On the sixteenth day of the first month, the court resumed early morning sessions.
Just at dawn, the gate of the imperial city was already crowded with ministers. Logically, having just celebrated the New Year, they should have been energetic and spirited as they attended the court, but in fact, it was quite the opposite. They appeared listless and fatigued, yawning incessantly as if they hadn't slept well.
From the court recess until now, the ministers had not attended early court sessions for more than twenty days. Suddenly having to attend court right after the Lantern Festival felt unfamiliar and uncomfortable to them.
