Chapter 837

Seeing the eager look on the face of his clearly ready-to-slap-him brother-in-law, Watching Watching Qiaoshuya instinctively shrank back, his hand slapping the armrest twice to brush away nonexistent dust.

Better not…

It's not that I'm scared—I just aren't on the same side as this female councilor. She opposes the Replacement Order; I want it passed. Why would I blindly support her?

Besides, I'm a prince, even future king, and dozens of councilors are watching. If I get slapped to tears at such a crucial moment, how will I ever command respect after ascending the throne?

So… consider yourself lucky. For now, the greater good comes first—I'll let you off this time!

Glaring fiercely… then sneaking a glance at Li Ang, the freckled prince, deprived of his uncle's support, lowered his head and began picking at his nails.

"Your Highness?!"

When Watching Watching Qiaoshuya had "slammed his fist on the table," the middle-aged female councilor had thought he was about to stand up and speak out, rebuking the presiding officer for his misconduct—her heavily made-up face lit up with delight.

But instead, Watching Watching Qiaoshuya had slapped the armrest, glared, and posed as if ready to uphold justice—yet he merely put on a show, then said not a single word. The middle-aged councilor finally snapped, shouting in shock and fury:

"Prince Watching Watching Qiaoshuya!

Your role here, representing the royal family, is to supervise the council on behalf of His Majesty the King—to prevent people like him from acting recklessly! If you don't speak up now, where is the royal family's dignity?"

"…"

That's right!!!

Hearing the middle-aged councilor's words, the freckled prince suddenly snapped to attention—if he didn't speak up now, if he appeared afraid of the man, it would shame the royal family and deliver a fatal blow to his personal prestige!

But the thought had barely surfaced when, like a cigarette butt dropped into a river, it was instantly drowned by Li Ang's slightly delighted expression.

Let the blow come—it's nothing I can't take. Besides, judging by his expression, he's clearly waiting for me to take the bait!

If I ignore this, I'll only lose face. But if I step in, I'll get slapped first, then humiliated even worse.

If my face is doomed either way, why would I walk straight into getting beaten? That's not just foolish—that's pure madness.

…

"It seems Prince Watching Watching Qiaoshuya also approves of my temporary proposal."

Standing on the main stage for ages, watching the middle-aged councilor scream to no avail while Prince Watching Watching Qiaoshuya sat motionless, head down, picking at his fingers, Li Ang sighed in disappointment, then turned and waved to the crowd below.

"Two guards—she's no longer a senator. She has no right to remain here… take her out!"

"You?! I dare you to try!"

Seeing two guards approaching to drag her away, the middle-aged councilor flew into a rage, gripping the podium with both hands and shrieking hysterically:

"I am a count of the kingdom! My family has held senatorial seats for two hundred years! You have no right to strip me of my position! And you two—damn you! Don't touch me! Get off!"

Unaccustomed to such an unusual situation, the two guards were momentarily flustered by the councilor's tantrum.

She was clinging to the podium—yanking her loose would be difficult. She was no longer a senator, but still a noble. Could they really knock her unconscious?

The two guards tried pulling once—ripping a large tear in her gown, exposing her shoulder—and immediately stopped, helpless, turning to Li Ang for guidance.

What… you can't even handle this? You need me to teach you?

Noticing the guards' pleading glances, Li Ang shook his head in disbelief, then pulled a rope from his pocket and handed it to them.

"???"

"Still don't get it?"

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Seeing the confused guards, Li Ang sighed again, pointing at the middle-aged councilor clinging to the single podium and screaming:

"She's holding onto the podium? Tie her to it. Then carry them both out together."

Of course!

With Li Ang's instruction, the two guards suddenly understood. They tied the middle-aged councilor to the podium with the rope and carried them both out together.

Without the podium, Li Ang wasn't fazed. He picked up the fallen documents, grabbed his small silver hammer and golden bell, and walked back toward the raised dais where the royal seat stood.

"Move over!"

Shoving the trembling, furious freckled prince aside to clear most of the seat, Li Ang dumped his pile of documents onto the wide Wang Zuo, then, before the horrified stares of countless councilors, raised the hammer and struck the golden bell twice, calling out:

"Come on, let's keep the meeting going!"

"…"

Wait, are we turning this into a marketplace now?

Facing Li Ang's cheerful invitation, seeing the freckled prince—face ashen, trembling, yet too cowardly to speak up—the councilors below finally lost all composure.

You waved your left hand, then your right, and declared two-thirds approval. Watching Watching Qiaoshuya's spineless and won't stand up to you. So now, isn't the Upper Council just your personal dictatorship?

Anyone who opposes you gets fired on the spot, tied up like a pig and dragged out. Who dares challenge you now? Just vote for whatever you want yourself and declare it passed—why even bother dragging us into this?

"Your Excellency, the Presiding Officer!"

Facing Li Ang's tyrannical conduct, an elderly councilor with white hair stood, sneering:

"This session of the Upper Council will surely be recorded in the kingdom's history! Whether the Replacement Order or expanded suffrage—decide what passes yourself. We won't be staying."

"Mm-hmm. Don't see us off."

Li Ang wasn't angered by the mockery. Instead, he glanced around politely and suggested:

"Are there others here who, like him, oppose the Replacement Order and expanded suffrage? If so, you may leave together."

"Don't worry—I won't strip you of your seats. The council is meant for free speech. Leave if you wish. I won't retaliate."

"Since Your Excellency the Presiding Officer says so, we won't stay either."

Hearing Li Ang's words, another councilor rose and walked toward the exit.

One after another, councilors stood, faces dark, leaving early. Occasional low curses could be heard.

"Absurd!"

"Don't think being a duke gives you license to act like this! Your Majesty will never tolerate this!"

"This isn't over!"

Fingertips brushing the horns of Heishanyang, watching one by one councilors—souls streaked black and purple—exit through the doors, Li Ang gazed at the now much cleaner soul-layer of the council chamber and smiled contentedly, eyes half-closed.

"Everyone!"

After most of the opposition members had left, Li Ang struck the small golden bell with his gavel and, looking slightly embarrassed, reflected:

"I never expected so many people to oppose me. It seems I am indeed unsuited to be this Speaker. I feel truly ashamed..."

"Very well, I hereby declare a temporary recess. Please remain where you are and do not wander about. Prince Watching Watching Qiaoshuya and I will go to the Royal Palace to invite back someone qualified to preside over this council!"