Feng Yi sat quietly on the edge of the bed, waiting until Song Yunzhao was sound asleep before rising to leave.
He had to attend court before dawn. If he stayed the night at Wangyou Palace, waking up early would surely disturb her. Before he left, he took the small booklet that Yun Zhao had filled with writing.
Relying on public donations alone wouldn't be enough; the court also had to release grain and funds for disaster relief. But the imperial treasury wasn't full. Though he was the Emperor, it was only now, sitting on the throne, that he realized how many things in this world could trouble even him.
Meng Jiuchang had been waiting outside the hall, thinking the Emperor would stay to have lunch with Song Jieyu. He was surprised when he emerged less than an hour later. Meng Jiuchang quickly rose and followed. 'Did the Emperor rush over after court just to catch a glimpse of Song Jieyu?'
