Great Xia Imperial Palace, Weiyang Palace. Qing Ling walked over, and as she looked at the furnishings and sights within the palace, unchanged as they had always been, tears could not help filling her eyes.
Unknowingly, thirty years had passed. The scenery of Weiyang Palace had not changed much, remaining the same for thirty years as if it were a single day.
"Miss Qing."
Palace maids and young eunuchs stepped forward one after another and bowed respectfully.
"No need for such formalities. Continue with your work."
Qing Ling came back to her senses and spoke.
"Yes."
The palace maids and young eunuchs accepted the order, then withdrew to continue their duties.
Qing Ling walked toward Changsun's bedchamber. Opening the door, she saw the familiar scene before her eyes. Nothing had ever changed, yet the people were no longer the same.
Within the bedchamber, a fist-sized luminous pearl cast forth a gentle glow. It had been the gift Ning Chen presented on Changsun's birthday, and even now, it remained in its original place.
Scene after scene, still vivid before her eyes, struck upon the strings of her heart. The tears in Qing Ling's eyes could no longer be restrained, falling drop after drop and soaking her cold robes.
Half an hour later, the bedchamber door opened. Qing Ling emerged and made her way toward Heavenly Edict Hall.
Heavenly Edict Hall, the sacred hall symbolizing the supreme imperial authority of the Great Xia Dynasty. The Emperor of Great Xia sat high upon the dragon throne. The child of old had grown into an adult, surpassing his ancestors in both literary accomplishment and martial virtue.
Before the dragon throne, the desk was piled high with memorials submitted by officials at every level of Great Xia. As Great Xia grew ever stronger, those harboring