Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the lights blazed brightly.
Zhao Zhao stood beside the imperial throne, swept his gaze over everyone in the hall, and slowly spoke:
"Let today's matter end here. My lords, return and rest first."
The officials answered in unison, though their voices were uneven.
Lin Mo rose to his feet and adjusted the hem of his dragon-patterned robe.
Shen Mingxuan leaned over from the side and lowered his voice. "Count of Southern Suppression, don't forget your meeting with the representatives of the noble families this afternoon."
"I know." Lin Mo replied blandly, "We'll see."
Hearing this, Shen Mingxuan cupped his hands in salute. "Take care, Lord."
Lin Mo turned and headed toward the hall doors.
After taking a few steps, he suddenly stopped and looked back toward the imperial throne.
Zhao Zhao was still standing there, his gaze fixed beyond the hall as though lost in thought.
Candlelight fell across his face, casting alternating shadows and light that obscured his expression.
Lin Mo withdrew his gaze and strode toward the doors.
Outside the hall, the ten Clones were still standing where they had been. Seeing Lin Mo emerge, Mo Er hurried forward and cupped his hands in salute. "Boss!"
Lin Mo nodded. "Let's go. Back to the embassy."
Mo Er turned and waved toward the formation. "Move!"
The ten Clones turned in unison, their steps perfectly synchronized as they followed behind Lin Mo.
The group of eleven crossed the square and proceeded along the white marble pathway toward the palace gates.
Outside the gates, several black sedans were already waiting.
Mo Er opened the rear door, and Lin Mo bent down and got in.
The ten Clones boarded the vehicles behind them. The convoy slowly pulled out and drove away from the Imperial City.
Outside