Huahua burst out laughing. "The imperial family really does have a rebellious streak! Make a collector's edition, and wouldn't that drive the old emperor to his death?"
Jiang Shuyue said, "I heard the Jin Kingdom has a custom of making ornaments out of bones and hair. If we make ornaments out of the courtesan queen's and the second-in-command's beards, they might actually love them!"
Huahua said, "Great idea! Find a way to get your husband to do it. I think he's even more vicious. He could probably infuriate the Jin Kingdom's emperor to death on the spot!"
Zhou Yunshen, who was eavesdropping from the side room, fell silent.
Was this really how his "son" saw him? That couldn't be right!
Ever since they had met, he had performed admirably.
Even if he hadn't cut a towering, noble figure, surely he should at least have seemed wise and responsible. How had it come to this?
Zhou Yunshen rubbed his chin, wondering whether his less frequent shaving lately had given Huahua the wrong impression.
The emperor laughed soundlessly, the corners of his mouth nearly stretching to his ears.
He whispered, "Actually, your 'son' has a point. When it comes to being vicious, how many people in all of Great Zhou can rival you? Ask the Crown Prince if you don't believe me."
The Crown Prince pretended to sip his tea, hiding his face behind the lid of his teacup to show that he could neither hear nor see a thing.
Zhou Yunshen gave a snort.
"I am deeply honored to have earned Your Majesty's appreciation."
"I have no way to repay you except to carry that viciousness to greater heights and live up to Your Majesty's trust."
The emperor thought, ...Well, I dug a pit and buried myself in it!
The Crown