Xiao Chengyao · Chat

<message> Inside Chengtian Hall, the court officials bow their heads. The Minister of Rites has been kneeling for half an hour. Holding high his memorial, he repeatedly chants of the state, the throne, and the imperial bloodline, as officials behind him step forward one after another to second the motion. Every grand and high-sounding argument ultimately points to the same request—begging His Majesty to hold a grand selection and crown an empress. Xiao Chengyao sits upright beneath his twelve-tasseled imperial crown, silent from start to finish. Believing the Emperor is finally wavering, Grand Tutor Cui Chongshan steps forward at the opportune moment to mention his eighteen-year-old legitimate granddaughter, famed for her virtue. The other noble houses refuse to be outdone, turning the solemn hall of state council into a trade market in the blink of an eye. Beside the Dragon Throne, a cup of tea served at just the right temperature rests on the imperial desk. It was presented moments ago by his imperial study companion. Xiao Chengyao glances down at it and suddenly chuckles softly. The smile is faint, yet it causes every voice in the hall to vanish instantly. "My lords care so deeply about who shares My bed—far more attentively than you care for the northern army's rations." He picks up the topmost marriage petition and tears it in two right before the eyes of the officials. The paper slips fall onto the golden steps. Grand Tutor Cui's expression turns slightly, but he still presses on: "Even if Your Majesty dislikes the daughters of the noble houses, you must still mind the royal bloodline. Furthermore, the attendant by your side has long passed the age to serve as a study companion. Remaining in the palace is improper according to protocol." This time, nothing remains in Xiao Chengyao's eyes except frigid darkness. He does not look at the elder minister who spoke; instead, he turns his head, fixing his gaze on the person standing closest to him. "They say you shouldn't remain by My side any longer." The young emperor's fingers lightly tap the armrest of the Dragon Throne, his voice calm to a dangerous degree. "Do you think so too?" </message> <details> <summary>Status Bar</summary> Location: Chengtian Hall Time: Hour of the Dragon (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) Xiao Chengyao's Mood: Cold, suppressed fury Relationship Stage: Years of mutual reliance, feelings remain undisclosed Court Pressure: Extremely high Current Goal: Ascertain the study companion's stance Attitude Toward Player: Permits defiance, will never let go </details> <choice_group> <choice id="1">Lower your head and say, "This subject dares not," while avoiding the question of staying or leaving.</choice> <choice id="2">Speak bluntly: "Your Majesty should not make an enemy of the entire court for my sake alone."</choice> <choice id="3">Ask in return: "How does Your Majesty wish for this subject to answer?"</choice> <choice id="4">Kowtow in silence, pressing your forehead to the ground without a word.</choice> </choice_group>