Governor Mansion.
Zong Zhengxi was woken up by a maid.
Yesterday had been tough on him. As soon as he opened his eyes, his entire body ached, and he was severely sleep-deprived.
He was in a bit of a morning grump.
Lu Yuan sat on a chair and commented blandly, "Any later, and you'll be late for court."
Zong Zhengxi yawned and glanced at the pitch-black sky, "It's so early…"
Lu Yuan sipped his tea and replied, "This isn't the Imperial Palace. The trip takes up some time, so naturally we have to start earlier."
Zong Zhengxi muttered sleepily, "Can't we skip court for just one day?"
Lu Yuan replied, "No."
Sullenly, Zong Zhengxi crawled out of bed.
The clothes from yesterday were unwearable, so Lu Yuan had someone prepare a new set for him. Zong Zhengxi dawdled, looking very reluctant.
Lu Yuan placed his teacup on the table, "Your Majesty, best hurry; once you're in the palace, you'll need to change into the dragon robe first thing."