Chapter 139: The Little Girl and the Mirror (I)
Inside the Qingming Hall of the imperial palace, the State Preceptor wore an expression of helplessness. “Your Majesty, asking me to stay in front of the civil and military officials will likely provoke criticism from those purists. They may accuse me of manipulating Your Majesty.”
“Are you still afraid of them?”
“Words can be daunting. This concerns my reputation both during and after my lifetime. While I do not seek to be remembered through the ages, I also do not wish to be infamous.”
“Heh heh heh…” The Emperor chuckled casually, took a sip of tea, and then turned to look outside.
Through the gauzy curtain, he could see some greenery.
There were few plants within the palace, as they feared becoming hiding places for villains and demons. However, after last night’s rain, even the scarce plants had noticeably grown taller and greener. Among the flagstones, grass seeds carried by birds or strong winds had sprouted some shoots, and eunuchs and palace maids were busy clearing them.
“This morning during the court assembly, it was mentioned that last night’s rain brought auspicious signs, with unusual growth in the city and beyond. When Minister Wei said it was a sign of good fortune, I noticed your expression. It seems you might know the reason?”
“Minister Wei is not wrong. Your Majesty is an emperor unlike any other in a thousand autumns and ten thousand generations; it is only natural for the heavens to bless us with auspicious omens.”
“Do you not wish to reveal your thoughts?”