The importance of the right to speak now reveals itself in all its intensity within the Temple Hall. When the military officials spoke, the civil servants could still mount a sharp retort, but it was obvious their vigor was not what it once was. When the Emperor finally opened his mouth, the civil officials tried several times to argue, only to be cut off by his cold, stern gaze. In the end, they could only kneel, with no room left for resistance.
If the Emperor were the one at a disadvantage, today's court would be a completely different scene—but there is no such 'if'.
