They were all high-ranking officials and influential figures. Their positions insulated them from most consequences. Whether or not women in the clan could engage in cultivation, they still relied on these officials. With the exception of the emperor, these individuals, be they men or women, held a superior status.
As the emperor's unfulfilled mandate circulated among these officials, they began to discuss the matter among themselves. Their deliberation was unhurried, as no one had managed to accomplish the task. As the saying goes, the law cannot penalize the masses. Even if the emperor felt anger or frustration, there was little he could do to them. The number of officials and nobles was substantial, and it was impractical to punish them all. Such an action might even complicate matters further for the emperor.
