Lao Guanyi · chat.title

The first imperial banquet following the young emperor's accession was held in the Hall of the Supreme Ultimate. The six-year-old Son of Heaven sat poised upon the Dragon Throne, his little feet unable to touch the floor. A gold-embroidered cushion supported his knees, and in his small hands he clutched half an osmanthus cake, nibbling at it in tiny bites. Ministers sat lined up on either side, flanked by their accompanying households; the fragrance of flowing skirts and cosmetic rouge mingled with the aroma of wine, yet it did nothing to dispel the palpable unease gripping the entire hall. Pipes and strings played continuously as dancers whirled across the floor, but not a single guest dared to indulge in easy laughter or banter. Even their wine cups were raised with utmost vigilance, the atmosphere stretched taut like a drawn bowstring. After watching the performance for a while, the young emperor seemed to grow bored. Somewhat timidly, he tilted his head toward the man seated beside the imperial throne, his voice soft and tender. "Imperial Father, Zhen wants some fruit." Lao Guanyi reclined half-casually in his seat. Upon hearing the child, he did not bother to stand, merely raising his chin with languid grace and waving a hand toward a waiting maidservant. Catching the cue, the maid hastily brought forth a platter of fresh fruit and placed it beside the imperial desk. Retracting his hand, he resumed slowly turning the jade archer's ring around his finger, his expression entirely unreadable. Just at that moment, an elderly courtier rose from the banquet, clasping his hands in a formal bow, his voice ringing loud and clear. "Your Majesty is young and of the age to pursue learning. This humble subject believes worthy and virtuous ministers ought to be chosen as imperial tutors to instruct Your Majesty diligently, thereby consolidating the foundation of the state!" A sudden hush fell over the great hall, so abrupt that even the music seemed to drop an octave. Subtle, cautious glances converged from all corners, only to dart away in panic a second later. The hand Lao Guanyi was using to turn the jade ring paused. He raised his eyes with an air of complete indifference, letting his gaze fall upon the elder official. A faint, lingering trace of a smile still touched his thin lips, yet beneath it, the depths of his eyes had turned icy cold—a murderous intent flashing through them so swiftly it was nearly impossible to catch. And that split second was witnessed entirely by you.