My sister is Luna

Chapter 163 Royal Palace

Jing and Yao walked down the street, which led to the palace gates at one end. The tallest building in Xuan Yong was the palace—a symbol of the monarch's supreme power.

The magnificent palace before me, with its towering walls and grand halls, is rendered in a simple, even plain, color scheme that perfectly captures its grandeur, imposing presence, solemnity, and sacredness. The black and red hues seem to tell visitors of the importance of this place, that it is not to be violated and that they should not harbor any ill intentions.

Pressure involuntarily arose in his heart. Even Yao, who was used to being relaxed and free, couldn't help but hold his breath and become solemn. The different and magnificent Xuanyong left a deep impression on him, no longer the stereotypical image of poverty and backwardness he had learned from books.

"Halt! Who goes there? State your name!"

When they reached the gate, the guards stopped them.

“Jixia Academy, Jing,” Jing said calmly.

“Jixia Academy, Yao,” Yao said, mimicking Jing’s manner.

"Please wait a moment," the soldier said, and left. Another soldier took his place, watching the brother and sister.

After a while, the soldier who had left returned.

"Identities confirmed. Here you are. These are your temporary palace passes. Keep them in a visible place, and they will let you through. Don't lose them, or the consequences will be severe."

The soldier looked at the siblings and said sternly, handing them two tokens.

"Thank you." Kagami and Yo accepted the sign and hung it around their necks.

"You can go now," the soldier nodded and stepped aside.

Jing and Yao went inside, walked up the long staircase, and stepped over each step.

The imposing soldiers stood tall and guarded each palace entrance, their piercing eyes watching those who came in or out.

Walking straight into the palace, surprisingly, it wasn't as luxurious or resplendent as I had imagined. Instead, it was simple and elegant, without feeling out of place. It was unexpected yet reasonable. The Xuanyong Palace gave people this sense of enlightenment, and this was the beauty that best suited Xuanyong.

The towering pillars support the roof beams, and a few soldiers guard the spacious hall.

The Xuanyong Palace is designed with practicality and simplicity in mind. There are far more documents than decorations inside, and useless things are discarded here.

It is profound and ancient, yet full of vitality, and its charm inspires awe.

Soon, led by Jing, the siblings arrived at the main hall of the morning court session, informed the guards of their purpose, and entered.

"Reporting, Jing Yao, a student of Jixia Academy, pays his respects!"

In the main hall, the assembled officials stood in two rows, one for civil officials and one for military officials, on either side, listening when there was nothing to do and reporting when there was something to report.

Above all the ministers was the supreme throne, where the great King Xuan Yong conducted state affairs.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," Jing and Yao bowed respectfully in unison.

"Yes, you've arrived." Ying Zheng nodded, glanced at them, then looked at the ministers standing below him and said:

"Go on, I'm listening."

"Yes, recently a vampire has violated the law. The following is about how to deal with the vampire who broke the law. I wonder what you think of this..." The minister nodded and continued.

"If someone breaks the law, they should be dealt with according to the law. Everyone, regardless of race, is equal before the law. As for ordinary offenders like this, they are not representative enough to be brought to court. Just hand them over to the Ministry of Justice. Or are you getting senile at such a young age, my wise Li Si?" Ying Zheng looked at the memorial in his hand and glanced at Li Si before speaking.

"Your Majesty, I dare not say that. However, the situation of this vampire is somewhat special. I believe we should reconsider..." Li Si said neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"Oh, what's so special about it?" Ying Zheng asked with interest, looking at the rest of the memorial.

"Upon investigation, it was discovered that the vampire was pregnant. Because pregnancy and childbirth require a lot of nutrition, but her family's economic situation was not good, they could be described as poor. At that time, she was starving. Moreover, when we went to collect evidence again, we found that the farmer had repeatedly provoked and insulted her first, and his racial discrimination was obvious. That's why she sucked the blood of his cattle and sheep until they were on the verge of death."

"I hadn't expected this. Recorder, please make a note of this for me. It can be used as a reference during the next court trial and for legal reforms, so that the law can more comprehensively protect everyone. We really need to seriously consider revising the law regarding race relations," Ying Zheng instructed the person beside him.

"If that's indeed the case, while the pregnant vampire was at fault, it's understandable given the circumstances. Damaging someone else's property is illegal. However, the farmer was the one who provoked us first, which led to this outcome. His actions were racially discriminatory, and that's also illegal..."

"Vampires are an artificial race. Many people have been forced to participate in vampire experiments. Most of them are victims. They are citizens recognized by Xuan Yong. We must make the public understand that everyone is equal before the law, and there is no distinction between races."

Ying Zheng had repeated these words to his ministers many times, yet similar incidents still occurred frequently, proving that the path of law was still long and arduous.

“This matter can be put to a public trial in court, and I will preside over the trial. At that time, some new laws will be promulgated, and the public can sign up to watch the trial. The number of places is limited, so you will be in charge of this task.”

"Yes," Li Si replied, retreating back to the group of ministers.

"next."

"Your Majesty..." another minister followed.

One went back, and another came up.

Jingyao and her brother stood there awkwardly, watching Ying Zheng busily working. They didn't know whether to move or speak, and were in a very awkward situation. Little did they know that the test had already begun the moment they entered.

Ying Zheng needed people with talent and courage. Although he admired and thought highly of them, if they were only like that, they could only be ordinary officials doing basic work at the bottom. Although this was an important part, they would not be able to get close to the core of Xuan Yong.

Yao felt depressed and frustrated. As a novice, he didn't dare to disturb the monarch who was handling these political affairs. His illusions were shattered by the monarch's quick thinking, and reality dealt him a heavy blow.

But Jing was certainly not the type to sit idly by and wait for her fate. Perhaps she had discovered Ying Zheng's intention, and after the next minister finished speaking, she quickly stepped forward and said, to Yao's surprise:

"Jixia Academy, Jing greets Your Majesty!"

"Jing, what do you want?"

“Jing has brought his younger brother Yao to participate in the ‘Chosen One’ program. I wonder what Your Majesty’s arrangements are?” Jing said calmly.

"General Meng Tian will take full responsibility for the 'Chosen One.' Meng Tian, ​​you take the siblings downstairs first. I will come over after the morning court session."

Ying Zheng spoke succinctly and directly. His eyes held a smile; he was very satisfied with the result, and even his ministers could tell he seemed to be in a good mood.

"Yes." Meng Tian, ​​a tall man standing at the forefront of the military officers, stepped forward and answered.

"Jing, Yao, come with me." With that, Meng Tian turned and walked out of the main hall.

"Let's go." Jing patted the stunned Yao and followed behind Meng Tian.

"Oh, oh." Yao snapped out of his daze and hurriedly followed behind Jing.

Just now... Sister...

I followed behind her, looking at her back in the mirror.

This was the first time Yao felt that his sister's actions just now were so...cool.

This was the first lesson Jing taught him upon entering society: you should let others discover you, rather than waiting for others to discover you.

……