Emperor Deyuan wore his brand-new dragon robes and sat on the dragon throne in the Golden Hall, waiting for his ministers to offer birthday greetings.
After waiting for ages, only a handful of insignificant minor officials had arrived.
Emperor Deyuan asked, "Where is everyone?"
Cao Degui replied, "Your Majesty, this servant will ask at once."
He summoned a young eunuch and questioned him, only to discover that everyone was blocking the official road, feasting on gossip!
Emperor Deyuan: "..."
He knew there would be a crowd today, and the little darling would stuff herself full of gossip, but couldn't she at least wait until she entered the palace? Why had she started feasting on the road?
What juicy gossip had they been enjoying?
Wei Liren of the Embroidered Uniform Guard reported, "Your Majesty, this is old gossip-the son of the Chief Censor wanted to flee his arranged marriage after being seduced by the son of the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, who was disguised as a woman."
Emperor Deyuan said, "Old gossip? Old gossip has a rich, mellow flavor! Hurry, give me the details!"
Wei Liren recounted how Lu Yuanying had disguised himself as a man to become the star courtesan at the Green House and gotten together with Qu Huacan.
"He dressed as a woman and even won the title of star courtesan?" Emperor Deyuan was delighted. "No wonder the general personally went to the Green House to investigate last time! Summon him to the palace another day. I want to see him for myself!"
Because of his position, Emperor Deyuan had missed out on a great deal of gossip. He had simply ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to establish an Intelligence Department dedicated to staying close to Jian Ruonan, enjoying the gossip, and reporting it back