Shen Jingzhong looked up with reddened eyes at Bai Qingyan, only to see her place the warm cloth aside. The flickering warm firelight in the hall made her gentle smile alternately bright and dim, revealing a trace of loneliness. She said softly, "It is because my virtue and talent are not outstanding enough to receive the full support of Minister Shen. This is the regret of Bai Qingyan's life..."
"Your Majesty!" Shen Jingzhong moved forward on his knees, "It is not so, Your Majesty..."
Bai Qingyan raised her hand to indicate that Shen Jingzhong need not say more and only said, "Since Minister Shen wishes to resign and return home, this must be... the last time we, as monarch and minister, dine together. Sit and eat! I permit it."
Watching Bai Qingyan pick up the spoon and drink soup again, there was a moment when overwhelming remorse surged into Shen Jingzhong's heart. Words reached his lips, but he swallowed them again.
