A night of indulgence.
Because Penglai Island was a distance from the Political Discussion Hall, Lu Ying woke up just past the fourth watch to wash and prepare for court.
Fearing that he might wake Shen Yinning, the bedchamber was lit only by a few dim candles. Shadows swirled faintly in the darkness, and the palace maids and eunuchs moved with utmost care, carrying basins of hot water and other items behind the bead curtain without making a sound.
Gui Quan fastened Lu Ying's sash and couldn't help but steal a glance at the dark circles beneath his master's eyes.
He couldn't understand what his master sought. These days, he was constantly traveling between the front court and Wu'an Lake, sleeping only two hours a night. Occasionally, he would steal a short nap during lunch. Continuing like this, even a body of iron could not endure.
Lu Ying smoothed his wide sleeves.
