Dawn had only just broken. Before Cao Mao had even opened his eyes, he heard familiar laughter.
Cao Mao opened his eyes helplessly. Sure enough, Cao Liang was sitting beside him, busily playing with his hair.
"Father!!"
Seeing Cao Mao open his eyes, he was delighted, and immediately pressed his little face against him.
Cao Mao scooped him up, tossed him down beside him, and began teasing him.
The father and son's laughter could be heard from far away.
"Get down! Why have you woken His Majesty again?!"
Sima Yue hurried in and scolded him in displeasure.
Zheng Xian followed behind Sima Yue, smiling.
Holding the little fellow, Cao Mao got out of bed. "There is no need to scold him. I was about to wake up anyway."
Cao Mao doted on both his sons, but had few expectations of his younger son. After all, he was not the empire's heir, and no one would urge Cao Mao to find him a tutor or anything of the sort.
Sima Yue took Cao Liang, while Cao Mao went to wash and change his clothes. The officials soon brought in the food.
Cao Mao patted Cao Liang's head and instructed him, "Go and fetch your elder brother!"
Cao Liang sprang up and trotted out, several attendants hastily following him.
Cao Mao sat at the head, with Zheng Xian and Sima Yue seated on either side.
"Your Majesty, I have already met with those ladies."
Zheng Xian smiled. Her bearing had grown increasingly noble and elegant. She was no longer clumsy, and her immaturity was gone. She spoke unhurriedly, with something of Cao Mao's own manner.
"Everyone is rather worried now. Zhang Hua was too radical during his time at the Ministry of Justice, and this imperial edict involves the Ministry of Justice