Emperor Chu watched as Song Zhiyuan disappeared through the hall's doors. With a slight curl of his lips, he glanced toward the corner of the Imperial Study and asked with a raised smile, "What does Chang Feng think of Prime Minister Song?"
The person holding a shorthand notebook and charcoal pencil looked up at the words, somewhat stunned, then smiled, "Prime Minister Song is the Emperor's trusted minister and a model for scholars from poor families across the land. I naturally admire him."
This person was none other than Cui Changxiao, the top scorer of the imperial examinations over a year ago, styled Chang Feng. Having achieved the top place, he had been occupying the position of editor for over a year.
"There are no outsiders here. Even if you flatter Prime Minister Song, he wouldn't know," Emperor Chu said with a raised eyebrow, implying that there was no need for flattery; speak plainly, for Prime Minister Song wouldn't know regardless.
