The fifteenth day of the third month, with a fine rain falling thick and fast.
Once the spring rain began, the entrance to Dragon Abyss became shrouded in clouds and mist, like an immortal realm.
His Majesty the Immortal Emperor's imperial sedan chair arrived at Dragon Abyss, surrounded by the gathered ministers.
By convention, the Prime Minister led the civil and military officials to stop at the entrance to Dragon Abyss.
His Majesty the Immortal Emperor entered Dragon Abyss with his personal guards.
Xie Dong was the only non-guard he had brought along.
To speak frankly, that word "only" had long been a thorn lodged in Prime Minister Guo Hong's heart.
What did it signify?
It signified that, in His Majesty's eyes, Xie Dong's position was unshakable.
Even when entering the Imperial Mausoleum, only Xie Dong could accompany him.
It was still Nangong Mingren's words that gave him a measure of comfort. Nangong Mingren had said, "Xie Dong enjoys His Majesty's favor and stands above all ministers. Yet from another perspective, it also shows that Xie Dong has no foundation whatsoever. This is what they call 'gain in one place, loss in another' at court."
Those were words the Prime Minister liked to hear.
Yes, Xie Dong was a pure minister.
In a sense, a pure minister was much like a eunuch.
Eunuchs had originally been men too, yet when the Empress bathed, they could attend her at her side. Why did His Majesty not suspect them? Because they had no "root" and posed no threat.
And Xie Dong?
His entire fortune and standing were tied to His Majesty alone. He seemed high-ranking and powerful, yet he had no foundation at court.
Such a man, in truth, posed no threat to the Prime Minister.
There were guards within Dragon Abyss