At the end of the Si hour, when Nalan Yunzhi was about to leave the Imperial Study to return to Zichen Palace for lunch, Guo Dongbing, who had been waiting quietly by the side, suddenly stepped forward and knelt on the ground with a thud: "Your Majesty, I have something to report."
Nalan Yunzhi stopped and looked at Guo Dongbing, who was kneeling in front of the imperial desk, in confusion. He thought that Guo Dongbing was usually steady and cautious, and he must have something important to tell him by suddenly kneeling down.
Thinking of this, Nalan Yunzhi said in a deep voice: "Why are you so flustered? Get up and talk."
Guo Dongbing knelt on the ground, his body trembling slightly, as fragile as a leaf in the wind. He lowered his head, his voice pleading like a wounded lamb as he pleaded with Nalan Yunzhi: "Your Majesty! I am unwell and ill from overwork. It is difficult for me to continue serving Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty to allow me to retire and return home!"
Nalan Yunzhi sat at the imperial desk, her eyes piercing as she surveyed the loyal eunuch in front of her. A wave of emotion welled up in her heart. Although Guo Dongbing had only just turned forty after the Lunar New Year, far from being old enough to retire, his request seemed reasonable when she recalled his years of dedicated service to the court.
Guo Dongbing's face was filled with exhaustion and illness. His once chubby features had become thin and gaunt, his eyes bloodshot, revealing a deep weariness. His gaze betrayed an intense longing for home and an infinite yearning for a comfortable life. He knelt there, motionless, like a silent statue, only the longing to return home burning silently within him.
Time ticked by, Guo Dongbing's heartbeat growing increasingly rapid, sweat gradually oozing from his forehead. Yet, he dared not move, fearing his actions would displease Nalan Yunzhi. He could only silently await the emperor's response, his heart filled with anticipation and anxiety...
Nalan Yunzhi frowned slightly, and after a moment of contemplation, he slowly spoke, "Old Guo, you have served me wholeheartedly over the years and have sacrificed so much for me. How could I not know how hard you have worked? Now that you are ill and can no longer work hard, I will allow you to resign and return home to rest and recuperate."
Upon hearing this, Guo Dongbing's eyes flashed with gratitude. He immediately knelt and kowtowed, expressing his gratitude: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great grace! I am deeply grateful and have no way to repay you!" He then kowtowed several more times.
When he stood up, Guo Dongbing's body seemed a little weak, but his face showed a smile of relief.
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