They finally stopped before a palace called the Hall of Mental Cultivation. It was where the emperor lived and reviewed memorials.
The guards at the entrance were numerous, but they weren't Imperial Guards. They were men in black outfits, Spring Embroidered Sabers at their waists.
Imperial Guards?
No. Their presence was colder, deadlier.
They were Inner Factory Agents.
Gu Shen's heart sank.
It seemed the plan had gone slightly awry. Had the chaos in the Capital City failed to draw these men away?
Little Fuzi went up to the palace doors and quietly spoke a few words with the leading agent. The man turned and gave Gu Shen a searching once-over with eyes like a hawk's, then waved them through.
As they entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the pungent smell of Chinese medicine filled their nostrils.
The great hall was brightly lit, yet it held not the slightest warmth.
A man reclined at an angle on the Dragon Throne above them.
He wore a bright yellow dragon robe. His face was gaunt, his eyes deeply sunken, and his lips pale. He looked seriously ill.
He was none other than Emperor Cheng'an, the ruler of Great Zhou.
"Your humble subject Gu Shen pays his respects to Your Majesty. Long live the emperor!" Gu Shen knelt and performed the full three prostrations and nine kowtows.
"Rise."
The emperor's voice came from above, weak, yet imbued with unquestionable authority.
"Raise your head."
Gu Shen did as he was told.
He saw the emperor's eyes. What a pair they were! Though illness had worn him down, they remained as sharp as knives, as if they could see straight through a person.
So this was Gu Shen?
He looked like nothing more than an ordinary physician.
He was kneeling there, trembling slightly. Was