"Greetings, Your Majesty," the ministers and princes said in unison, kowtowing as the emperor approached his throne in the throne room. Once seated, he nodded, and they rose from their reverent poses.
Reports lay already on the table before him. He selected one and handed it to the Grand Eunuch, who stood beside him. The Grand Eunuch accepted the report with a respectful bow and opened it, clearing his throat before beginning to read.
"Talim State is under frequent attack by river demons, with dead bodies floating on the sea every day. Due to the scarcity of powerful cultivators in Talim State, we humbly request Your Majesty's intervention in this matter."
The Emperor nodded thoughtfully. "We are still searching for talented individuals to join the Halls of Talents. Not everyone possesses the necessary power or strength.
However, I will dispatch a select few of our best cultivators. I require someone to lead them.
Who do you think would be the most suitable Grandmaster of the Halls of Imperial Talents?"
The Grandmaster stepped forward, but Prince Eyrin quickly interjected, bowing deeply. "Replying to Your Majesty, this is no trivial matter. I have been honing my skills in Haven State, the capital.
I must utilize my abilities more wisely to protect the nation and Your Majesty."
The emperor's gaze fell upon Prince Eyrin. "Rise," he said.
"You've been in the capital for a long time, Prince Eyrin. I cannot let you lead the others to a place you've never been. Another person will lead this mission, and you will follow their guidance this time." The emperor's words were firm but measured.
Prince Eyrin hesitated, clearly displeased with the idea of not being in charge. However, he knew better than to defy the emperor. He bowed deeply. "This subject is grateful to Your Majesty."
Another minister stepped forward, "If I may be so bold, Your Majesty, I'd like to recommend someone for the Grand Hall of Talents, not just any hall." The Emperor's interest was piqued.
"Who is this person you wish to recommend? Your words suggest they are deserving of great merit. Is it your son?" The emperor's gaze narrowed, scrutinizing the minister.
The minister shook his head. "No, Your Majesty, it is not my son, but someone from Bacain."
As soon as the word "Bacain" was uttered, the First Prince's expression turned uncomfortable, his mind racing with memories of past actions.
"I visited Bacain on one of my leaves, seeking its renowned refreshing environment.
I stayed for a while, but that evening, my family and I were ambushed by demons. However, a savior appeared," the minister recounted, his eyes distant as he relived the memory.
"This individual was exceptionally powerful, almost like an immortal. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't spoken to him myself."
Prince Eyrin's eyes snapped shut, his mind racing with a silent plea: "Please don't let it be him; I beg of you." He hoped against hope that the minister's story wasn't about the person in his mind.
The minister continued, "Grateful for my rescue, I asked for his name. I had seen his face, but not knowing his name.
The young talent smiled, spun around, and ascended to the rooftop of my highest building, saying, '"I have a name, but I couldn't bear it for years. I couldn't even say it, and I didn't want another name, so my master gave me a new one: Nameless.'
The ministers exchanged glances, intrigued by the mysterious figure.
Prince Eyrin's grip on his hands tightened, his mind seething with bitter thoughts: "Even in death, you're still known as powerful, Prince Khane."
Then Prince Eyrin's eyes flew open, and he glanced around the room, ensuring his emotions remained hidden.
"'Nameless', the name sounds empty yet exceptional," the king mused. "You found a talent like this, and you could have brought him here yourself."
The minister bowed again, "Replying to Your Majesty, I did invite him to follow me to the palace, hinting at potential rewards from the emperor.
However, he refused, stating he had grown up in Bacain since childhood. With few strong cultivators there, he chose to protect the people."
The king's expression turned skeptical.
"That's not true. The royal family has lost control of the nation. By protecting the people in Bacain, he's essentially protecting the nation in his own eyes. One day, he'll rebel and try to seize the throne. That's his true intention." Prince Eyrin thought.
Prince Eyrin's thoughts seethed with resentment. "I was feeling guilty about his death, but what's there to feel guilty about? He probably wanted to kill me and present my head to the emperor as a warning of his comeback. I despise you, Prince Khane!"
The emperor's voice cut through Prince Eyrin's thoughts: "Grand Eunuch, heed my order! Select strong imperial soldiers to deliver my decree to Nameless.
Find him wherever he is in Bacain and instruct him to come to the palace to join the Grand Hall of Talents."
The Grand Eunuch nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty."
Prince Eyrin's eyes widened as he fell to his knees, kneeling before the Emperor. "Replying to Your Majesty! You mustn't do this! Can't you see what this nameless person is implying? He's saying he needs to protect Bacain, which means he thinks Your Majesty can't!"
The emperor's voice boomed, "First Prince, Prince Eyrin, what are you saying?"
Eyrin realized his mistake and thought to himself, "What am I doing? Prince Khane is nameless, and he's dead. Why am I afraid of the dead? How foolish!"
He bowed again. "Replying to Your Majesty, I spoke out of turn. Please forgive my unruly act."
The emperor said, "Stand up and go back to where you were."
The Emperor reviewed all the reports and listened to the ministers. However, when the meeting was over, he dismissed all the ministers and told Prince Eyrin to wait.
The emperor narrowed his eyes at Eyrin as he walked towards him. Then, with a swift backhand, he delivered a resounding slap that echoed through the throne hall.
Thank you for the correction! I'll make sure to use the correct spelling of his name, "Eyrin," from now on.
So, to continue the scene:
Eyrin's cheek stung from the slap, and he struggled to comprehend why the emperor had struck him. He thought he had composed himself after his earlier outburst, but apparently the emperor saw something in him that warranted punishment.
The emperor's eyes seemed to bore into Eyrin's soul, as if searching for something. Eyrin felt a shiver run down his spine under the intense gaze.
Prince Eyrin's cheek still stung from the slap, but he looked up at his father, the emperor, with a mix of confusion and shame. "Father...?" he ventured, seeking clarification.
The emperor's expression remained stern, but his voice took on a slightly softer tone. "I have already allowed you to go on the journey to Talim State tomorrow. If not, I could have told you to kneel outside until next morning to reflect on your actions."
Eyrin's eyes widened, realizing the gravity of his mistake.
"Think for yourself for what you said, Eyrin," the emperor continued. "You'll know that the slap is not even a punishment. You're the First Prince; behave like one."