"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Pei Zhan bowed and then said, "This matter must start before the Crown Prince's coming-of-age ceremony, with an incident that occurred outside the drill ground—"
"Hold on!" the Emperor suddenly interrupted him, pondering, "Does this matter involve such deep implications?"
Pei Zhan carefully chose his words: "Indeed, at first I did not expect the outcome to reach such a state."
The Emperor nodded slightly and instructed the eunuch, "Invite the Empress to join us for this discussion."
"I am already here."
Just as the Emperor spoke, the Empress's gentle yet authoritative voice came from the doorway. Everyone turned slightly, seeing her enter with just a palace maid, appearing as simple as usual. After greeting, "Your Majesty," she addressed Pei Zhan and the others, "I heard that you entered the palace so early, and I guessed there might be something urgent. It seems I was right."
