Bianjing was shrouded in a gray haze, with raindrops drumming a steady, rustling beat against the uneven rooftops.
Within the palace, everyone walked on eggshells, the air heavy with a tension unlike anything before. Yet, inside Anle Palace, there remained a bustle that felt entirely out of place. From a distance, one could hear Tingwu groaning and wincing as he rubbed his aching waist.
A masseur had recently arrived from the north to set up shop on East Street, and word was his technique was exceptional. Hearing of such a relaxing retreat, Tingwu had gone with high spirits, only to accidentally blurt out, "Put some muscle into it, master—did you not eat today?" The result was that he could barely climb out of bed today, earning him nothing but mockery from Man Chu.
Chapter 195