Imperial Capital Jade Capital City, the capital of Yan Kingdom.
Lofty palace walls stretched like a dragon.
The imperial road was broad and level, wide enough for nine carriages abreast. Imperial Guards in armor, halberds in hand, stood along both sides, their armor gleaming as they remained solemnly silent.
Deep within the inner palace, outside Yangxin Zhai in the rear hall.
Jingwu Guard Vice Commander Tang Taixuan strode over with a long saber at his waist, his steps carrying the wind.
His expression was grave, his brows heavy with concern. That urgent report had been far too shocking.
Yangxin Zhai was not a hall for formal court assemblies, but a place where the emperor usually reviewed memorials and received close ministers.
The eunuchs waiting outside the hall spotted Tang Taixuan from afar and had already bowed in anticipation. Clearly, orders had been given in advance.
"Commander Tang, His Majesty is inside." The chief eunuch spoke softly and turned sideways to lead the way.
Tang Taixuan drew a deep breath, adjusted his court cap and collar, removed the long saber from his waist and handed it to a guard, then stepped into the hall.
The lighting inside was moderate, the windows bright and spotless.
The floor was covered in thick carpets patterned with clustered flowers, making footsteps utterly soundless.
A faint scent of dragon saliva incense permeated the air, quiet and calming.
Before him stood a broad imperial desk of purple sandalwood, piled with several stacks of memorials.
Yet there was no one behind it.
On the east side of the hall stood an elegant landscape screen made of pale-ink silk, its surface wreathed in mist and clouds.
Light and shadow seemed to flicker behind the screen. A tall, upright figure was cast upon it, standing with his hands behind his