Zhou Shuren rose to find not a single spot on his body was comfortable. The feeling of a sore waist, aching back, and cramping legs was due to the sincere kneeling last night, and his knees were so painful it was unbearable. Because he needed to rise early, he had been half asleep and half awake, and after rinsing his mouth, he felt hollow with hunger. On an empty stomach, he drank some tea, forced himself to muster up some energy, and followed the Emperor to court. Being punished to stand early in the morning indeed made his stomach ache.
Zhou Shuren walked behind several princes, and by looking up, he could see the pale faces of the princes, a sign of their hunger. By comparison, he felt much better; at least when he was chatting with the Emperor last night, he ate some fruits and snacks. After all, he wasn't hungry at all.
