That day, Cao Mao chatted with Sima Yan for a long time. It was as though they had returned to when they first arrived in Luoyang, talking about anything and everything.
They did not even notice that the carriage had stopped. They talked until late before Cao Mao ordered his subordinates to escort Sima Yan back to his residence, also giving him several volumes of the classics, all annotated by Cao Mao himself.
When he returned to Taiji Hall, Cao Mao was in a fairly good mood.
That good mood, however, lasted only until he saw the person standing at the entrance to Taiji Hall.
The person standing there was none other than Xun Yi, wearing an aggrieved expression.
Ever since Cao Mao had dismissed and reprimanded him last time, the fellow had been coming to confess his guilt from time to time.
It was not that he had recognized his mistakes. He simply did not want to lose his former position.
Cao Mao looked at Cheng Ji beside him with a stern face. "Minister Cheng, how can someone who is neither an Attendant Cavalry officer nor an Attendant enter the imperial palace?"
Cheng Ji froze, then glared furiously at Xun Yi. Gripping his saber, he was about to advance on him, but Cao Mao stopped him.
Though displeased, Cao Mao felt that killing someone over this would be going a little too far.
He was not Sun Hao, after all.
Seeing the emperor approach, Xun Yi hurriedly bowed in greeting.
"Your Majesty!"
Cao Mao looked at Xun Yi before him and motioned for him to follow.
After entering the Western Hall, Xun Yi once again offered Cao Mao a deep ceremonial bow and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I have realized my mistake. I beg Your Majesty to forgive my