2745 Persevering to Court Disaster...



"If you lack comprehension of the situation, I implore you to abstain from capriciously intervening in the affairs of the young couple's marriage," admonished the Second Elder, his tone sharp. "Moreover, were you all not present to witness the recent occurrence?"

"Directly from the Dean of the Imperial Academy, an invitation letter has been dispatched to the young crown prince consort."

"Who else, apart from the Crown Prince Consort, can boast of such an honor?"

Second Elder's gaze pierced Fourth Elder and the remaining members, a silent expectation hanging in the air. He continued nonchalantly, "Very well, let us commence another round of voting. All those who support the union of His Highness the Crown Prince with Miss Qiao, kindly raise your hand."

Second Elder and Third Elder concurrently raised their hands. Observing the perplexed expressions and faltering pride of the other four, they swiftly moved towards the Fifth Elder, coercing his arm upwards!

Everyone present: …

/Had they not personally borne witness to it, the incredulity would have been insurmountable!/

/The judicious and meticulous decision-making process of the Council of Elders had descended into such a state of haphazardness and farce!/

It was a spectacle that defied belief.

Fifth Elder himself felt as though he had lost his senses.

His inclination had always been to mediate and maintain a stance of neutrality. Yet, Second Elder was compelling him onto a perilous course, akin to embarking on a reckless adventure!

If Fourth Elder's dagger-like glare could inflict wounds, he would have been countless times over.

/A sigh—just contemplating it led to an overwhelming sense of despondency./

/How had this turned into his culpability?/

/Was this truly his transgression?/

Fourth Elder seethed with anger. Just as Second Elder and the other two lowered their arms, he thundered, "Raise your hand if you dissent from the union of the Crown Prince with Miss Qiao!"

Fourth Elder, Sixth Elder, and Seventh Elder synchronized in raising their hands.

With an air of disdain, Fourth Elder even fixed his gaze upon his elder sibling, Second Elder. "Second Elder, Third Elder, it would be imprudent to presume that Miss Qiao's suitability as the esteemed Crown Prince Consort is established solely due to an invitation letter from Dean Yun of the Imperial Academy!"

"Allow me to reiterate my stance. For Miss Qiao to rightfully ascend to the position of Crown Prince Consort, a rigorous assessment remains essential."

Zhongli Zhiwei clandestinely offered a resounding applause to Fourth Elder's eloquent articulation. She perceived his words to be remarkably logical.

/Who stipulated that an invitation letter held the ultimate significance?/

/Perhaps Qiao Mu's situation was merely a stroke of luck!/

Second Elder regarded the quartet of elders across the chamber with a gaze of incredulity, as if they were trifles. He raised his voice, "Must you three persist in causing commotion incessantly?"

Fourth Elder directed a reproachful stare at Second Elder, conveying an expression that seemed to say, "Second Brother, how dare you admonish us in such a manner." He continued with conviction, "Second Brother, while it's true that you and Third Brother typically oversee the affairs of this Council of Elders, we too possess the authority to render decisions!"

"Indeed!"

"Absolutely!!"

The Sixth Elder, Seventh Elder, and Fourth Elder nodded in unison as they declared, "We wield decision-making authority as well!"

"Second Brother, Third Brother, we implore you to exercise open-mindedness and prudence!"

"Quite right. They've even co-opted Fifth Brother and embarked upon this metaphorical pirate ship together!"

"Your actions are a disservice to His Highness the Crown Prince!"

The six elders began to roll up their sleeves, on the brink of a potential altercation within the main hall.

The Emperor's eyelid twitched, and he swiftly interjected, "Ladies and gentlemen, let us regain our composure!"

The elderly man with a ruddy nose inhaled deeply, fixing an intent gaze upon Fourth Elder Dao. He spoke with sincerity and a heartfelt tone, "Old Fourth, I am acting with your best interests in mind!"

/Internal struggles are futile. Once you're cornered, no one can extricate you from the predicament./

"Tell me, what motivates your attachment to the young couple?"

"At present, we stand at an impasse with three in favor and three against," Fourth Elder stated, his countenance clouding over. "I reiterate my stance: Miss Qiao must undergo the test."