Dusk was like silk soaked through with ink, slowly draping itself over the glazed tiles deep within the Imperial Palace.
Lamps were lit atop the Gilded Coiled Dragon Pillars, and two figures, one ahead of the other, walked slowly along the corridor.
The armor of the guards on duty gleamed with a cold, bluish light like fish scales, reflecting across the Crown Prince's somewhat tense face.
He had walked this road to the Hall of Mental Cultivation more than a hundred times. Yet this time, every step he took filled his heart with unease! The Grand Court Assembly had not been convened for more than two months, and the Crown Prince had not seen the Emperor for more than two months either.
He had naturally noticed the changes within the Imperial Palace.
However, he had made no unusual moves.
During this period, he had obediently remained in the Eastern Palace. He had summoned no ministers, nor sent anyone to inquire about what was happening in the palace, as though he were completely unaware of the changes there.
Tonight, the Crown Prince had suddenly been summoned by the Emperor!
What was more, he had learned that Chief Secretary Ye Ze'an and Grand Marshal of the Military Wenren Zheng had also been summoned.
The Emperor had not shown himself for so long, yet had suddenly summoned the Crown Prince, the Chief Secretary, and the Grand Marshal together late at night. Anyone would have been unable to stop themselves from thinking too much! A short while later, the Crown Prince arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation and stepped inside.
A strong medicinal odor assailed his nose. Even the sandalwood incense burning continuously in the hall could not conceal it.
A bright-yellow curtain stood directly ahead. Behind it was the Emperor's Dragon Bed,