Late at night, Fu'an Palace.
The candlelight flickered softly as Your Majesty sat bent over the desk, reading memorials by the light of an oil lamp. Piled high upon the ebony wood table were stacks of memorials submitted by local officials. Some concerned floods and natural disasters; others dealt with regional finances and taxation; some reported official corruption; others outlined various disaster relief proposals; and still others addressed shortages of grain for famine relief...
As the Hour of Chou drew to a close, the sovereign of the realm finally set aside the half-read memorial in his hand. He picked up a white jade teacup and took a few sips of completely cold tea, which offered a slight respite from his fatigue. The man closed his eyes and gently massaged his temples. Standing by in attendance, Eunuch Zhou had not dared to close his eyes for a moment; seeing this, he stepped forward to share his master's burdens, only to be stopped by a single gesture from the monarch.
Chapter 49