After savoring the gossip about the Third Prince, Emperor Deyuan had no interest in searching for auspicious signs. He hurried back to the Golden Hall to receive his ministers' obeisance.
After dismissing the ministers, Emperor Deyuan returned to the Imperial Study.
Before the New Year's Eve banquet, Emperor Deyuan customarily gathered his trusted ministers to review the past and look ahead to the future.
Inside the Imperial Study, the ministers were giving their year-end reports.
However, none of them seemed particularly focused.
Minister of War Pei Junfei shot Minister of Works Pang Lianggong a meaningful glance: Tell me, with all those Sichuan peppercorns and garlic, was the Third Prince planning to cut off his hemorrhoids and eat them? Which part of himself was he trying to nourish?
Minister of Works Pang Lianggong: How should I know? Why don't you ask the fellow who drinks dog's milk?
The head of the Court of Imperial Stud wore a dark expression: I stopped drinking it ages ago!
Chief Minister Su Xuelin: Really? I don't believe you!
The head of the Court of Imperial Stud: "..."
Minister of Rites: You nourish the part you eat. He must be nourishing his chrysanthemum.
Pfft-
Emperor Deyuan: "..."
How did I father such a stupid son?!
Stupid and vicious!
I should give him a fief and send him packing as soon as possible.
Emperor Deyuan listened distractedly and sent someone to fetch Jian Ruonan.
After enjoying the gossip about the Third Prince, Jian Ruonan had sneaked back to the Warm Pavilion to keep playing with the princesses. Only after confirming that Emperor Deyuan had summoned her did she follow the messenger.
It was New Year's Eve, and there was little serious business to discuss. Once their reports were finished, the ministers could head to the banquet. Seeing