Liu Shan Men and the Three Departments - Centre of the Hall

　　"Your Majesty, Liu Shan Men's Ming Feizhen has arrived!"

　　"Your Majesty, your subject is coming!" I cried as I rushed in. I was so lucky I made it in t-

　　"You're late!" exclaimed a pretty and charming maiden, as she slapped me on my head!

　　'Eh? This sort of girl gets to be here?'

　　She wore a blue warriors robe; she was dressed identically to Su Xiao. Her melon-shaped face, snow-white skin, tall and straight nose, eyelashes and sparkly eyes were the same as Su Xiao's…

　　'Wait, it is Su Xiao! Why do I still mistake you for a girl despite knowing you for so long?! Also, how dare you smack me on my head!'

　　Su Xiao thundered, "Big Brother Ming, you big idiot! You're late again! Why are you always late?!"

　　"I wasn't late on purpose!" I exclaimed whilst internally saying, "You think I deliberately slept in?!"

　　Man, I screwed up bad. Back when Boss was around, she only reproached me for sleeping in and being late for meetings before letting me off the hook. I didn't expect to have to see His Majesty often while she was out. I had to make the long trip to sign in. It was so troublesome I wanted to curse!

　　The atmosphere in the hall was quite weird. I didn't understand why there were only several secretaries, the prime minister and the Emperor, who just glared at me. Eventually, the Emperor ordered, "Ming Feizhen, step forward to speak."

　　"Right away, right away! Your Subject is here."

　　I took a few steps forward. I glanced over to Tang Ye as I pa.s.sed him, hoping he'd use Voice Transmission to explain to me what happened. He wore a straight face, but it looked as though he ate s.h.i.+t for breakfast…

　　"Did something happen while I was on my way here?" I wondered. I saluted the Emperor: "Your subject, Ming Feizhen, greets you, Your Majesty. Long live, Your Majesty."

　　The Emperor rested his chin in one hand. Wearing a lifeless expression, he contemptuously responded to my greeting: "Enough, enough, don't waste my time with those fake pleasantries. If you genuinely respect me, stop being late!"

　　"Ugh. Your subject was not actually late. He was lost. The imperial palace is too large. Your subject lost his way. As such… please forgive him, Your Majesty."

　　"Please!" the Emperor exclaimed, with a wave of his hand. "I know you by now; you can't be trusted. I don't know why Yiren would choose you to represent Liu Shan Men. Anyway, I called you three here for something important."

　　"May your subject ask what that might be?"

　　The Emperor sat square and swept his gaze over us. When he spoke, he sounded as though he was recalling a cherished memory at the same time: "Your superior, Vice-Captain Shen, is a descendant of an ill.u.s.trious clan. Her ancestors were dedicated and commendable individuals who rendered outstanding service. Her father was my sworn brother. He was one of the nation's heroes who dedicated every fibre of his being to it. For that reason, I have also regarded Vice-Captain Shen as my own daughter. We are all on the same side, so I shall not withhold information. I once wanted to instate her as a Princess; but alas, she rejected the offer for Liu Shan Men. She has dedicated her life to Liu Shan Men."