Shen Wei left Chang'an Palace.
The side hall fell into silence once more, the tea on the table now cold. De Shun entered with a pot of hot water, deftly replacing the tea set while stealing a glance at Li Yuanjing, who leaned against the desk reviewing memorials.
De Shun felt uneasy.
What had happened between the Emperor and the Imperial Consort? Had His Majesty already begun to lose interest? Was the palace about to welcome a new favorite?
As De Shun's thoughts ran wild, he heard Li Yuanjing's voice. The Emperor commanded, "De Shun, cut down the two peach trees in front of Chang'an Palace."
De Shun bowed. "This servant obeys."
De Shun acted swiftly, summoning two young eunuchs to chop down the peach trees in full bloom.
One of the eunuchs hesitated. "Master, the blossoms are so beautiful—why would His Majesty order them removed?"
