At the foot of a hillside.
Emperor Xian of Han rested against a large pagoda tree, panting incessantly, his face haggard. In a hoarse voice, he said, "Water, water... is there any honey water..."
Because they had fled too hastily, his Dragon Carriage had broken down halfway, leaving him no choice but to ride a horse. But that was sheer torment for him.
As the Son of Heaven, he normally lived deep within the palace and traveled by Dragon Carriage. When had he ever ridden a horse on a long, hard journey?
After this journey, Emperor Xian of Han felt as though his whole body had nearly been jolted apart. Every inch of him hurt, and his throat was so parched it almost smoked.
"You..."
Those words instantly sent Dong Cheng's temper flaring.
We're running for our lives here!
And you're still thinking about honey water?
Though he dearly wanted to curse this Pretender Emperor who could not grasp the situation, Tiger Guards surrounded them, with too many eyes and ears about. He could not show disrespect, so he could only suppress his anger and say:
"Your Majesty, this is no time to rest. We aren't completely out of danger yet."
"Once we're truly safe, you'll have honey water to drink."
The Military Coup had failed, and Emperor Xian of Han was now utterly disheartened. Hearing Dong Cheng's words, he gave a bitter laugh.
"Safe? Where is safe now?"
"I am the Son of Heaven, yet I fled Xu County in panic like a dog driven from its home. This is already the second time I've had to flee for my life."
"Laughable. How laughable!"
"This vast realm has no place that will shelter me! The Han has so many subjects, yet not one loyal minister can protect me!"
"Even