"Enough. I have said all I have to say."
"My ministers, you may leave."
"Go back and think carefully."
The emperor waved a hand.
Prime Minister Wen was the first to bow.
"This old minister takes his leave."
The others bowed in turn.
They turned and left Tai Chi Hall.
Some walked very quickly.
As though desperate to flee this suffocating hall.
Some hesitated with every step.
After walking a few paces, they glanced back at the Dragon Throne behind them.
Some were deathly pale.
Their hands clamped tightly over the Communication Jade Talismans at their waists.
As though anxious to send some message to their clans.
Jiang Yuandu walked at the very back.
His face was filled with inner turmoil.
Just as he was about to cross the threshold.
He stopped.
The emperor glanced at him.
"Does the Minister of Clan Affairs have something else to say?"
Jiang Yuandu trembled all over.
He turned around.
"Your Majesty, this subject dares to ask—those members of the imperial clan in the Imperial Mausoleum..."
"They are all dead."
The emperor's tone was flat.
Jiang Yuandu felt a chill shoot from the soles of his feet straight to the crown of his head.
"But they were also of the Jiang Clan's blood."
"I know."
"Then why..."
"Minister of Clan Affairs."
The emperor interrupted him.
"If you cannot bear to part with them, I can send you inside right now to reunite with them."
Jiang Yuandu's face turned ashen.
He hastily lowered his head.
"This subject takes his leave."
Once everyone had left.
Only the emperor, Jiang Wuyang, and Jiang Wuji remained inside Tai Chi Hall.
The hall doors slowly closed.
The sounds outside were shut out.
Candlelight flickered over their faces, alternating between light and shadow.
The emperor stood below the vermilion steps.