It was mealtime again, and Li Zhu happily rubbed her hands together, beginning to make wishes once more.
The incessant muttering in his ear finally wore Li Shengyuan’s patience thin.
“Li Zhu.”
Her wish-making interrupted, Li Zhu half-crouched. “Your servant is here.”
“Sit down and eat with me.”
Huh?
Though a pie had fallen from the sky, Li Zhu didn’t dare reach for it.
“Your servant is terrified. How could I possibly share a table with Your Majesty?”
“Enough nonsense.”
Ji An also nudged her. “Go ahead, Miss Li Zhu. Whatever His Majesty says is the rule.”
Since everyone was urging her, hehe, she would graciously accept the offer!
Li Zhu sat beside Li Shengyuan and picked up her chopsticks.
At first, she was a bit reserved, but gradually she became completely immersed in the delicious food.
Watching her eat in person, Li Shengyuan’s appetite improved considerably.
Today’s meal intake reached a new high!
Ji An smiled, his eyes crinkling. His guess had been right—Li Zhu was indeed the emperor’s perfect mealtime companion.
Li Zhu stiffly knelt down. "Thank you for Your Majesty's great kindness."
"Rise."
"Your Majesty, this servant studies at midnight. When can I…"
Before she could finish, Li Zhu realized she had overstepped.
Ji An also looked at her disapprovingly. "It is your blessing to be able to serve His Majesty, Miss Li Zhu!"
[Would you like this blessing for yourself! Midnight! Twelve o'clock in the morning!]
After appreciating Li Zhu's sorrowful wailing, Li Shengyuan leisurely said, "You may leave at yinshi."
Li Zhu calculated on her fingers – she would have to work the night shift for three more hours!
Heaven wants to destroy her!
For the sake of her own life, Li Zhu had no choice but to boldly seek benefits for herself.
"Your Majesty, if this servant leaves at yinshi, she must return to duty at yinzheng…"
Li Shengyuan nodded. "Very well, you need not be on duty every morning."
Li Zhu immediately responded, "Thank you, Your Majesty! This servant will definitely report for duty punctually at noon every day!"
Her inner voice simultaneously echoed: [Sleep for nine full hours, then get up and eat!]
Li Shengyuan felt exasperated – this person really never forgets about eating no matter the situation.
"Your Majesty, Minister of the Court of Judicial Review Xu Yi requests an audience."
A young eunuch's voice came from outside the hall.
Li Shengyuan waved his hand, and both Ji An and Li Zhu withdrew.
After a short while, Li Zhu entered again carrying tea.
Inside the room, Li Shengyuan leaned quite relaxed against the chair back, slowly counting the Jade Prayer Beads in his hand.
This posture, when assumed by Li Shengyuan, didn't appear lazy or slovenly in the slightest, but instead carried an indescribable quality.
Nor did anyone consequently develop any sense of relaxation or underestimation.
Beneath the table, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review stood bowing as he responded.
Though Xu Yi spoke in long, elaborate passages, the questions from the man in the chair remained brief.
Brief yet essential and straightforward – visibly, sweat began beading on Xu Yi's forehead.
Conversing with this emperor required formidable mental fortitude.
Li Zhu had witnessed such scenes several times already, but each time she couldn't help but marvel.
Through Li Shengyuan, she came to understand what a true emperor truly was.