Unity of Heaven and Man

Imperial Capital.

The wind and snow had eased slightly.

The upturned eaves of the outer city connected one after another, wind chimes tinkling softly. The blue-gray roof tiles had all changed color beneath a thick blanket of snow.

Transparent icicles hung from the eaves, swaying as though ready to fall at any moment in the cold wind.

The year's end was approaching, and the weather grew colder by the day. Every household had set out charcoal braziers.

Some people breathed warm air into their hands, stepped over their thresholds, and swung broom handles to smash the icicles, lest they fall and injure passersby.

Then one looked toward the Imperial City.

There, it remained bright and fair.

Hall of Diligent Governance, eastern side hall.

Afternoon sunlight streamed through carved window lattices, scattering dazzling golden patches across the thick wool carpets. Palace-dressed young women entered in ranks, tidying the Sacred Emperor's appearance after his midday rest.

"Has there been any news from the Southern Border?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, not yet."

"The various tribes of the Southern Border joining forces cannot be taken lightly. If that Earth Mountain Spirit truly becomes a False Dragon, then with the Lu Cang River as a natural barrier, we will be passive in all future dealings with the Southern Border. Report to me immediately when there is news."

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty."

"What of the Northern Court? Last year and this year, snow has drifted across the northern frontier for ten thousand miles. It will not be too peaceful."

The chief eunuch accepted a thick stack of memorial pages from a junior eunuch at his side and respectfully presented them.

Upon opening the pages, most were summaries of disturbances from the eleventh month—minor skirmishes, nothing of much importance.

After a pause.

"What of the Ghost