The Imperial Palace, Imperial Study.
Shunchang Emperor Zhu Chongzhen was reviewing memorials.
Gao Changshi hurried in from outside the door and bowed.
"Your Majesty, there is something this old servant must report."
Without raising his head, Zhu Chongzhen continued carefully marking the memorial with the vermilion brush in his hand.
Only after a long while did he say flatly, "Speak."
Gao Changshi then recounted Lin Qing's alteration of the stakes from beginning to end. When he mentioned one jin of Millennium True Dragon Blood, he watched the Emperor's expression with particular care.
He feared that the Son of Heaven might be displeased by Lin Qing's arrogance.
Yet after hearing it, Zhu Chongzhen was not angered in the slightest. Instead, he set down his brush, threw back his head, and burst into laughter.
"What a Pacifying Sea King!"
Zhu Chongzhen slapped the desk, his eyes brimming with admiration.
"This is turning the tables on the guest. Zhu Li issued him a challenge, yet he changed the stakes and seized the initiative for himself."
"If you can produce dragon blood, he will fight you. If you cannot, then it is Zhu Li who lacks sincerity, and no one can blame him. Sharp-witted indeed!"
Gao Changshi smiled along cautiously. "Your Majesty is wise, but one jin of Millennium Flood Dragon True Blood is extraordinarily expensive. Even a millennium-old flood dragon only yields several dozen jin. Are the stakes not too great?"
"If Zhu Li cannot produce it, would this sparring match not fall through? Should word spread that the Pacifying Sea King dared not accept the challenge, it may harm his reputation."
Zhu Chongzhen lifted the teacup from the desk and slowly took a sip. The tea was warm and mellow on his tongue.
He savored it for a moment before setting down