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墨書 Inktalez
Xiao Zan, suppressing his impatience, was contemplating how to send Niu Dali away when he heard familiar footsteps approaching from the palace gate. The sound belonged to a favored inner servant of the Emperor.
Though he was sycophantic, he knew his place, unlike some who, once in power, became utterly reckless. An immortal? Ha! Let's see how long he can remain arrogant.
The palace gate was half-open when Zhang the Inner Servant hurried out, followed by a young eunuch carrying an imperial edict. Judging by the number of edicts, there were quite a few.
"Oh, Xiao Commander and Niu Xianshi, what a coincidence to see you both here!"
In the past, Niu Dali would have seized the opportunity to greet Zhang the Inner Servant with a flourish. However, his growing anxiety made him overlook such formalities. He restrained his usual domineering tone and said politely, "Zhang the Inner Servant, I have urgent matters to discuss with His Majesty. Please take me inside."
"Unfortunately, that won't work," Zhang replied. "His Majesty has just gone to sleep after a long night of work. If it’s inconvenient for me to relay your message, perhaps we can arrange another time?"
"What time would be suitable?"
That was hard to say.
Niu Dali felt insulted by Zhang's dismissive attitude and commanded him, "Then let’s go in right now and ask!"
"Niu Xianshi, please don’t make it difficult for me. I’m busy at the moment; His Majesty sent me out to announce edicts and I have dozens of households to visit. I don’t know if I can finish before dark."
"You’re right here; His Majesty has also written an edict for the immortal. It would save me a trip if you could take it over."
Niu Dali took the edict and opened it directly. To his surprise, the Emperor wanted to go to Heavenly Sacrifice?! And he wanted the immortal to accompany him! Wasn’t this absurd? The immortal was right in front of him; why go through such trouble?
"Let me enter the palace and speak with His Majesty first. In front of the immortal, I can explain some difficulties that can be resolved quickly."
As Niu Dali attempted to push forward again, Zhang the Inner Servant blocked him once more. "Niu Xianshi, whether or not we can proceed depends on the immortal's wishes. We mere assistants only follow orders; it’s inappropriate for us to overstep our bounds."
"Are you lecturing me?"
"I wouldn’t dare; I’m merely reminding you."
Recalling how he had just been dismissed by the immortal, Niu Dali had to admit that Zhang’s reminder hit home. Out of pride, he made a few empty threats but ultimately turned back toward his temple.
Once he had walked a few steps away, Zhang the Inner Servant turned warmly to Xiao Zan and said, "Please let His Majesty know I won’t make a special trip back."
As Xiao Zan walked part of the way with Zhang the Inner Servant, he quietly asked, "Is His Majesty really determined to go through with Heavenly Sacrifice? Why? This is inappropriate; there haven’t been any disasters or auspicious signs reported. Why suddenly decide on Heavenly Sacrifice?"
"I noticed that the date on the edict is set for seven days from now. For such a significant event, seven days isn’t enough time to prepare."
Zhang interrupted him, "His Majesty's decisions are not something we can question. Xiao Commander has been training outside for so long that it’s understandable if you’ve overlooked some protocols. As for what you just said, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear it."
Xiao Commander realized that he needed to be more cautious with his words in the future. Hearing this, Xiao Zan expressed his gratitude. Zhang the Inner Servant added that carrying so many questions was uncomfortable, suggesting that Xiao Commander should discuss it at home, where he would likely find answers.
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