Meng Jiuchang: ...
'Good thing I took the initiative to bring up Song Jieyu's situation this time,' Meng Jiuchang thought. 'As for stealing Zhang Maoquan's credit... I'm the Emperor's Grand Steward. This is all within my purview. How could that be considered stealing?'
Feng Yi strode out. Zhang Maoquan seized the opportunity. Ignoring Meng Jiuchang's scowls and glares, he squeezed past him to walk beside the Emperor and lead the way.
At that moment, Song Yunzhao was still in the side hall, shedding tears. 'I'm really giving it my all to create the right atmosphere!'
She clutched her handkerchief, dabbing carefully at her eyes so as not to smudge her makeup. When she heard footsteps approaching from outside, she assumed it was Zhang Maoquan and sat as still as a mountain. But when she saw the Emperor's figure appear, the motion of wiping her tears froze.
