Chapter 135: First Attendance at Court!

The next day, Li Yi was roused from sleep early in the morning—today was his very first day attending the morning court.

At dawn, Bingyu began bustling about for Li Yi. Though she didn't know the proper protocols, she busied herself preparing his breakfast and clothing. After he finished eating, Lady Cui arrived in a whirlwind of activity, helping Li Yi dress and inspecting his attire to ensure everything was in order. She spent a full hour coaching him on the etiquette required for court, fussing so much that she tired out the once-energetic Li Yi. Had Li Jing not arrived to urge them on, Li Yi might have fallen asleep right there.

Mounting their horses, Li Yi and Li Jing set off for the Imperial Palace.

On the road, Li Jing asked, "Yi'er, are you prepared? There will surely be people looking to make things difficult for you today."

Li Yi said nonchalantly, "There's nothing to prepare for. What's done is done; what more could they want? They are just a bunch of ridiculous people who, unable to reach the grapes, claim they are sour. Hmph!"

Li Jing replied, "Very well. As long as you know what you are doing, I will say no more. I only wish to advise you: do not go looking for trouble, but should trouble find us, we need not fear. Your grandfather still has some influence in this court!"

A warmth spread through Li Yi’s heart. Li Jing never explicitly promised to help him, yet he always silently paved the way. "Haha, Grandfather, don't you worry! They are merely a few clowns; I don't need you to step in for them!"

Before long, the grandfather and grandson reached the Chengtian Gate of the imperial palace. Many officials were already waiting, and the likes of Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Jingde hurried over as soon as they saw them.

Cheng Yaojin laughed, "Hahaha, Little Yi, why are you so late?"

Li Yi chuckled. "The way you say that, it’s as if there’s a reward for arriving early. As long as I’m not late, it’s fine!"

Cheng Yaojin gave an awkward laugh, and the surrounding officials burst into laughter. Li Jing did not intervene; he had no desire to involve himself in the "battles" between Li Yi and Cheng Yaojin—it was a fight between an old rascal and a young brat, and neither was a saint.

To everyone's surprise, Cheng Yaojin didn't bicker with Li Yi today; he actually seemed a bit ingratiating. As they bantered, it dawned on Li Yi: the man must have heard from somewhere that the Merchant Alliance was about to implement a membership card system and was likely trying to beg for one. However, since the system was still in the planning stages, he couldn't possibly give him one yet. This incident, however, made Li Yi realize that someone within the Alliance had leaked information. He would need to investigate thoroughly. In truth, he could guess that Cheng Chumuo had likely been tricked into spilling the beans by his cunning father, but an investigation was still necessary to kill the chicken to scare the monkeys. Since the "monkey" being scared was Cheng Chumuo, Li Yi felt no guilt at all.

Before long, the sound of bells and drums echoed through the Daming Palace. The morning court had begun. The Chengtian Gate opened, and the officials filed in. After the customary kowtowing, they entered the Liangyi Hall. As it was not a grand court session—typically held on the first and fifteenth of the lunar month—the location was not the Daming Hall.

Upon entering, the civil and military officials took their accustomed seats. Before the Song Dynasty, officials sat during court, which Li Yi found quite humane. However, he couldn't bring himself to be happy, as he was now confused: the Tang Dynasty’s seating arrangement was civil officials on the left and military on the right. But what about him? He held the titles of Court Consultant and General of Ningyuan, both of which were fifth-rank positions. Where was he supposed to sit? With the civil officials or the military?

A young eunuch approached, likely aware it was Li Yi's first day, and offered to guide him. The eunuch was quite sensible, giving Li Yi a choice: a spot among the civil officials or one among the military. Li Yi rolled his eyes—that was hardly a choice at all. He glanced at both sections and made an instant decision. The civil officials' seats were closer to the front, which carried more prestige, and were closer to the center, making it easier to observe Emperor Li Er’s expressions. As for the military section, it was too secluded; he feared that if he sat there, Li Er might not even notice him.

Having decided, Li Yi thanked the eunuch and headed straight for the military side without hesitation. Whoever wanted the civil side could have it; he was here to sleep, and the military side suited his needs perfectly.

Once Li Yi was seated, Li Er entered. After the rituals were performed, the policy discussions began. They summarized past experiences, debated current work, and envisioned a bright future. A group of people surrounded Li Er, spitting enthusiastically, but Li Yi didn't understand a word of it.

As he listened, he drifted off into a deep sleep. Li Er, sitting at the head, had been watching Li Yi. Initially, seeing him listening intently, he had smiled with satisfaction, but soon he noticed Li Yi had fallen asleep. Li Er was furious—how could this boy be so lazy? But as they were in session, he couldn't call him out. Ultimately, he could only smile helplessly and focus his attention back on the court.

Li Yi didn't know how long he slept. He vaguely heard mentions of the "Merchant Alliance" and "charity," thinking he was dreaming, until he was nudged awake. Still dazed, he didn't say anything foolish, merely looking at the person who woke him with innocent, wide eyes. The general beside him, perhaps never having seen someone so daring as to sleep during court, gestured for him to look ahead. Li Yi looked and immediately sobered up: Li Er was staring at him with a murderous expression.

Li Er said, "Court Consultant Li Wenyong, step forward and answer for yourself!"

Li Yi hurriedly walked to the center. Before he could speak, an official stepped out from the civil ranks, pointing at Li Yi. "Your Majesty, I implore Your Majesty to punish Li Wenyong for his great disrespect. As a fifth-rank official, to fall into a deep sleep during court proceedings is an egregious crime. He should be beheaded to uphold the law!"

Li Yi glared at the middle-aged man accusing him. Judging by his attire, he was of a similar rank, yet he seemed to harbor such deep-seated hatred, constantly calling for his execution. Where did this guy come from? Did he not know who he was?

Li Yi looked at the idiot in silence, then bowed to Li Er and said unhurriedly, "Your Majesty, your nephew—oh, I mean, this minister—has something to say."

Li Er said with interest, "Speak."

"As you command!" Li Yi turned and smiled gently at the official who had accused him. "May I ask, sir, what is your name and what position do you hold?"

The official smiled haughtily. "I am the Grand Master of Remonstrance, Zhao Wuyan, of the fourth rank."

Li Yi felt helpless. Where did this piece of work come from? A fourth-rank official being this arrogant—those who didn't know better would think he was a second-rank official.

Li Yi said, "So it is Master Zhao. May I ask, Master Zhao..." Li Yi suddenly raised his voice. "Who gave you the gall to roar in the imperial court? Setting aside whether or not I was sleeping, even if I were, you only have the right to offer advice, not the authority to pass judgment. Yet you speak only of execution. Do you think you can make decisions for His Majesty? Or do you believe His Majesty is incapable of knowing how to deal with me and requires your instruction?"

As soon as Li Yi finished, Master Zhao turned deathly pale and hurried to kowtow and beg for mercy.

Li Yi continued to address Li Er: "Your Majesty, this is my first time attending court, and I am unfamiliar with the etiquette. I was listening so intently and became so absorbed that I lost focus. I will not make excuses; losing focus is losing focus. I am willing to accept punishment; there is no need to spare me just because I am young!"

The officials were speechless. How could this man be so shameless? "Lost focus"? "Will not make excuses"? And then he kept mentioning his youth and being a first-timer? This man was truly a rogue.

Li Er looked at the solemn-faced Li Yi and smiled helplessly. "Very well. Master Zhao spoke without thinking, so I will not reprimand him further; next time, be more careful. As for what Minister Li said, it is the truth. Given your youth and this being your first time, I will not punish you further. You are fined one month's salary; do not let it happen again."

After Li Er finished, Li Yi and Master Zhao hurriedly thanked him. The other officials were dumbfounded. To sleep in court was a grave offense, yet the punishment was just a fine? Did Li Wenyong even care about that pittance? What was the difference between this and no punishment at all?