The Tyrant's Sickly Consort Refuses to Die novel · Chapter 21 of 24

Chapter 21: The Audit

Xiao Jue had promised to sit and say nothing, and it was the hardest thing he had ever done on a throne.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony was full.

Every minister of the first to fourth rank stood in his rows.

Behind them stood the northern soldiers in their dust-grey coats, because the Emperor had told them to come.

In the great courtyard outside, a hundred and sixty burned sacks were laid out in lines on the stone, each with a red northern seal.

The Empress Dowager sat in her chair at the foot of the dais.

The Prime Minister stood at the front of the officials, with his calm face, and said nothing at all.

At the Emperor's left stood a thin man in plain grey, holding a bundle of bamboo slips.

"The Noble Consort will present the audit," said the Minister of Justice.

Su Ming stepped forward and bowed.

He did not look at the throne, and Xiao Jue was glad, because he did not trust his own face.

"Three matters," said Su Ming. His voice was low, but the hall was so quiet that it reached the doors.

"The grain, the money, and the hand."

He held up the first slip.

"The northern army was owed sixty-two thousand shi of relief grain this year. It received thirty-one thousand."

"The ministry's ledger says the rest was delivered. These tally sticks say who delivered it."

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