Late at night.
In the Imperial Palace's study.
The leaping candlelight shone through the window lattice, faintly illuminating the edges of the windowsill.
Creak—
The study's doors were pushed open, their neglected hinges groaning with age.
Then, a graceful figure crossed the threshold and entered the study.
The visitor was none other than Shen Mengyun. She wore an extravagant long dress whose hem dragged across the smooth, spotless floor, and carried a red sandalwood tray in her hands.
"Your Majesty, it's already so late. You should retire for the night!" Shen Mengyun placed the red sandalwood tray on the octagonal table and spoke in a gentle tone.
As she spoke, she opened the Food Box and lifted out the Eight-Treasure Lotus Seed Porridge, which was at just the right temperature.
Then she saw Ji Minghao staring at the memorial in his hands, his brows tightly furrowed.
Her eyes swept over the writing on the memorial, instantly drawn to the words "Northern Barbarians."
Then her gaze was caught by the words on a book Ji Minghao had placed beside the desk.
[From Luoshui County to Top Scholar]
"Luoshui County?!" The thought flashed through Shen Mengyun's mind.
At that moment, Ji Minghao slightly raised his eyes and noticed her gaze. He then looked up, gave her a faint smile, rose, and walked around the desk to her.
"You've worked hard! You came all this way to bring me supper so late at night!" He embraced Shen Mengyun, gently resting his head against her shoulder and patting her back softly.
"Your Majesty is the one who has worked hard! This little effort of mine is nothing!" Shen Mengyun spoke softly, her expression somewhat moved.
"Go back to your room and sleep first. Once I finish reviewing the last two memorials and approve everything