The incense in the Golden Throne Hall was different from that in the bedchamber of the Eastern Palace. It was lighter, with a faint lotus fragrance that smelled fresh and invigorating.
This was not Shen Yangge's first time smelling it, but it relaxed him every time.
The ministers stood straight, not daring to let their eyes wander. At Chu Xuanzhen's words, "Report any matters you have; otherwise, court is dismissed," several men in crimson robes at the front lifted their hems and dropped heavily to their knees with a thud.
They were close enough that Shen Yangge could clearly hear their knees strike the floor, the sound heavy and dull.
After kneeling like that, they probably would not be able to walk the next morning.
That really had to hurt!
Shen Yangge withdrew his gaze, lowered his eyes, and kept his mind still.
"What matters do you gentlemen have?"
Shen Yangge could hear the impatience in Chu Xuanzhen's voice. Whether anyone else heard it, he could not say. After sneaking a glance around and finding all the ministers looking perfectly solemn, he assumed they had not.
"Your Highness, please-as soon as possible..."
"Make your decision!"
"Your Highness, please..."
More and more people knelt, until once again only Shen Yangge remained standing in the Golden Throne Hall, staring blankly at Chu Xuanzhen.
Someone tugged his clothes. Shen Yangge glanced down, avoided a certain someone's gaze, lifted his hem, and slowly knelt as well.
"Your Highness, please make your decision as soon as possible."
The moment he spoke, everyone around him fell silent, as if they had arranged it beforehand. Thus, every word reached Chu Xuanzhen's ears loud and clear.
Chu Xuanzhen, who had been expressionless, suddenly rose and flung a memorial in front of Shen Yangge with a sinister look.
Shen