Chapter 37: His Majesty Ning is poverty-stricken

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His Majesty's gyrfalcon pooped on the dignified Grand Preceptor, making the old man's cohorts uneasy and disbelieving. His Majesty had been raised by the Grand Preceptor since young, but they'd become enemies after he ascended the throne? Was the imperial clan naturally cold-hearted, capable of casting off all affection for the sake of power? Or had something happened between His Majesty and the Grand Preceptor that the rest of them didn't know?

Empress Dowager Xie was so angry that she didn't eat all day. Nobody had caused her and her father to lose so much face since the previous two emperors ascended the throne. Fang Tang and company were jubilant and only regretted that they hadn't been able to witness it firsthand.

But Lou Zigui creased his brows and told Ning Xiaoyao, "Once news of this spreads, you'll be hard pressed to avoid accusations of being ungrateful and harsh." Since he accepted the idea of Ning Xiaoyao being emperor, he wanted this girl to get through it in one piece without anyone denouncing her.

Fang Tang and company felt their smiles stiffen. Ning Xiaoyao wasn't worried at all as her head rocked back and forth. "What's there to fear? I'll say that he mistreated and starved me back then. Who doesn't know how to open their mouths and talk?Just you all wait. If I'm not happy, don't think the Grand Preceptor will be either."

"....." said Lou Zigui.

"....." said Fang Tang and the rest.

Was it really all right to make up nonsense like this?

"Hmph," Ning Xiaoyao snorted. "Besides, am I to blame for the little gyrfalcon pooping? The Grand Preceptor manages Heaven and Earth, but can he tell a little gyrfalcon where it should poop?"

Fang Tang broke into applause. That's right, His Majesty's words were perfectly true. Xie Wenyuan, you manage Heaven and Earth, so could you lower yourself to bother about where a bird poops?

Lou Zigui sighed as his head began to hurt. Pooping here and pooping there, did this person have any sense of being a female at all? (Author: Supreme Commander, your requirements for His Majesty are too high...)

Song Jin coughed dryly twice before proceeding with business. "Your Majesty, generals of the army like us aren't allowed to enter the imperial audience hall during court assembly without being summoned."

Ning Xiaoyao looked at Song Jin. In other words, she was left to fend for herself that day?

Song Jin saw that Ning Xiaoyao didn't seem to understand, so he could only add, "After all the officials have paid their respects to Your Majesty, please summon us subjects into the imperial audience hall."

"Oh, that's no problem," Ning Xiaoyao got it now. She patted her chest and promised, "Lil' Song, don't you worry. I'll definitely let you guys into the golden hall."

Song Jin looked at His Majesty, who had a long-furred white cat resting around her shoulders. Though His Majesty had done a splendid job these past few days, he still felt that she was somewhat unreliable.

"Your Majesty," an eunuch called just then from outside.

"What is it?" Ning Xiaoyao asked.

"Esteemed Empress Dowager wasn't feeling well, so the imperial physicians went to pay a call," the eunuch replied. "Esteemed Empress Dowager sent over a mama to say that she wanted to see Your Majesty."

Ning Xiaoyao curled her lips contemptuously. "Isn't it just because she didn't eat? Do I look like rice or mantou to you? Or is it that once the Esteemed Empress Dowager sees Zhen, she'll be reminded of red braised pork?"

The eunuch outside the doors fell silent. These didn't sound like human words no matter how he listened!

"If she's sick, she should take medicine," Ning Xiaoyao said. "What's the use of seeing me?"

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