2746 Even More Unlucky
The red-faced, brandy-nosed old man seethed with anger.
/This stubborn Old Fourth was as unyielding as an ox. What could be done if he was dead set on thrashing someone up?/
"State Preceptor, what are your thoughts?" The Sixth Elder abruptly turned towards the taciturn State Preceptor, His Excellency.
"With the Council of Elders currently deadlocked at three members on each side, does the State Preceptor have any insightful suggestions?"
A spark ignited in the Fourth Elder's eyes as he earnestly nodded, "Indeed! State Preceptor, your wealth of experience and knowledge would surely offer valuable insights."
State Preceptor: ?
/Why was this blazing turmoil once again singling him out for no apparent reason?/
/Wasn't it better for him to simply enjoy his wine in peace on the sidelines?/
The State Preceptor cleared his throat delicately, lifting his gaze with a faint smile. "I am cautious about intervening extensively in the matters of the Council of Elders. The optimal approach, in my view, is to await the return of your Senior Elder Kongyin."
A collective exchange of perplexed glances rippled through the room.
/State Preceptor the Magnificent, you can't be serious, can you?/
/Wait until Senior Elder Kongyin makes a reappearance to oversee the abbot incident? How long might that take? A very long time, it seemed./
It was common knowledge that Senior Elder Kongyin had vanished into thin air for an indeterminate number of years, leaving no trace of his whereabouts.
The State Preceptor gave a nod and added, "Absolutely. The predicament involving the Council of Elders should ultimately be settled by the Chief Senior Elder himself. It's only reasonable."
The sentiment resonated, and everyone silently nodded while exchanging knowing looks.
"Are we then to simply endure this state of limbo?" The Fourth Elder badgered the State Preceptor.
The State Preceptor's words held substantial merit. Undoubtedly, the Council of Elders' verdict necessitated the approval of the Senior Elder.
Nonetheless, envisaging Senior Elder Kongyin's return to make the determination, it struck him that this might be a more formidable task than directly appraising the young lady in question.
/Was it plausible that until Senior Elder Kongyin resurfaced, the Council of Elders remained incapable of bringing the case to a conclusion? Was this an implicit affirmation of the young lady's identity as the Crown Prince Consort?/
Chen Baojia, Zhongli Zhiwei, and others present nearly struggled to contain their inward amusement.
In the grand scheme of things, the prospective Crown Prince Consort and the current Crown Prince Consort seemed to be confronted with even more unfortunate circumstances.
/Waiting indefinitely for Senior Elder Kongyin's return to substantiate their statuses—how ironic!/
/How long would that stretch on for, one could only speculate?/
Perhaps accepting Fourth Elder's decision and obtaining the Council of Elders' validation earlier might have been a wiser path.
/By assuming responsibility for the assessment herself, she would have deflated the Council of Elders' haughty attitudes, preempting their condescension with a nonchalant "Not just anyone can judge me." Everything seemed so smooth now. All she needed to do was await Senior Elder Kongyin./
The prospect of waiting until the Chief Senior Elder's reappearance within her lifetime seemed almost plausible.
A subtle smile played across Zhongli Zhiwei's lips.
Collectively, they appeared to be smirking and chuckling at Miss Qiao.
Qiao Mu lifted her gaze, studying the State Preceptor with a discerning eye.
While his countenance bore an air of dispassion, accompanied by a faint smile, a sense of disquiet lingered beneath the surface.
/The State Preceptor's rhetoric bore the semblance of impartiality and transparency. It seemed utterly unobjectionable./
However, the final outcome gravitated entirely in a direction unfavorable to Qiaoqiao.
It wasn't overtly apparent that he was singling out Qiaoqiao, yet an undertone of benevolence towards her was conspicuously absent in the State Preceptor's demeanor.
Just as Qiao Mu was assessing the State Preceptor, he effortlessly turned around, a masterful smile gracing his features. It was an unadulterated and tender expression, granting her an open invitation to scrutinize him.
/How peculiar!/
Qiao Mu withdrew her gaze with a touch of irritation. A fleeting spark of insight darted across her mind, slipping through her fingers before she could seize it.
Mo Liusheng's countenance darkened, his expression tense. "We have reached a decision to reconfigure the arrangements for the wedding banquet."
"Your Majesty, I implore you to reconsider!"
