"Fourth Prince, Pri Minister, please have breakfast."
At this mont, the steward ca in with several maids, each carrying a tray laden with various breakfast foods.
The maids lined up neatly, walking into the room with practiced grace, placing the food on the table, filling it completely.
The Fourth Prince sat at the table, took a bite of Hibiscus Cake, then turned to the restless Pri Minister and said, "Grandfather, stop pacing around, it’s making dizzy. Co and have breakfast!"
"Ah! I can’t eat."
The Pri Minister was feeling anxious and couldn’t focus on breakfast. There was still no news from Yinhua Pavilion, and in another two hours, they were due in court. He was truly afraid The Petition of the People might appear in the Imperial Court, and The Emperor, considering his face, would surely hold him accountable.
The Fourth Prince stood up, walked over to him, and pulled him to sit by the stool, saying, "Grandfather, at your age, after a sleepless night, you’re already exhausted. If you don’t eat breakfast, you’ll be drained, and later, how will you contend with the War Prince in the court?"
"But... but... but I have no appetite, I can’t eat."
The Pri Minister admitted he wanted to eat sothing to regain his strength, but his mood was so poor that he had no appetite and simply couldn’t eat.
"Even if you can’t eat, you should. Have a bowl of porridge." The Fourth Prince nodded to a nearby maid to serve the Pri Minister a bowl of Bird’s Nest Porridge.
The maid stepped forward with a large ladle, serving two small bowls of Bird’s Nest Porridge, placing one in front of the Pri Minister, respectfully saying, "Pri Minister, please enjoy."
The other was placed in front of the Fourth Prince: "Fourth Prince, please enjoy."
After this, the maids retreated to the side, waiting for their master’s call.
The Pri Minister picked up the small spoon, eating absentmindedly.
The two ate breakfast absent-mindedly.
Ti slowly passed.
"Dong, dong, dong, dong."
Outside, the sound of the watchman and his calls rang out: "Dry wind and material caution, beware of fire, lock doors and windows, be wary of thieves."
Upon hearing this, the Pri Minister jumped up, nerves frayed, knocking the bowl on the table...
"Bang!"
Porridge mixed with ceramic shards spilled all over the floor, dirtying the Pri Minister’s court attire.
The Fourth Prince promptly stood up, frowned at the disheveled Pri Minister, and said, "Oh dear! Grandfather, how can you be so careless!"
"It’s the fourth of the night watch periods, the fourth! Why hasn’t there been any news from Yinhua Pavilion yet? I’m so anxious, what to do? What to do?" The Pri Minister, ignoring his ssy state, was only thinking about The Petition of the People. He paced in circles, stepping on the puddle of porridge without noticing.
The steward observed this, frowning, but as a servant, he dared say nothing.
The Fourth Prince looked up at the sky outside; though it was still dark, it was indeed the fourth watch period, and ti for the Pri Minister to proceed to the palace.
"Grandfather, the ti has co. Hurry to the palace! If you’re late, the Imperial Father will bla you."
"But, The Petition of the People hasn’t been retrieved yet."
"We’ll adapt to circumstances then!"
"Well... well..."
"You’ve thought so much about it, hurry and change into court attire to go to the palace. If you hesitate any longer, it will be too late."
Having no alternative, the Pri Minister had to change into official robes in a state of anxiousness and hurriedly departed with the Fourth Prince by carriage to the palace.
Since the Fourth Prince lost an eye, The Emperor decreed he need not attend morning court, ostensibly for his health’s sake. But the Fourth Prince knew that his father was ashad of his appearance and preferred he stay hidden in his mansion, which suited The Emperor’s wishes.
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