The grand court assembly concluded with the Emperor yielding, and Wei Zhi and the other courtiers receiving satisfactory answers. As Manbao walked out of the main hall, her back was drenched. Upon stepping outside, she prepared to lift her official robe to run, but was intercepted by Gu Zhong, who had been waiting there first. "Lord Zhou Junior, Lord Zhou Junior?"
Gu Zhong hid behind a pillar and called her quietly. Manbao really wanted to pretend she hadn't heard, but felt that wouldn't be right, so she silently approached him. Before she did, she glanced at the ministers who were still streaming out, hoping to find Lord Wei to give her a hand.
But Lord Wei was already gone without a trace, so she had no choice but to step forward.
Gu Zhong smiled and said, "Lord Zhou Junior, His Majesty asks you to go to the study for a talk."
Manbao asked quietly, "What does His Majesty want to say to me?"
