he wanted to meddle, his status and position had long prevented him from doing so.

It would be better for him to stay silent and do nothing when the 'big bosses' were quarreling.

'But there'll be some nice change in the political structure after this.'

Song Chuan lowered his head, hiding his smile. When a new Emperor formally finished his inauguration, he would have the entire power of the court. It meant that he would be able to appoint and lower the position of the officials.

As long as he had enough support, it was easy.

And Emperor Yang Zhou would surely lower the ranks of those who opposed him and increased the rank of the ones who were in his favor.

That was simply the common methods used in this period of time and Song Chuan would be happy to see those stuck up yet useless officials fell down. However, he didn't know how much Emperor Yang Zhou would be willing to use him.

He had to work hard and make sure his presence was made known and strengthen his position.

That way, no one would be able to bring him down so easily.

"It has started."

All of the officials turned quiet as they watched Emperor Yang Zhou walked the stairs towards the throne. He then waved his hand, indicating for them to start.

Some elders began to recite while the officials all listened patiently. They looked so earnest as if it was the most important thing in their entire life to listen.

Old Master Nan felt that it was so boring that he could fall asleep. He really wondered just who in the world would give him such high ranking position that he had to attend this thing.

There were also some of his old friend, who were staying nearby.

And…

'The battle had begun.'

He might be far away from any of the gates, but Old Master Nan had keener instinct compared to various people. Having stayed at the center of the battlefield for so many years, he had honed his instinct to the fullest.

It allowed him to sense danger, blood, and those others very keenly.

He knew, the battles had started.

A lot of people didn't want Emperor Yang Zhou to fully assumed power. After all, it would mean that their position would be lowered or some of them might even be beheaded directly.

'Should I make a move?'

Old Master Nan was thinking when he noticed Prime Minister Lan's gaze. It seemed that it was warning him not to say anything.

The most important thing for them was to make sure that the inauguration finished without any problems. Those outside had to hold on for as long as possible before these people inside could make a move.

No one was allowed to disturb it.