Chapter 304 - Metamorphosis
Tianjing, the Imperial City.
The Grain Rain[1] season had arrived, and the weather was beginning to warm, though the early mornings still carried a slight chill.
In the Hall of Deliberation, Su Yi and the young Emperor Chen Xun sat facing each other. Eunuch Yue stood quietly behind Chen Xun. The vast hall felt somewhat empty with just the three of them present.
Su Yi rubbed his eyes vigorously. His bloodshot eyes were proof that he had not slept the previous night. Turning to look at the faintly lit window, he exhaled deeply and said, "Dawn is here... What time is it?"
"Ahem..." Eunuch Yue lowered his eyes and cleared his throat. "Just past the Hour of the Tiger."[2]
Su Yi massaged his temples. "Your Majesty, it’s about time for court. The matters we discussed last night..."
"I’ve got it under control," Chen Xun said calmly, his voice hoarse with fatigue. He lifted his head to look at Su Yi with a piercing gaze. "Teacher..."
"Hmm?" Su Yi looked at Chen Xun and suddenly realized that the youthful naivety of this young man had quietly faded away. In its place was the budding authority of an Emperor.
Su Yi couldn’t help but smile, a trace of unconcealed fulfillment in his expression. "Please speak, Your Majesty."
Chen Xun’s lips moved slightly before he slowly asked, "Can the Ruen Dynasty survive this crisis?"
Su Yi froze for a moment, not expecting such a question. The question betrayed how little confidence the youthful Emperor had..