Chapter 1232: The Supreme Sage Emperor II (1/2)
Chapter 1232: The Supreme Sage Emperor (II)
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
Buzz!
Wang Chong's words immediately set off a shockwave in the hall, and on the high platform, Gao Lishi made an extremely unsightly grimace. In the Great Tang, there was no divide greater than that between the militarists and the Confucians. The Confucians now had the complete advantage in the court, and Gao Lishi was worried that Wang Chong would bring up this matter in the audience, but there was nothing that could be done.
”We understand!”
The Sage Emperor spoke once more, his voice emotionless.
”Your Majesty, military is a matter of utmost importance to the state, a matter of life or death, extinction or survival! The military is the Great Tang's important defensive barrier against the foreigners on our borders. Reducing it is certain to bring down great disaster. Your Majesty, please consider this!” Wang Chong implored.
The hall was silent, and Gao Lishi finally couldn't help but retort, ”Wang Chong! Just what are you trying to do?! The sovereign's orders are as immovable as a mountain and are to be taken seriously. Since His Majesty has already made his decision, it cannot be altered. Are you trying to make demands upon your superiors and extort the Sage Emperor?”
Gao Lishi's face was ashen and suffused with rage.
For the last several decades, no one in all the Great Tang had ever dared to speak to the Sage Emperor like this, much less pressure him as Wang Chong had. This was a treasonous line, enough to have him executed!
This was criminal disrespect of the Emperor!
”Your Majesty, this lowly subject would not dare!” Wang Chong loudly proclaimed, but his voice showed no signs of backing down.
The person before him was no ordinary sovereign. His wisdom and intelligence had earned him the reverence of the people of the world, his ambitions and stratagems their admiration, and his administration and martial arts their praise. More importantly, he had singlehandedly created the prosperous and thriving Great Tang Empire.
The Sage Emperor back then had been capable of making Wang Chong's grandfather do his utmost and serve faithfully. Wang Chong was confident that the current Sage Emperor was still that wise and divine sovereign who embraced the world, a sovereign that was still worth following.
”Wang Chong, hurry and rise!”
Gao Lishi was already trembling in rage, cursing the fact that he had just moments ago had such high regard for Wang Chong and thought him to be such a talented young man who had not let down the Sage Emperor's hopes. He had never imagined that so shortly after, Wang Chong would engage in such a foolish course of action. Did he not understand how difficult this would make his career?
”Enough!”
At this moment, the Sage Emperor spoke in an indifferent tone, slightly waving his hand to stop Gao Lishi.
”Your Majesty.”
Gao Lishi immediately fell silent and lowered his head.
The Sage Emperor gazed down at Wang Chong and lightly said, ”Wang Chong, on this matter, We have our own plans.” His voice was suffused with a tone that would brook no objection.
”But, Your Majesty…”
Wang Chong kept his head lowered, still wanting to argue, and Gao Lishi could watch no longer.
”Wang Chong! Such impudence!”
He had always had a good impression of Wang Chong, but no matter how many reasons Wang Chong had, how talented he was, or how much he had contributed to the empire, the Sage Emperor had already expressed his will. For Wang Chong to still try and butt heads was simply audacious and deserved the death penalty!
”King of Foreign Lands, receive the decree!”
At this moment, the Sage Emperor spoke in a vast, majestic, and determined voice. These words ended this conversation, breaking off all of Wang Chong's lines of thought.
Wang Chong was left stunned, his face as white as a sheet of paper.
Wang Chong had imagined this situation before, and he had imagined that as long as he tried every method possible, he would be able to change the Sage Emperor's mind. But it turned out that the Sage Emperor was far more determined than he had imagined, and his words had completely extinguished any hope Wang Chong had.
Wang Chong's face was green and white, and he was unable to say anything for a long time. Suddenly, the crisp bong of a bell echoed through the hall.
Wang Chong had never heard a sound like this before, sharp and precise, like the plucking of a zither. Although it sounded like a bell, it also seemed like it couldn't have come from a bell at all.
More importantly, the Imperial Palace was a sacred ground, the home of the Sage Emperor. Wang Chong couldn't think of anyone who would dare to use this method to disturb an audience in this place. But what Wang Chong expected the least was the reaction of the Sage Emperor and Gao Lishi. When the bell sounded, Wang Chong clearly noticed Gao Lishi pale and even appear somewhat panicked. As for the Sage Emperor, his aura suddenly pulsed. At that moment, Wang Chong clearly sensed a hint of disorder in the Sage Emperor's energy.
But this lasted only for a moment. The disorder quickly vanished as if suppressed by something.
”Your Majesty…”
Wang Chong's heart trembled and his face paled as he thought of something.
”King of Foreign Lands, let us end things here for today,” Gao Lishi suddenly said. ”The Sage Emperor is rather tired. If there is a problem, bring it up next time.” Although he was doing his utmost to remain calm, his voice subconsciously spoke in an urgent and anxious tone.
The mood in the court became rather strange, completely different from what it was before. Wang Chong was dazed, countless thoughts rushing through his mind. He still wanted to say something more, but then the Sage Emperor waved his fingers, gesturing that he should leave.
”King of Foreign Lands, go! This servant will send you off!”