Zhong Hui was especially happy as he looked at the admiration in the emperor's eyes.
Over the past few days, both Ji Kang and the emperor had changed their attitudes toward him tremendously. Oh, right, there was Zhang Hua, too.
Ji Kang had always been aloof toward Zhong Hui, scarcely bothering with him, but after the events of the past few days, he had actually invited him for drinks.
When he asked Zhong Hui whether there was anything he could help him with,
Zhong Hui told him what he wanted.
He hoped Ji Kang would play Guangling San for him.
Ji Kang did not hesitate. He immediately fetched his zither and played for Zhong Hui.
Zhong Hui enjoyed listening immensely. It made him happier than becoming one of the Three Excellencies would have.
As for His Majesty the Emperor, he had been much the same these past few days. His gaze grew ever warmer when he looked at Zhong Hui, and sometimes he would clasp his hand and be reluctant to let go.
Every day, he wrote copious poems and rhapsodies praising him, and bestowed many titles on him as well.
Cao Mao felt that Zhong Hui was actually somewhat like Empress Dowager Guo. He cared deeply about the feeling of being valued. Of course, that could not be said aloud.
But Zhong Hui had indeed given him an enormous surprise.
Now, Zhong Hui spoke of his plans for the next step.
"Your Majesty, the ministers have all forgotten my position as Minister of the Imperial Clan. They are watching my every word and deed, hoping to entrap me and find evidence of wrongdoing."
"As it happens, I have already sent someone to inform He Zeng. Soon, the Imperial Clan will leave Hebei for their own fiefs."
"With the ministers