Chapter 75: Smoke and Mirrors
"Lord Yue, His Majesty has been waiting for you."
Yan Zheyun inclined his head. "This concubine thanks Head Eunuch Cao for guiding me in."
This morning, he'd received yet another summons to join the emperor in his study. Yesterday, he'd spent an entire day grinding ink next to the emperor and doubling up as an ornamental piece in Tianlu Pavilion. Perhaps the emperor had felt a bit of guilt for making this supposedly spoilt favourite of his hang around at his beck and call because he'd offered Yan Zheyun a seat on a nearby divan after lunch.
They'd eaten together in a small side chamber that had been prepared precisely for His Majesty to take a quick break from his work for meals. Yan Zheyun didn't have to see Head Eunuch Cao's astounded expression when he'd been instructed to set an extra place to know that this was unprecedented.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Queeniecat
Queeniecat (1) The final two lines of Cao Cao's famous poem 'Short Song Style' (composed between 196-216 AD), which was written in the lyrical format of his times. In the poem, he laments about his desire for able and virtuous scholars to serve in his court, likening this longing to romantic love through referencing a classical love poem. He also references the Duke of Zhou, who was a famous historical sage that was also known for his love of talent. They say he used to spit out food halfway through a meal to meet with scholars that seeked his audience, demonstrating the high regard he held for them.
(2) Cao Cao: a famous warlord of the Three Kingdoms era. Although he never officially declared himself emperor, the political power was amassed in his hands. Records of him are conflicting. Earlier sources portray him as a brilliant politician and military genius that was charismatic and cared for his allies. Subsequent literature turned him into a tyrant and a villain.
A/N: Thank you very much for reading! <3
Summoning pen count: 168
Special thanks to: mimikyu for the ice cola!!! <3 Nadine_Linter, Okami_Aquila, Selinea, AmeTora, lenuser, Dawnlore, TillTheWeeHours, army19, CalamariCrums, Tsendee, Mohamed_Yasser_3639, Ren84, Evanna236_otaku, IuliaA, Morganita3, pratikshapawar2541, HLewis35, lijffu, Junior_Yawa , AgiB, bubblebunnytea, Word_eater, Frooza, saidessa, Maria_n, mimikyu, Phoenix_Dream, PeaceOut, Chakra, jesse_ just, KrystalKlear, Dreams_of_magnolia, anastasia_filmore, Fialova, Lavendelius, Shooky_VSiga, Bossyjls, and SmolBabyBun for the power stones/comments!!! <3
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone