A middle-aged uncle nearby began to clap.

The applause from various parts enveloped Yang Ming like waves, and projections of petals dancing around appeared inside the hall.

The Old Emperor slowly stood up from his throne, clapping with a smile.

Yang Ming couldn't help but feel slight ripples in his heart.

Unfortunately, none of this was enjoyable for him.

A maid bowed and gestured him to follow; Yang Ming walked along the red carpet.

Nobles, with genuine and enthusiastic smiles, especially the young girls brought by their parents to today's banquet, stared intently at the handsome face of "Hanton, the Honorary Earl."

He walked dozens of steps forward until he reached the throne.

The clapping inside the hall gradually ceased, and the nobles moved forward, gathering behind Yang Ming.

Yang Ming had received the script from the court etiquette officer the previous night and now had to recite it emotionally.

"Your Majesty, I have fulfilled my mission, traveled within the Empire for three hundred and seventy-five days, inspected the corrupt nobles, promoted Your Majesty's majesty, and cared for the people's livelihood!

"Now, the customs of the nobles within the Empire have generally been rectified, and the phenomenon of oppressing the people has been greatly reduced!

"The people everywhere are grateful for Your Majesty's magnanimous benevolence and extol Your Majesty's great character..."

"Enough."

The Old Emperor chuckled and waved his hand:

"Let's skip the clichés; they don't disgust you in saying them, but they disgust me in hearing them.

"Let's all be seated, pause the music, get my Imperial Guard Knight a microphone, and today let's properly discuss about those audacious nobles you encountered on the road, how they obstructed law enforcement!

"I heard that they even mobilized fleets to confront you?"

Yang Ming gave a sheepish smile, and the attending nobles quickly bowed and swiftly returned to their positions, filling the surroundings of several oval tables.

Several maids brought over a long table for six and placed it in front of Yang Ming, and also moved a chair for him to the center line of the grand hall, right opposite the Emperor.

This position made Yang Ming somewhat more cautious.

As the maids left, he actively moved the chair to the side of the long table, sitting not directly facing the Emperor.

The Old Emperor smiled with squinted eyes, walked down from the throne, and sat at the main seat of the table.

As the maids began to bring in delicate and delicious dishes, Yang Ming found a rather good timing to start his complaints:

"Your Majesty, the journey was indeed very perilous.

"According to incomplete statistics, my team and I encountered thirty-nine poisonings, twelve assassination attempts by professional assassins, and incidentally aided several local security offices in catching a bunch of criminal gang members.

"As for the noble private fleets, there were actually only four instances, merely a few Earls with fiefs unwilling to admit their crimes, trying to intimidate us.

"Each time, before they could fire, I had already broken through their flagship, successfully avoiding a potential interstellar network sensation of the Imperial Nobles declaring war against official forces.

"Moreover, Your Majesty can rest assured, when capturing their flagships, we did not use lethal force on the ordinary soldiers; we merely knocked them unconscious, as they were merely following orders, after all."

"Who would have thought they'd really be so bold!"

The Old Emperor sighed softly:

"Thankfully, you were in charge. You already possess the ability to confront small fleets, otherwise, I would have had to wage a major war against them to clean up those pests!"

The hall filled with nobles fell silent.

Yang Ming naturally understood the Old Emperor's intention to chastise the assembled nobles and responded with a smile, "Your Majesty, has Emperor Star been stable this year?"

The Old Emperor took a piece of candied fruit and placed it in his mouth, speaking slowly:

"The position of Great Elder remains undecided, always surrounded by a group of old nobles buzzing in my ears.

"However, the Elder Court has now become sensible, having passed several bills recently, granting me, the Emperor, the power of emergency judgment.

"Quite ironic, actually.

"Power was originally bestowed by the Emperor, and yet it turns around to restrict the Emperor. If I wish to do something, can the Elder Court really stop me?"

Yang Ming: It's not like it's the time you were forced out of power, right?

Of course, this was not the occasion to say such words.

Yang Ming smiled and said, "Actually, this is just a formality, to show the Empire's respect for the noble class and the civilians. Once your orders are issued, the elders will certainly scurry to execute them, no one dares defy Your Majesty's will."

"Scramble, hahaha! Cough, cough, cough!"

The Old Emperor nearly choked, and a maid hurriedly came forward to gently pat his back.

The Emperor laughed and scolded: "There are quite a few Elders sitting nearby, watch what you say!"

Yang Ming looked around; although some of the elderly were a bit embarrassed, they all managed to smile.

The Emperor asked, "During your time outside, did you encounter any interesting events? Today let's not discuss serious matters, but rather more amusing stories."

Yang Ming nodded with a smile. With well-prepared knowledge, he started discussing the customs of the "North and South of the Galactic Empire."

The atmosphere of the banquet quickly became relaxed and lively.

The Emperor smiled as he chatted with Yang Ming, and the nobles also started small social gatherings at their tables.

Many young girls took the opportunity to touch up their makeup, adjust their appearances, waiting for the climax of the dance party tonight, hoping to receive an invitation from the young man dining with the Emperor.

As evening fell, the banquet in the Imperial Palace drew to a close, and luxury hover cars left the palace gates.

Naturally, Yang Ming did not let any noblewoman succeed in her aims.

He stayed close to the Emperor throughout or chatted with newly influential elders at the Emperor's behest.

While in the Emperor's presence, Yang Ming didn't leave contact information for anyone, and his conversations with the elders were slightly perfunctory.

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