The evening meal concluded in a marvelous atmosphere that was at once tense and relaxed. Zhao Zhen was in high spirits and amused the two babbling children for a while longer.
He watched as Xiaoxigua waved his little hands, trying to grab the jade pendant at the emperor's waist, while Erxigua was drawn to the warm, smooth jade safety lock, babbling as she tried to chew on it, which set the whole room laughing. It was not until the night grew deeper and the water clock dripped that Zhang Maoze softly reminded him:
"Your Majesty, the time for the palace gates to be locked is drawing near."
Chapter 499