Taiji Hall.
Before the square.
The civil and military officials stood in separate ranks to the left and right, the air solemn and still.
Even Jiang Ning and Su Qingying's unexpected arrival only made the officials glance at them a few extra times before withdrawing their gazes, with no one stepping forward to exchange greetings.
Everyone could sense that something major was bound to happen at this Court Assembly.
Because ever since Emperor Changning had succeeded the throne, there had never been a moment when he was so diligent in governance, never had he summoned the civil and military officials at this hour to hold Court Assembly.
And in these recent days, countless rumors and gossip had flown through the Royal Capital; anyone could feel the dark currents surging beneath the calm.
At this moment, Jiang Ning stood more than a dozen places back in the ranks of the military officers.
Those ahead of him were all First Grade officials of the court, or else Princes of Great Xia.
Their total number easily exceeded the count of two hands.
In the ranks of the civil officials, Su Qingying stood gracefully at the very front of the line, unmoved by anything external.
Time passed, and the vast square of Taiji Hall was silent and soundless.
A quarter past the Hour of the Tiger.
Rumble—
The heavy palace doors shook with a sound and slowly opened.
As the palace doors opened, bright transparency showed through the crack, a corner of a brilliantly lit scene.
The next moment.
The two Golden Armored Guards on the left and right, tall in stature, exerted force together toward either side, one left and one right, opening the palace doors.
Rumble, rumble—
With the vibrating sound of the palace doors opening, Taiji Hall, illuminated beneath the lamplight