Emperor And I ✔️

The Dragon

Chapter 4

Emperor Huizhong
The Dragon Court
Nevoria

Dreams are like stars. Although you may never touch them, if you do follow them, they will lead you to your destiny. The Dragon Court was the sky to every scholar; the dream believed to lead one to a destiny of prosperity and success. Every man who took a step into the court, dressed in red, was one who was considered well educated, wise, and noble. What he said in the courtroom could possibly be regarded as sound advice by the emperor.

All in all, every scholar's believed destiny was to leave their blue robes behind and garb themselves in red garments forever―to become an official someday.

The court was a huge building that barely contained any furniture, but still, it was revered as a place of grandeur. Different animal statues stood by the wall, indicating the endless values of Nevoria that comprised of peace, integrity and prosperity, at the least.

The walls were also adorned by different paintings of philosophies that the royal family stood for, while intrinsic designs that expressed blossoming flowers coruscated the floor tiles.

The floor was a vast space that the sea of officials perched on during the meetings. It led the way to the beautifully carved stairway in which a platform that carried the exorbitant dragon throne was situated. Black extortionate stone that gleamed due to the gold topping also sculptured the great throne, which was cushioned with white and gold zabutons.

Thud!

The heavy scroll hit the polished floor, then tumbled down the stairs towards the ministers that stood in four column lengths. The North, West, East and South wings were supposedly the four factions of the emperor's strength; the intermediary between the people and his majesty.

"How is it possible that all of these top students are all from officials' families? Who dares to cheat the system?" The emperor roared.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger," the official that represented the Bureau of Examinations begged. The rest of the officials echoed him in unison.

"The state exam must be taken again," the emperor said decisively "And if this happens again, there will be consequences." Although those words were not said as loudly, their weight was much greater. Everyone understood that by 'consequences' he meant bloodshed.

"His Royal Majesty is the wisest on the face of this earth." The Bureau's official shook with fear and bowed numerous times before walking back to his original standing post. They had all spent the whole afternoon discussing and updating the emperor with the issues of his empire, but it felt like years had passed already. The emperor's temper did not guarantee that one would always be able to walk out of the Dragon Court.

Hurriedly, one of the serving scholars dressed in blue, who were stationed next to the Emperor, ran to replace the fallen scroll with another scroll that belonged to the Minister of Investigations. He was the person who was next in line to present his findings.

"Your Majesty―"

The scroll hit the floor before the minister could speak any further. It was an indication that the emperor was not interested in anything the man had to say. For the emperor, the fact that the investigations concerning his father's death were not making any progress was disheartening. It felt like a needle was mercilessly probing his heart.

Again, a scholar ran to replace the scroll so that the next official could stand before the emperor.

"Your Majesty! The King of Tayi is petitioning for resources since the epidemic that struck the country half a moon ago has left them lacking in providing the affected people with basic human needs." The Minister of Relations relayed the information.