After Chen Chuan and Ren Xinshan got out of the car, they ascended the broad steps before the main hall of the Executive Council, their footsteps producing steady, forceful echoes.
Some state affairs personnel were passing through the area. Upon seeing them, they would voluntarily stop and watch them, only continuing on after they had passed.
When they reached Tian Yuan Hall, they saw the national emblem of Great Shun hanging in the central position overhead, with two rows of exceptionally imposing armed guards standing rigidly on either side of the passage.
The place was permeated by a solemn, powerful aura of authority. Anyone who came here would instinctively feel awe.
Secretary Pei stood behind the two men at that moment. Even though he had followed Ren Xinshan here many times, he still could not help feeling a trace of nervousness and reverence.
After standing there briefly, Chen Chuan and Ren Xinshan passed through security and entered through the main entrance. Once they reached the outer hall, internal affairs staff immediately came forward to lead the way.
The three crossed a lofty, brightly lit reception hall and proceeded eastward along a corridor decorated with various calligraphy, paintings, and ornaments.
Chen Chuan noticed a piece of calligraphy that read, "Heavenly Origin Is the True Course."
Seeing where he was looking, Ren Xinshan said, "It was written by Zhen Yong, a famous minister of the Prosperous Dynasty. Legend had it that he was exceptionally skilled at discerning qi and reading omens.
"Red Hill had been the center of the realm since ancient times, and the palaces and temples built throughout the ages all stood atop Red Hill. When Tian Yuan Hall was established, another site was chosen in order to make a break from the Old Era.
"Yet during construction, a Stone