Meanwhile, after an afternoon of passionate intimacy, Lu Mingyuan spent the evening enjoying a late-night supper of seafood and abalone, personally prepared by the sisters Zi Yun and Hong Wan.
On the morning of the third day, Lu Mingyuan was still in his large bed. He took the opportunity to enjoy a rare moment of leisure and sleep in.
Eunuch Yan, leading a retinue of eunuchs, had once again stepped through the gates of the Cold Palace.
"An imperial edict has arrived!"
Hearing the commotion at the door, Zi Yun groggily opened her eyes, rubbed them, and nudged Lu Mingyuan.
"Your Highness... the imperial edict is here... Hurry and get up."
Lu Mingyuan remained completely unperturbed. With his eyes still closed, he said, "No rush. Let me sleep a little longer."
"Your Highness... Your Highness?"
When Eunuch Yan, waiting outside, received no answer after a long time, he called out a few more times.
Yet, there was still only silence.
