Taishu Huan'er took a deep breath. "I want to see Father Emperor!"
The defending general was slightly taken aback, then reminded her, "If Your Highness wishes to see His Majesty, please wait until court is dismissed. The morning court is currently discussing state affairs; it should not be disturbed!"
Taishu Huan'er said, "Go announce me!"
Seeing that she had arrived drenched by the rain, the defending general hesitated for a moment. Then he beckoned to those around him, had them stop her first, and hurried up the steps himself.
Shortly afterward, a eunuch at the entrance to the hall rushed down. He spoke with Taishu Huan'er face-to-face, then quickly ran back inside.
The eunuch slipped sideways into the court hall along the edge of the doorframe, not daring to disturb the gathered ministers as they debated. He followed the wall around the corner of the hall until he reached a pillar beneath one side of the imperial throne. Shielded by the great pillar, he bowed upward.
Emperor Taishu Xiong of Jin was hearing reports from the throne. Tao Lüe, the chief palace steward standing nearby with his hands folded, glanced over and knew that the eunuch must have urgent business—otherwise, he would not have come to disturb the court so lightly. He slowly moved away from the throne and quietly descended the steps.
Once he reached the pillar, he asked in a low voice, "What is it?"
The eunuch replied softly, "The Seventh Princess has come. She is standing outside in the rain and demands to see Your Majesty."
Tao Lüe said in a deep voice, "Nonsense. The court is where state affairs are handled. Go tell the princess that morning court is in session and have her return. Whatever it is can wait until court is dismissed."
The eunuch