The Wujin Suspended Palace is characterized by its grand and intricate structure. Guarded on the outside, it consists of banquet halls and castles in the middle, with the emperor's residence located on the innermost floor.
Upon reaching the third high gate, they dismounted. Oswald handed the reins to a team of guards following them and pointed toward the two individuals accompanying Kevin. He instructed, "Arrange a temporary residence for these two youngsters, and ensure they don't escape."
Innocently, Ben and the young boy with the white rabbit followed Jin Wei closely, constantly glancing at Kevin. Curiously, Kevin asked, "What about me?" He was eager to see what other punishments Oswald had in store for him.
Before Oswald could respond, he heard the cheerful sound of rapid footsteps approaching. Kevin turned his head to witness a little girl, who stood barely as tall as his legs, gleefully rolling towards Oswald. Chirping like a bird, she appeared ecstatic.
As she ran up to him, Oswald knelt and embraced her with one arm. With a serious expression, he scolded, "Why haven't you gone to sleep yet? Don't try to act like a grown-up!"
Although the young Emperor had a handsome and formidable appearance, his stern look was enough to make children burst into tears. However, this little girl, who seemed to be around four or five years old, showed no fear. She clung to his neck and giggled uncontrollably.
Oswald couldn't help but snort and turn away, commenting, "She's drooling again."
The little girl continued to giggle, undeterred.
Oswald: "..."
Just as he turned his head, he noticed Kevin, who was watching the amusing scene with folded arms. Kevin raised an eyebrow and calmly remarked, "The child is already this old. If I recall correctly, you're only twenty-one, right? So, you became a father before even becoming an adult? I'm impressed, though I missed witnessing it firsthand."
Oswald: "..." That's insulting.
If it were someone else, Oswald would have ignored the remark. However, Kevin's tone left him no choice but to deal with this person properly and make him indebted every day!
And what did he mean by not witnessing it?!
Oswald strode forward with the little girl still in his arms. He instructed a servant on the side, "Retrieve the imperial law code from my study, prepare pen and paper, and have Fassbinder copy it out. Make sure he writes fifty copies of the section on court etiquette and the emperor's power, without missing a single word."
Kevin's expression darkened: "..." The law code was thicker than a dictionary.
It seemed that his decision to relearn etiquette, in the beginning, wasn't in vain. How did Kevin acquire such an impressive memory?
Did his mother know about this?!
Kevin reluctantly followed the servant down the long corridor and stopped in front of a heavy copper door.
"Do not loiter at the door," Oswald said. "Copy it quickly. I will check it later."
Kevin was silent. He did not want to stay up late copying a book, but he knew that he had no choice.
Oswald turned and walked away, his handsome face set in a determined expression. He hugged the little girl tightly and disappeared around the corner.
A moment later, the copper door opened with a soft creak. The servant gestured for Kevin to enter.
The study was decorated in a grand style. Thick copper cabinets were nailed to the three walls, reaching the ceiling. Each cabinet was stuffed with heavy classics and stacks of sheepskin scrolls. Kevin knew that most of these books had never been opened.
Only the books on the desktop were truly useful, and they showed signs of frequent use.
Kevin suspected that the servants were more familiar with the books in the copper cabinets than Oswald himself. He glanced around the room quickly and pulled out a book that was thicker than a brick. He placed it respectfully on the table and spread out the paper and pen. The servant then silently retreated, closing the door behind him.
Kevin sighed and sat down at the desk. He opened the book and scanned the table of contents. His liver ached at the thought of copying all of this material. The two parts of the book together contained at least a hundred pages. He could copy it fifty times and still not be finished by next year.
Kevin rested his chin on one hand and lazily turned a few pages. Then, he snapped the book shut.
"Etiquette and Imperial Power..." he muttered to himself. This was going to be a long night.