Hall of Mental Cultivation.
The Retired Emperor, his beard and hair entirely white, sat upright in the center. The Empress Dowager and Emperor Guangde sat on either side of him, while the Imperial Concubine and Prince Zhongshun occupied the seats beyond them.
These five were spread out like a goose's wings, occupying the seats of honor to the north. Between the pillars on either side hung countless Beaded Curtains, and behind them, shadowy figures shifted—who knew how many consorts and palace maids were hidden there?
It had to be said that sometimes, senses that were too sharp were no blessing.
For instance, right now Sun Shaozong could feel pair after pair of ravenous eyes peering at him through those Beaded Curtains—among them, several gazes had lingered between his legs for quite some time!
It was hardly surprising. The Emperor and the Retired Emperor were older than the next, and who knew how long it had been since the women of the palace had seen a vigorous, virile man? Now that they were hidden behind Beaded Curtains, safe from being seen, naturally they stared for all they were worth!
It would have been one thing if the women behind the curtains were young and beautiful consorts. But if they all looked like the Empress Dowager, with crane-white hair and chicken skin...
At the mere thought of that possibility, Sun Shaozong felt as though thorns were prickling his back!
Fortunately, he had long been accustomed to giving reports and speeches. No matter how uneasy he was inside, his expression remained perfectly composed as he recounted the Heavenly Dog Devouring Heart case in detail.
The Retired Emperor listened intently, occasionally opening his mouth to ask further questions. The Imperial Concubine and Prince Zhongshun also raised a few questions from time to time. Only