In the court meeting.
The Emperor sat at the head, listening to the people below reporting.
He had gradually developed a habit of fondling a small, round jade pendant during court meetings, carved in the center with a blooming little lotus flower.
The court officials below were reporting on a recent flood disaster in Jiangnan, which had now been resolved, and all troops had returned to the court. They were requesting approval for various matters.
The Emperor, always composed, sat with a calm demeanor facing the court officials, his gaze constantly resting on the ministers below, putting immense pressure on the reporting officials.
In reality, he was very distracted; after all, the reports at the court meeting were merely routine. The actual reports had already reached his desk. He was well aware of what needed to be known and had already drafted the decrees for rewards, simply waiting for the procedural walkthrough before issuance.