Chen Ji refused, saying, "Your Majesty, I'm afraid I cannot attend the New Year's banquet."
Bai Xingzhen angrily retorted, "The Imperial Decree hasn't even been issued yet, how can you start referring to yourself as a lowly officer?"
Chen Ji ignored him and pointed to Old Ears: "Your Majesty, the elder in my family is drunk and unconscious, and I am also injured. I hope Your Majesty will permit me to take the elder home to recover."
Emperor Jing was silent for a moment: "Very well, you may return to Duke Huang Mansion and rest. The decree will be delivered tomorrow morning."
Bai Xingzhen was about to say he wouldn't attend the banquet either, but Emperor Jing grabbed his wrist: "You can't, you have to accompany me."
With that, Emperor Jing took Bai Xingzhen by the wrist and left. Bai Xingzhen looked back with every step, only to see Chen Ji nudge Old Ears, and then silently carry him off in the direction of Duke Huang Mansion.
...
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