There was no one better than Shi Lan to handle bringing two people into the palace.
Perhaps it was Shi Lan's particular charm. During her time in the palace, she had already become familiar with quite a few guards and palace maids. Aside from the informants planted in the various residences, she was on good terms with everyone else. They might not have been important figures, but sometimes it was the little people who proved unexpectedly useful.
The moment he returned to the palace, someone from Ying Zheng's side came with word that Ying Zheng wished to speak with him in his study.
Li pondered for a moment, changed into more refined clothes, and only then followed the palace maid there.
After passing through the winding corridors, he arrived before Ying Zheng's study. He straightened his clothes, then stepped inside.
"Your son greets Father Emperor."
"Fusu, you've come." Ying Zheng stood with his back to Li, his tone even. Li quietly considered the matter. Could it be that Ying Zheng had another task for him?
"Fusu, rise first."
"Yes." Li slowly rose to his feet and asked, "Father Emperor summoned your son. Is there something you wish to instruct your son to do?"
"There is indeed something I need you to do." Ying Zheng clasped his hands behind his back, yet remained silent.
Li stood quietly and waited for Ying Zheng to speak of his own accord.
After a long while, Li sensed Ying Zheng walking toward him, until a pair of bright yellow boots entered his field of vision.
"Fusu, it seems this trip to Mechanism City truly made you much more steady-tempered. I am greatly pleased." To Li's surprise, Ying Zheng patted Fusu's shoulder. For Ying Zheng, that gesture already counted as intimacy.
Li silently considered the meaning