The Edict Written in the Hem of a Robe

Dingzhou City, Imperial Palace.

Since she had invited the Son of Heaven to reside here, Wu Zhi had naturally prepared an imperial palace as well.

Of course, she would never go to the trouble of undertaking massive construction just to curry favor with the Son of Heaven. Besides, no matter how grand she made the palace, His Majesty the Emperor wouldn't appreciate it. So she had done no more than the bare minimum. In terms of size and comfort, it might not even compare to Wu Zhi's own royal palace.

But the nation was in the midst of a crisis, and the emperor was leading by example, keeping everything simple. There were also far fewer consorts and palace maids than before, just enough to get by.

Emperor Ji Lin was only in his twenties, yet he looked gaunt and haggard, his eyes dull and lifeless. There was even a hint of white in his sideburns, making him look more like a man in his thirties or forties.

This was certainly not because Wu Zhi had deliberately mistreated him. In fact, though she had long harbored thoughts of taking his place, she had previously needed to fly the banner of the imperial court, so she had provided it with ample support.

Unfortunately, after losing his power, the Young Emperor had given himself over to wine and women, gradually becoming the wretched figure he was now.

He must have deeply regretted not staying in the secondary capital. Although the imperial court had already been on the verge of collapse then, at least he wouldn't have become the puppet he was now—though even if he had resisted, Wu Zhi would never have given him any more choices.

"Your Majesty, would you like to drink at Yichun Garden today, or listen to music and