As morning light had just spilled through the palace gates, Chen Wuya was already standing at the foot of the stone steps outside the Golden Hall. He had not changed out of his coarse linen tunic; a blue cloth belt was knotted around his waist, and a travel pack hung diagonally from his shoulder, making him look exactly like some errand runner from the countryside. Yet his steps were steady, and his gaze fixed straight ahead.
Bai Zhi followed close behind. Her moon-white sword robe was spotless, her flexible sword hung at her side, and one hand never left its hilt.
The guards before the hall crossed their halberds to bar the way. "Men of the martial world are not permitted to enter the hall to discuss state affairs."
Chen Wuya took a document from his robe and handed it over. It was a receipt stamped by the Ministry of War, his name clearly signed in vermilion ink. He said nothing, merely turned the document over to reveal the seam stamp and the format of the red endorsement on the back.
The guard froze for a moment, then turned to seek instructions from a palace eunuch. Shortly afterward, the hall doors slowly opened.
The two entered the grand hall. Civil and military officials stood in ranks along either side, their attire immaculate and their gazes sharp as needles. Some sneered, some frowned, and even more remained silent.
Chen Wuya walked directly to the center of the hall, dropped to one knee, and raised an iron box in both hands.
"Chen Wuya, Vanguard Envoy of the Allied Army, obeys orders to present evidence of treasonous collusion with the enemy. I beg Your Majesty to investigate it thoroughly."
The entire hall erupted in uproar.
A purple-robed minister stepped out from the crowd,