Emperor Chu was awakened from his dragon bed by Eunuch Zhou, feeling somewhat drowsy and puzzled as he was informed of Song Zhiyuan's visit.
"What time is it?" Has the court session begun this early?
Eunuch Zhou respectfully replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, there's still an hour before the court session begins."
Emperor Chu got down from the dragon bed and extended his hand, allowing the eunuchs to step forward to change his clothes and assist with his freshening up.
"It's not time for court yet, why is he here? Oh, I heard that Master Buhui entered the Prime Minister's Mansion yesterday to treat Madam Song; could it be that Madam is unwell and he's here to request leave?"
Eunuch Zhou said, "That doesn't seem to be the case. If it were to request leave, he would have sent someone. Coming here at this hour must mean something urgent."
