The civil officials, snapping out of their shock, erupted into chaos. Some were gasping, some were clutching their pearls (or jade beads), and a few of the older ministers were visibly leaning on each other for physical support.
"Silence!" the Emperor commanded, slamming his hand down on the armrest of the Dragon Throne.
The hall instantly quieted, though the Prime Minister was still hyperventilating, his face flushed a deep, dangerous crimson.
The Emperor leaned forward, his eyes practically sparkling with the kind of intense, unfiltered curiosity usually reserved for palace gossip, not high treason trials.
"General seera," the Emperor said, stroking his beard to hide his growing amusement. "This is a very heavy, very specific accusation against the highest official of my court. Are you simply trying to insult him, or do you have a reason for bringing this... personal matter to the throne?"
