"Those with matters to report, report them. Those without, withdraw from court."
Huang Chengzong stood beside the dragon throne in Ganyang Hall, clutching a horsetail whisk as he dragged out the words in his shrill voice.
Princess Ji Wenxiu of Chang Le sat in a high-backed chair below and to the side of the dragon throne, propping her cheek on one hand as she idly watched the civil and military officials take their places, just as she always did.
She was like an ornament in Ganyang Hall, drawing no attention.
By now, everyone knew that although this princess was nominally the regent princess, she commanded no troops and had no loyal ministers in court. What she said was about as useful as a fart, and no one needed to heed it.
The reason they still insisted on attending court to discuss state affairs was mainly because the winds outside had grown increasingly tense.
War reports brought fresh alarm three times a day...
They had heard that Golden Sun King of Northern Zhou had already begun gathering ships and felling trees to cross the river with his hundred-thousand-strong army.
Once the enemy finished their preparations, crossed the river, and captured Heavenly Phoenix Pass, the road ahead would be as flat as a galloping horse's back. They could then march straight to the walls of Weijing.
At such a critical moment of survival or extinction, even officials with nerves as thick as hemp rope had begun losing sleep.
Rather than seeking a way to repel the enemy, they were more urgently searching for a path of retreat.
The moment everyone had settled into place, a low buzzing rose from all around.
The officials whispered among themselves about news they had heard, their faces filled with worry. Yet not a single one dared