```
All thirty-one elders sat up straight, pricking their ears up and listening attentively.
Nangong Qi took a sip of his tea before continuing, "Bandits are like a Sharp Sword, a sword to be used against the officials. If we discard this Sharp Sword, we will become very passive. Don't you agree with this reasoning?"
None of the thirty-one elders spoke.
"I know you have reservations in your hearts, so you keep silent," Nangong Qi said with a faint smile. "The Palace Master's decision this time was too hasty, directly harming the foundations and interests of Piaomiao Palace. If we don't stand up against it... there will surely be great chaos in the future." While speaking, Nangong Qi quietly observed the expressions of the elders.
