The tightly shut doors of the Diligent Governance Hall opened.
The two ministers inside let out a short breath as Little Dongzi immediately led the palace attendants in to refill their tea.
Lu Juan, seated to the right, looked utterly exhausted. The crease between his brows was etched deep, and heavy, dark circles hung under his eyes—a clear sign of his recent toil.
He glanced over at Duan Mingfeng beside him.
The head of the Imperial City Envoy seemed to be in surprisingly good spirits, though with Duan Mingfeng's naturally dark complexion and perpetual, gloomy scowl, it was hard to tell for sure.
Lu Juan's gaze shifted to the Emperor on the dais. Emperor Wu Su was bent over a memorial, studying it intently.
He hadn't rested since returning from his secret visit to the Prime Minister's Mansion, yet his face showed no sign of fatigue.
He hadn't been able to hold morning court today, so he had summoned his ministers to the Diligent Governance Hall instead.
