The next day, when Zhang Mingci and Li Mingyu suggested they accompany the Emperor to Qingliu Hall for his study sessions, or that the list should include young officials they had recommended, the Emperor did not give them a cold, flat-out refusal.
He deliberately put on a displeased expression and warned the two, "My dear ministers, you insist on accompanying me. I don't wish to refuse your kind intentions, but I fear you won't understand me and will spoil my fun."
Seeing that the Emperor was already yielding, the two men tacitly agreed and quickly assured him they would not.
The Emperor frowned. "Truly?"
"Truly. Your Majesty is the Emperor. Unless it is a matter that endangers the state, we subjects cannot presume to lecture you!"
Fearing the Emperor would go back on his word, the two agreed to everything.
