The Human Emperor (1-200)

C163: Uproar Throughout the Entire Court!

The entire Taiji Palace was silent, and Wang Chong could sense an imposing gaze staring down on him from above.

There was only one word to describe the feeling Wang Chong got from that gaze... 'unfathomable'.

From ancient times, it was said that 'accompanying the emperor is no different from accompanying a tiger' and 'the heavens are unpredictable'. Wang Chong couldn't feel any emotions from the gaze, and he couldn't peer into the thoughts of the Great Tang's ultimate overlord either.

Wang Chong kneeled motionlessly on the ground. The palace was so silent that he could hear his own heart beating.

Perhaps it was countless eons later, or maybe it was just an instant, but Wang Chong finally heard an authoritative voice reminiscent of thunder booming in the palace.

"Wang Chong. I heard that you oppose to my regional commanders and utilizing Hu talents policies?"

The voice was nonchalant, and not a single emotion could be sensed from those words.

Wang Chong's heart jolted. The question of an emperor had to be answered, just that, this question wasn't a simple one at all. To put in mildly, Wang Chong was expressing his opinion on the Sage Emperor's intentions, but at the same time, it could also be said that he was refuting the Sage Emperor.

"Yes!"

Wang Chong replied despite his hesitation.

"Speak!"

That authoritative voice replied nonchalantly with a single word.

"Yes!"

Lowering his head, Wang Chong replied respectfully. An air current gushed through the palace, blowing straight toward Wang Chong. Wang Chong's heart flew away along with this gust of wind.

Somehow, Wang Chong suddenly heard Big Uncle Wang Gen's words in his ears:

"The less you speak, the fewer mistakes you make. If you don't say anything, it's impossible for you to be wrong!"

"No matter what His Majesty asks, you have to respond. Even if you don't know, you have to say that you don't know. However, take note of your words, and exercise caution."

"You don't understand politics, so for your first meeting with His Majesty, don't aim to accomplish. Instead, aim not to err."

"This matter concerns our entire Wang Clan. It won't just affect you. Your father, me, your big aunt, your uncle, and everyone else will be implicated as well. Thus, no matter what, you mustn't be reckless. Remember this!"

...

This advice was the distilled essence of Wang Gen's decades long career in politics, Although it sounded cowardly, there was no better advice for inexperienced scions such as Wang Chong.

'The less you speak, the fewer mistakes you make. If you don't say anything, it's impossible for you to be wrong'. Facing the emperor was no small matter. Given the Wang Clan's current standing, there was no need for Wang Chong to contribute to the family through this matter.

What was imperative however was for him to not err!

Just that... Recalling the matters in his previous life, Wang Chong couldn't allow himself to remain silent. The regional commanders and utilizing Hu talents policies were the source of Great Tang's calamity.

The opportunity to face the emperor didn't come by easily. This was a golden chance for Wang Chong to advise him. If he were to miss out on this chance, he would never be able to forgive himself.

Thus, Wang Chong steeled his resolve and purged himself of all hesitation.

"His Majesty, the regional commanders and utilizing Hu talents policies are sure to be sources of calamity for Great Tang. These policies mustn't be passed!"