The next day, Cao Mao opened his eyes, still feeling a faint headache.
Over the years, Cao Mao had never truly gotten drunk. Whenever he felt a little tipsy, he would pretend to be drunk and leave as quickly as possible.
As a sovereign, he had to remain calm and clearheaded at all times.
In the past, he had worried that he might give himself away while drunk and hand his enemies something to use against him. Later, he had worried that he might issue reckless edicts in a drunken state and cause trouble.
But yesterday, he had truly gotten drunk.
He had drunk until his head spun and he knew nothing at all.
That really had been a first.
It counted as letting himself go for once. Since Cao Wen's birth, Cao Mao's temperament had changed greatly. Though he still held himself to high expectations and strict standards, he had also learned to indulge himself occasionally.
When he woke, Cheng Ji had long been waiting outside the door, pacing back and forth. Learning that the emperor was awake, he hurried inside to pay his respects.
"Your Majesty, you're finally awake! The ministers waiting to see you are practically lined up all the way to Chang'an..."
Cao Mao ate unhurriedly. "Let them come in one at a time. Oh, and if you see Zhong Hui, be careful. Don't let him bump into anyone."
Cheng Ji acknowledged the order, then added rather bashfully, "Oh, Your Majesty, I haven't yet thanked you for the rewards you bestowed on my elder brother. You really needn't have rewarded him so generously on my account. I truly feel rather ashamed..."
Cao Mao did not know whether to laugh or cry.
"Just go and summon them for me!"
Only then did Cheng Ji hurry away.
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