Hall of Diligent Governance.
Incense smoke drifted through the air, everything quiet and still.
Suddenly.
A young eunuch from the side hall hurried out, waiting beneath the Jade Steps with an audience list held on a tray.
When the chief steward looked over, the young eunuch promptly opened the booklet. The chief steward glanced sideways at it, surprise flashing across his eyes.
The Sacred Emperor was naturally not someone others could see whenever they wished, especially at a time like this.
The midday rest had ended. Everything was peaceful, beautiful, and serene.
His Majesty enjoyed sweet snacks. When busy, he read memorials; when free, he read books. His mood was often quite good.
People often picked this time specifically to come discuss "major events." Once the dust settled, there was no taking it back. If all of them were admitted, there could be several dozen people.
Thus, lists were submitted in batches every half hour, and audiences were selected according to the circumstances. As for those not selected, most had requests that were too presumptuous, so they went back where they had come from. Some came for half a month or even an entire month over this, while a few lucky fellows succeeded by relying on "persistence."
Noticing the chief steward's unusual expression, the Sacred Emperor set down his memorial.
"What is it? Who has come today?"
"Your Majesty, they are Marquis Nanshan... and Liang Qu of the Huai Dong River Conservancy Office, General Liang. General Liang says he has an urgent matter." Without hesitation, the chief steward reported the six names in order.
"Liang Qu? Wasn't he at Vast Terrace some days ago? He has come to the Imperial Capital in the blink of an eye?"
The chief steward looked toward the young eunuch.
The young eunuch had long