The veins on Wen Gongzhan’s forehead bulged, but as one of the leading civil officials, he forced his anger down to maintain his composure.
He said in a deep voice, “This subject…”
Before he could finish, Mu Qingbai’s clear voice rang from outside the hall, “Censor Mu Qingbai of the Imperial Censorate, reporting a matter!”
Wen Gongzhan’s face darkened. He turned toward Lu Tinggui, the Minister of Rites, standing nearby. Lu Tinggui slightly inclined his head, giving a subtle signal to his subordinate.
Cai Jiweng immediately stepped forward and shouted, “Your Majesty, I accuse Mu Qingbai! A Censor disturbing the court proceedings and repeatedly interrupting his superiors is a grave breach of decorum. He should be punished accordingly!”
After speaking, Cai Jiweng glanced back coldly and snorted to himself. A mere junior Censor—how dare he act so arrogantly? Did he really think the Deputy Minister of Rites was made of clay?
Yin Yunlan drew a quiet breath through her teeth. This Mu Qingbai just couldn’t stay calm for even a moment, could he? “Step back,” she said, “Minister Wen, what is it you wish to report?”
“Your Majesty,” Wen Gongzhan replied, “I have already compiled Censor Mu’s suggestions for disaster relief and presented them before the throne. The disaster is dire—I beg Your Majesty to decide swiftly!”
Yin Yunlan’s head began to ache. She glanced toward the young man outside the hall in frustration.
If she issued an edict according to that proposal, Mu Qingbai’s name would be thrust into the center of public scrutiny. The victims’ anger alone might tear him apart.
Irritated, Yin Yunlan waved her hand. “Let me consider this matter again.”
“Your Majesty!” Wen Gongzhan insisted, “This is the most comprehensive plan possible. I have thought it over many times and can find no better method. I urge Your Majesty not to hesitate.”
Yin Yunlan frowned. “I will consider it, but not now. Censor Mu Qingbai, it’s your turn to speak. Step inside the hall and present your words!”
Wen Gongzhan said nothing more. As he watched Mu Qingbai walk into the hall, a faint, cold smile appeared on his lips.
How young he was—too young. Courage without understanding was never a virtue, especially in one so inexperienced. Wen Gongzhan had already laid out the plan as the best disaster relief method. The female emperor would have no choice but to approve it under pressure.
It was a deadlock, impossible to break. From this point on, Mu Qingbai was finished. His official career—and likely his life—would end here. A perfect example to show the world: those who defied the civil officials would meet ruin.
Mu Qingbai slowly raised his hand.
Just as everyone thought he was about to bow, he lifted it higher—and, in front of all eyes, removed his Xiezhi cap (T/N: Xiezhi cap means Cap of Justice).
Yin Yunlan’s expression changed instantly. “Mu Qingbai, what is the meaning of this?”
“Clearly,” he said calmly, “this subject wishes to resign.”
He placed the cap gently on the ground.
Only then did Yin Yunlan react. She slammed her hand on the table. “Insolence! Your rank is a gift from me! How dare you resign on your own? Pick it up! Now!”
Mu Qingbai said lightly, “I am a Censor. If my advice is wrong, I should be punished for it.”
“When did I ever say you were wrong?” Yin Yunlan snapped.
“Then why does Your Majesty refuse to adopt my proposal?”
Yin Yunlan’s temper flared. “Mu Qingbai! I saw you as a straightforward official of promise, which is why I have shown tolerance toward you. Do not mistake my leniency for indulgence! You’ve impeached the officials—I let it go. You impeached the Grand General of the Nation—I let it go! What more do you want?”
Mu Qingbai met her gaze without fear. “Your Majesty, I advised on the disaster relief matter. Why have you not issued a decree to implement it?”
For a moment, Yin Yunlan was speechless. Even Wen Gongzhan stared in astonishment. The entire court froze, their eyes wide with disbelief.
Then came the murmurs—some mocking, some pitying, some gloating, some confused—but all sharing the same thought: Mu Qingbai had gone mad.
Was he seeking death? The female emperor had spared an 8th-rank official like him out of goodwill, and yet he was forcing his own destruction.
Mu Qingbai saw Yin Yunlan’s silence and said coldly, “If Your Majesty refuses my resignation, then please approve my disaster relief plan!”
Yin Yunlan was silent for a long while before asking in a low voice, “Mu Qingbai, do you understand what you’re saying?”
“Please, Your Majesty, do not evade the question,” he said firmly. “If Your Majesty fears that no one can properly carry out the plan, then I request permission to go personally to the disaster area and oversee the relief effort myself.”
The hall erupted in chaos.
The ministers looked at Mu Qingbai in disbelief. He had just sealed his own fate.
The civil officials sneered. What a fool.
Wen Gongzhan immediately stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I recommend that Censor Mu be placed in charge of overseeing all disaster relief efforts.”
Voices followed one after another.
“I second this. Please grant your approval, Your Majesty. A young and capable man like him should serve the nation. His loyalty is a blessing to both Your Majesty and the people.”
“I agree! Censor Mu is indeed a rare talent, brave enough to shoulder such responsibility!”
Another voice added mockingly, “But Censor Mu should know, if he fails, millions of victims will suffer. The consequences would be grave…”
Someone interrupted, “Nonsense! Since he dares to accept the duty, he must be ready to face it!” Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
The court buzzed with murmurs.
Yin Yunlan listened to the clamor and felt her patience thin. The Eunuch beside her quickly shouted, “Silence!”
Yin Yunlan turned to Mu Qingbai. “Are you certain you want to go?”
“Either I go, or I resign,” Mu Qingbai said without hesitation.
Yin Yunlan closed her eyes. “Do you understand what awaits you if you go?”
“What could await me?” he asked calmly.
Her heart sank. The civil officials smirked. The generals sighed in regret. Brave, yes—but too naïve. He really thought disaster relief was so simple? What a fool.
Then Mu Qingbai said, “At worst, I die alone… and save the lives of countless people.”
The hall fell silent.
“What did you say?” Yin Yunlan asked in disbelief.
“I said, it would be only me who dies, but the world would live.”
Gasps rippled through the officials.
Yin Yunlan stared into his eyes—eyes so clear they reflected only two words: fearlessness and resolve.
He wasn’t foolish. He understood everything. He knew his plan was reckless, but it could save the people. He also knew that once implemented, he would be cursed by all, perhaps even die far from home.
Yet he still volunteered.
The expressions of everyone present shifted—some doubtful, others filled with newfound respect.
No one had expected such integrity and selflessness from one so young.
For the first time, Yin Yunlan felt a pang of guilt. She had doubted his intentions, suspected him of self-interest. Yet this man—this boy—was ready to sacrifice himself for the sake of the people.
Her body trembled slightly. She had survived countless wars without flinching, confident she could turn the tides of chaos. But today, facing this thin, unyielding figure, she felt powerless.
Because how could she save someone determined to die for all?
The integrity of the scholar class took form at that moment—embodied in this young man standing alone before the throne.