"How could I trouble the Emperor with such trivial matters when His Majesty is already burdened with a multitude of affairs?"
The Emperor gazed steadily at Xia Qing for a while, making Xia Qing's back break out in a sweat. Yet, his expression remained calm and composed, as he bowed his head without daring to meet the Emperor's eyes.
"Oh? Are you advanced in years? I remember Xia Aiqing is not as old as I, correct?"
The Emperor's cold voice reverberated in Taihe Palace, causing Xia Qing's heart to leap to his throat.
He regretted his words as soon as he spoke them. Today, he must have been possessed to let such words slip. He was younger than the Emperor by several years; if he claimed to be old, it implied the Emperor was also aging.
Every court official knew that Emperor Huiming detested being called old. Historically, Emperors have never admitted to aging. Who would willingly leave the Dragon Throne? Who would abandon earthly riches and power?
