Late at night.
In the imperial palace's study.
Flickering candlelight shone through the window lattice, faintly illuminating the edges of the sill.
Creak-
The study door swung open, its worn hinges groaning after years without refurbishment.
Then a graceful figure stepped over the threshold and entered.
It was Shen Mengyun, dressed in an exquisite gown whose hem trailed over the smooth, spotless floor, a rosewood tray in her hands.
"Your Majesty, it is so late. You should retire!" Shen Mengyun set the rosewood tray on the octagonal table, her voice gentle.
As she spoke, she opened the food box and lifted out a bowl of eight-treasure lotus seed porridge, cooled to just the right temperature.
Then she noticed Ji Minghao studying the memorial in his hands, his brows tightly knitted.
Her gaze skimmed the words on the memorial, immediately catching on the phrase "northern barbarians."
Then her attention shifted to the lettering on a booklet Ji Minghao had placed beside him on the desk.
[From Luoshui County to Top Scholar]
Luoshui County?! A thought flashed through Shen Mengyun's mind.
Just then, Ji Minghao lifted his eyes slightly and noticed her gaze. He looked up at her with a faint smile, then rose, walked around the desk, and came over to the table.
"Thank you for the trouble! Bringing me supper at such a late hour!" He embraced Shen Mengyun, gently resting his head against her shoulder and patting her back.
"You are the one working hard, Your Majesty! What I do is nothing!" Shen Mengyun said softly, visibly moved.
"Go back to your room and sleep first. I have two more memorials to review, concerning matters for tomorrow's court session. Once I finish, I'll come to your room!" Ji Minghao said.
"Then I shall await you, Your Majesty!" Shen Mengyun