The Chief of the Internal Affairs Office soon appeared before Ji Qingwu and conveyed the Holy Emperor's decree.
'She just didn't understand—the Emperor had summoned Yuan Heng, so why did she have to go too?'
'She was just an innocent bystander.'
Ji Qingwu gazed at the distant, ornate halls and said hesitantly, "Eunuch Li, I still have to wait for Jiu Jiu to finish his lessons."
Li Yuzong flicked his horsetail whisk and ordered a little eunuch at his side to step forward.
"Miss Ji, just let Little Dongzi wait here for you. He'll come and get you if there's any news. The Holy Emperor is waiting, and making him wait will only displease him."
Yuan Heng puffed out his little chest and said heroically, "Come with me. I'll protect you."
Ji Qingwu sighed. 'There was no escaping this.' She followed him into the Diligent Governance Hall and, with Yuan Heng, paid her respects to the Emperor.
"Rise." The voice from the throne was as cold as ever.
