Chu Qiao could not contain her laughter as she said, "Look at you. How are you like an emperor?"
"Who says that emperors can't behave like this? You don't know how much I have suffered. I want to spend a little more money, but those old fellows keep complaining about the drought at the eastern regions and the famine at the western regions. They want me to eat plain vegetables every day. They are all no good. I saved up for this myself. Instead of repaying my gratitude, you're making fun of me now?"
The skies in Tang were sunny, with no clouds visible. As the sunlight shone on Li Ce's foxy eyes, it made his look appear even more cunning. Chu Qiao sighed on behalf of the officials and scholars of Tang as she muttered, "It's their misfortune to have met such an emperor."
Li Ce shook his head and sighed in reply, "Qiaoqiao, you are ruthless. By leaving just like that, He Xiao and the rest will fight me to the death."