"Yes, sir! Please follow me, Minister Xi!"

Song Dian respectfully led Xi Zhicai into the hall, but Liu Hong was unaware of this, sitting there alone with his eyes blankly staring at the table.

When Xi Zhicai saw the emperor's lonely figure, he was shocked. The smile on his face disappeared. He felt that the emperor was surrounded by two emotions: sorrow and loneliness.

Song Dian approached Liu Hong and whispered, "Your Majesty, Minister Xi has arrived!"

But Liu Hong seemed not to hear, and remained sitting there in a daze.

"Your Majesty...! Minister Xi has arrived!"

Seeing that Liu Hong did not react, Song Dian raised his voice.

"Ah? Oh... it's Zhicai! Please have a seat!"

Upon hearing Song Dian's reminder once again, Liu Hong finally came to his senses and noticed Xi Zhicai standing in the hall. He then pointed to the table, indicating that Xi Zhicai should sit down.

"Song Dian, you may leave now. I have something to say to Zhicai!"

"promise!!"

"Your Majesty...you?"

After they were seated, seeing the emperor's disappointed expression, Xi Zhicai couldn't help but show a concerned look.

"Zhicai! They are loyal to me, yet I still have to use them without any mercy. Don't you think I'm being too heartless?"

Thinking of Xun You's plan, Liu Hong couldn't help but think of Li Ru and the students who had been captured by Zhong Yao and his men.

"this....."

Xi Zhicai was stunned for a moment. Looking at the emperor's lost and dejected expression, he didn't know how to answer.

To say no would be an exaggeration; in fact, what we did before was indeed taking advantage of them.

That's true, but Liu Hong's starting point was to avoid greater losses, and besides, he didn't dare to.

"Alas, the imperial family is the most ruthless! There are some things I don't want to do, but I have no choice but to do! Being an emperor is truly exhausting!!"

Sometimes I can't help but envy those who only care about eating, drinking, and having fun!