While The Shadow Guards and their Head Commander was running hither and thither worried for their leige, what was the person responsible for all this ruckus doing?
Ning Fu was making preparations as well. He made a firm vow to himself that he'll do everything in his power to repent for his unfair thoughts towards His Majesty and gain the monarch's forgiveness and appreciation.
For the next seven consecutive days, Ning Fu followed His Majesty from The Heavenly Hall to The Imperial Study, waiting patiently to be called in for an audience. He firmly believed in the fact that constant dripping water wears away a stone. What more His Majesty who was so benevolent to his subjects?
He strongly felt that when the monarch noticed his steadfast actions to repent for his mistakes, he'll be given another chance.
Meanwhile, The Head Commander had noticed how Ning Fu perpetually followed his liege every day. He tried to bring this to the monarch's attention and was replied with a nonchalant 'let him be'.
The Head Commander understood that His Majesty was telling him that things hadn't reached a boiling point yet and that Ning Fu wouldn't dare flout the dynasty rules as of yet. It was clear that the monarch didn't wish to be bothered about his comings and goings.
Therefore, The Head Commander in his infinite wisdom decided on a course of action. His two objectives were to not let his leige be bothered by that blighter and to keep that pest far away from the monarch.
Hence a curious incident would take place each day precisely an hour after the morning assembly for a week and The Head Commander started his silly antics.
Monday:
Nung Fu waited in an inconspicuous, out of the way corner for His Majesty's summons.
The Head Commander noticed that unpleasant fellow waiting to strike a blow to his leige.
Giving it some thought, he called for one of his subordinates and asked him to bring tea for the monarch.
When the mamas brought the requested service, the head commander asked them to go back and brought the tea tray along with him to The Imperial Study.
He knew he was trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes but he had to do those unscrupulous things for His Majesty.
With a low voice, he said, "Your Majesty, this lowly servant has brought some tea which is beneficial to your health. Why doesn't Your Highness take part?"
Su Li wondered which wind blew this person inside. Anyways, since he had taken the initiative to bring her something, she couldn't disappoint his sincere heart and half-heartedly drank a few mouthfuls of tea.
Feeling pleased with himself for making the monarch take some rest from his busy schedule, Head Commander went outside and walked towards Ning Fu.
Before the other person could utter a single word, The Head Commander stated, "His Majesty is tired. The monarch ordered you to come sometime next, Unit Commander"
With his words finished, Head Commander didn't wait to hear any unnecessary words from this unpleasant fellow and left with a flourish.
Anyways, he had already gone to the study and spent some time with the monarch. Who was to say that those words weren't passed on by His Majesty to him?
Hump! This person was still too young to play the waiting game with him.
Tuesday:
Ning Fu followed His Majesty back to The Imperial Study and patiently waited to be called in.
The Head Commander noticed that distasteful person once again sneaking around.
He directly ordered a subordinate to bring some snacks for His Majesty and everything was repeated just like the day before with the only exception being that His Majesty gave him a heartwarming smile for his efforts.
The Head Commander came out the doors of the study and matter-of-factly said, "The monarch is busy with state affairs. Please go back."
Ning Fu again returned back home disappointed.
Wednesday:
The whole cycle was repeated once more, with the sole exception that The Head Commander brought desserts for the emperor and was awarded a fond smile and a grateful nod from His Majesty for his efforts.
In a good mood, The Head Commander decided to leave Ning Fu with his dignity intact today and said, "His Majesty is resting. Don't stand here aimlessly."
He thought that he had given a very cordial answer but Ning Fu felt his anger rising.
Why was it that this person could come and go from the emperor's study freely and bring teas, snacks and desserts for His Majesty without being summoned and he had to wait in the scorching sun for His Majesty and was turned away by the monarch every day?
Was his mistake irremediable in the monarch's eyes?
Thursday:
The Head Commander brought chilled juice to The Imperial Study. Su Li was surprised that the juice was at a lower temperature than usual and questioned him.
With a proud look on his face, The Head Commander replied, "Your servant noticed that the temperatures were rising. This servant chilled the liquid by holding it in a nearby artificial lake"
Su Li marvelled at this person's ingenuity and patted his shoulder. She knew she couldn't simply blurt out a 'thank you' due to the distinction in their positions. Therefore, she tried to show her gratitude in these small actions and hoped the other person understood her.
The Head Commander was skipping on clouds as he came out of The Imperial Study and without missing a beat went to Ning Fu and said, "His Majesty is up to his neck with the memorandums submitted by the other imperial officials. Return back."
See with His Majesty's favour, The Head Commander was readily spouting lies without breaking a sweat. At any rate, this was what His Majesty wanted or he would have called this oaf of a man inside for a talk. Since his liege didn't want to deal face-to-face with this uninvited person, he'll do it in his place.
Ning Fu didn't dare to be angry at the monarch. However, he was undoubtedly exasperated at this lame excuse.
What memorandums?
No one from The Chancellery, The Secretariat or The Department of Affairs submitted anything today.
Only The Ministry of Rites submitted a report regarding there being no rainfall for the last three years and asking His Majesty to conduct prayer to the heavens to be merciful.
What memorandums was the emperor busy with?
He felt so stifled but had nowhere to vent.
Ning Fu also noticed that The Head Commander seemed to be overjoyed at his misfortune so with raised eyebrows he replied, "Take Care Head Commander. This Unit Commander will return tomorrow."
The Head Commander didn't pay heed to his words which further angered Ning Fu and with a snort he left The Imperial Palace.
Friday:
Some of the more observant court ministers had noticed that Unit Commander Ning Fu's expression seemed to be turning gloomy with each passing day. Nobody knew the reason behind it and anyone who tried to make small talk with the aforementioned person would be pricked by his acerbic words.
Just as Ning Fu was planning to follow His Majesty and try his luck once again, he was stopped by The First Prince, Prince Xi.
As kids, Ning Fu and Prince Xi had often met during Palace Banquets or during the hunting season and were familiar with each other. Moreover, even Ning Fu had expected him to the next one to sit on the throne inside The Heavenly Hall and for this reason, he had always been congenial towards Prince Xi.
He had thought of it as a political investment that would bear fruit in the future but now, it all seemed pointless.
The current monarch was one of the best ones, the commoners and nobles alike, could hope and wish for.
Ning Fu also knew that there were no free lunches in this world so he wanted to avoid Prince Xi, but it seemed he had been caught today.
Sighing to himself, Ning Fu gave the other person a bow that was accorded to him as Imperial family member but didn't try to initiate any further conversation.
Prince Xi also understood Ning Fu's taciturn nature so he started the conversation naturally and said, "Unit Commander, how has the capital been treating you since you returned from the border."
Ning Fu knew the other person was fishing for information. He straightforwardly replied, "This lowly official grew up in the capital. This small one feels at home within the capital as well as at the borders."
Prince Xi tired to lead the conversation his way once again and continued, "That said, Unit Commander is seasoned in the way of war and is always on alert for attacks from steel weapons but Unit Commander there are other attacks one has to stay vigilant against."
Nung Fu could already picture the successive back and forth between the two of them, however, he wasn't interested in playing the political dance. His own misconceptions had already landed him in hot water.
If the emperor heard that The Unit Commander was seen walking and talking amicably with Prince Xi, wouldn't the monarch be even more disappointed in him and think of him as an ingrate.
Ning Fu was more worried about how His Majesty thought of him than any power that could be gained by supporting Prince Xi.
Moreover, he had complete faith in the monarch. If a war did eventually break out between His Majesty and Prince Xi, Ning Fu would bet all his life savings that His Majesty would emerge victorious in it.
Therefore, why would The Unit Commander pick up a rock to smash his own two feet? With that thought, his tone of voice did a complete u-turn.
With a scowling face, Ning Fu said, "First Prince, this lowly official sorry. This lowly official doesn't plan to intervene in any matters pertaining to the court. The only thing this small one wishes for is to safeguard the borders." and walked towards the Imperial Study.
When Ning Fu reached there, he was informed by The Head Commander that His Majesty had gone to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager.
This way Friday also passed without The Unit Commander achieving his heartfelt desire.
Meanwhile, The Head Commander of The Shadow Guards was also getting tired of being polite to someone who was so inconsiderate to the mercy shown to him by His Majesty.
He uncharitably thought, humph! since I can't turn you away with soft words just watch how I use hard tactics to deal with you tomorrow.
See if this Head Commander doesn't send you crying and running back to your mother's womb.
Saturday:
Just as Su Li was going through the memorandums, she saw The Head Commander enter her study with a perplexed expression on his face. She wondered what had happened.
She was informed that the Unit Commander of The Devil Snare Army was kneeling outside the doors and had said that he wouldn't leave until she gave him an audience.
Su Li had really forgotten all about that silly person since he came to see her six days ago, she had thought he'll patiently wait for her summons. She had already made up her mind to see him tomorrow but this obstinate act of forcing her and being a blockhead irked her.
How come first he misunderstood her intentions and was now obstinate enough to not give her the respect accorded to an emperor. She was the sky for these ancient people but that man seemed to be hell-bent upon provoking her.
His Majesty was so angered that he shouted at the top of his voice, "Tell Ning Fu to scram before Zhen kicks him in the behind."
The Head Commander was so happy to hear His Majesty raise his voice. This way the white-eyed wolf kneeling outside could also hear and see that the monarch wasn't helpless against him and that if he dared to try and reach for the heavens, his hands would be cut off.
The Head Commander bowed low to his leige and ran back outside. He added his own embellishments to the monarch's words and said, "His Majesty has said that The Unit Commander should stop before word of your antics spreads to others and you end up creating unnecessary trouble for yourself."
After nearly a week of being pushed away, His Majesty had finally sent Ning Fu a message that was more than a single sentence but the tone and underlying threat was quite severe.
Ning Fu understood the veiled warning for what it was and relented.
That night he drowned his worries in large cups of wine.
Sunday:
Nothing happened on Sunday.
A person might question: Why? Did Nung Fu finally admit defeat? Was that the extent of his determination?
The answer to that is:
Do you remember that His Majesty had made three decrees that had turned the notion on its head? What were those three decrees? Let's see.
The first one pertained to abolishing slavery.
The second one pertained to His Majesty asking for each clan's family registry booklet.
The third one?
The third decree His Majesty announced was that there would be no Morning Assembly on Sundays i.e. there was no court on Sunday's.
Hence, how could Ning Fu enter The Imperial Palace without an imperial token?
On Sunday, His Majesty enjoyed his free day.
The Head Commander enjoyed being free of that pest that came running to their leige every single day.
The Unit Commander - Ning Fu thought about his recent actions and as a last resort decided to call one of his high-ranking generals.
He specifically ordered his subordinate to meet him in the woods a few miles away from The Imperial Capital since what he wanted to do couldn't be spoken about within the Imperial Capital.