Inside the government hall, Zhou Shuren's legs had gone numb from standing; he had lost track of how much time had passed. In his peripheral vision, he saw Official Wang's forehead glistened with sweat; the man was unused to suffering such hardships and seemed on the verge of collapse, his gaze directed at the standing Prince, who had not shifted his stance at all.
Zhou Shuren was highly impressed; it was all a matter of training.
Finally, Zhou Shuren gazed upon the Fifth Prince, who had his head bowed; the floor tiles were already marked by the sweat from his brow, the cold stone must have numbed his kneeling legs by now.
Even Zhou Shuren, bold as he was, dared not sneak a peek at the Emperor's expression at this time. He yearned to return and rest; Jinghong had already gone back to their residence where the coal fire would be burning nicely, with hot water ready—he was so eager for a hot bath.
