On the other side, the Emperor had endured an incredibly uneasy night; Eunuch Wei did not dare to hurry him until just before dawn, when he mustered his courage to enter the Study Room, whispering, "Your Majesty, it's time for morning court."
"Mm."
The Emperor responded in a deep voice.
Eunuch Wei did not dare guess what kind of inner turmoil his Emperor had faced throughout the night; he merely followed behind without straying his gaze, attending to the Emperor in the Sleeping Palace as he washed up, changed his clothes, and donned the Dragon Robe.
Due to a sleepless night, the Emperor had two prominent dark circles under his eyes, so noticeable that even from a distance, the ministers at the front row couldn't help but see them.
The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue glanced at Minister Zhuang beside him, lowering his voice to say, "What has befallen His Majesty?"
Minister Zhuang replied softly, "Perhaps he has been overtaxed by state affairs."