61 Silly Antics (1/2)

While The Shadow Guards and their Head Commander was running hither and thither worried for their leige, what was the person responsible for all this ruckus doing?

Ning Fu was making preparations as well. He made a firm vow to himself that he'll do everything in his power to repent for his unfair thoughts towards His Majesty and gain the monarch's forgiveness and appreciation.

For the next seven consecutive days, Ning Fu followed His Majesty from The Heavenly Hall to The Imperial Study, waiting patiently to be called in for an audience. He firmly believed in the fact that constant dripping water wears away a stone. What more His Majesty who was so benevolent to his subjects?

He strongly felt that when the monarch noticed his steadfast actions to repent for his mistakes, he'll be given another chance.

Meanwhile, The Head Commander had noticed how Ning Fu perpetually followed his liege every day. He tried to bring this to the monarch's attention and was replied with a nonchalant 'let him be'.

The Head Commander understood that His Majesty was telling him that things hadn't reached a boiling point yet and that Ning Fu wouldn't dare flout the dynasty rules as of yet.It was clear that the monarch didn't wish to be bothered about his comings and goings.

Therefore, The Head Commander in his infinite wisdom decided on a course of action. His two objectives were to not let his leige be bothered by that blighter and to keep that pest far away from the monarch.

Hence a curious incident would take place each day precisely an hour after the morning assembly for a week and The Head Commander started his silly antics.

Monday:

Nung Fu waited in an inconspicuous, out of the way corner for His Majesty's summons.

The Head Commander noticed that unpleasant fellow waiting to strike a blow to his leige.

Giving it some thought, he called for one of his subordinates and asked him to bring tea for the monarch.

When the mamas brought the requested service, the head commander asked them to go back and brought the tea tray along with him to The Imperial Study.

He knew he was trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes but he had to do those unscrupulous things for His Majesty.

With a low voice, he said, ”Your Majesty, this lowly servant has brought some tea which is beneficial to your health. Why doesn't Your Highness take part?”

Su Li wondered which wind blew this person inside. Anyways, since he had taken the initiative to bring her something, she couldn't disappoint his sincere heart and half-heartedly drank a few mouthfuls of tea.

Feeling pleased with himself for making the monarch take some rest from his busy schedule, Head Commander went outside and walked towards Ning Fu.

Before the other person could utter a single word, The Head Commander stated, ”His Majesty is tired. The monarch ordered you to come sometime next, Unit Commander”

With his words finished, Head Commander didn't wait to hear any unnecessary words from this unpleasant fellow and left with a flourish.

Anyways, he had already gone to the study and spent some time with the monarch. Who was to say that those words weren't passed on by His Majesty to him?

Hump! This person was still too young to play the waiting game with him.

Tuesday:

Ning Fu followed His Majesty back to The Imperial Study and patiently waited to be called in.

The Head Commander noticed that distasteful person once again sneaking around.

He directly ordered a subordinate to bring some snacks for His Majesty and everything was repeated just like the day before with the only exception being that His Majesty gave him a heartwarming smile for his efforts.

The Head Commander came out the doors of the study and matter-of-factly said, ”The monarch is busy with state affairs. Please go back.”

Ning Fu again returned back home disappointed.

Wednesday:

The whole cycle was repeated once more, with the sole exception that The Head Commander brought desserts for the emperor and was awarded a fond smile and a grateful nod from His Majesty for his efforts.

In a good mood, The Head Commander decided to leave Ning Fu with his dignity intact today and said, ”His Majesty is resting. Don't stand here aimlessly.”

He thought that he had given a very cordial answer but Ning Fu felt his anger rising.

Why was it that this person could come and go from the emperor's study freely and bring teas, snacks and desserts for His Majesty without being summoned and he had to wait in the scorching sun for His Majesty and was turned away by the monarch every day?

Was his mistake irremediable in the monarch's eyes?

Thursday:

The Head Commander brought chilled juice to The Imperial Study. Su Li was surprised that the juice was at a lower temperature than usual and questioned him.

With a proud look on his face, The Head Commander replied, ”Your servant noticed that the temperatures were rising. This servant chilled the liquid by holding it in a nearby artificial lake”

Su Li marvelled at this person's ingenuity and patted his shoulder. She knew she couldn't simply blurt out a 'thank you' due to the distinction in their positions. Therefore, she tried to show her gratitude in these small actions and hoped the other person understood her.

The Head Commander was skipping on clouds as he came out of The Imperial Study and without missing a beat went to Ning Fu and said, ”His Majesty is up to his neck with the memorandums submitted by the other imperial officials. Return back.”

See with His Majesty's favour, The Head Commander was readily spouting lies without breaking a sweat. At any rate, this was what His Majesty wanted or he would have called this oaf of a man inside for a talk. Since his liege didn't want to deal face-to-face with this uninvited person, he'll do it in his place.

Ning Fu didn't dare to be angry at the monarch. However, he was undoubtedly exasperated at this lame excuse.

What memorandums?

No one from The Chancellery, The Secretariat or The Department of Affairs submitted anything today.

Only The Ministry of Rites submitted a report regarding there being no rainfall for the last three years and asking His Majesty to conduct prayer to the heavens to be merciful.

What memorandums was the emperor busy with?

He felt so stifled but had nowhere to vent.

Ning Fu also noticed that The Head Commander seemed to be overjoyed at his misfortune so with raised eyebrows he replied, ”Take Care Head Commander. This Unit Commander will return tomorrow.”

The Head Commander didn't pay heed to his words which further angered Ning Fu and with a snort he left The Imperial Palace.