The rain had been falling for three days, a persistent drizzle that sent ripples of cold patterns across the bronze water vats of the Zichen Palace. Holding an oiled paper umbrella, Huo Shiqian stepped directly into the inner hall, his ink-black python robe looking like a smear of undiluted ink against the curtain of rain. Wrapped in a fox-fur cloak, Emperor Zhao Heng was curled up on the dragon throne, his face paler than the sheets of Xuan paper on his desk. At the sight of Huo Shiqian entering, his fingertips trembled, accidentally knocking over a cup of hot tea.
"Huo... Lord Huo, today's morning court..."
"Has Your Majesty forgotten?" Huo Shiqian bent down to pick up the teacup, his fingertips brushing the warm glazed surface, yet his tone was as cold as icicles hanging from the eaves. "Three days ago, you were 'stricken with illness', so I stepped in to handle the morning court on your behalf."
Chapter 132