Within Wei State stood a mountain named "True Mystery."
Dongfang Shi, the True Person of the Dao of Divination, cultivated the mysteries here, taming the dragon aura within the realm. The famed Dragon-Tiger Altar had also remained stationed atop True Mystery Mountain year-round.
Today, Wei Xuanche, Son of Heaven of Great Wei, had donned his full ceremonial regalia and was performing the Fengshan rite here.
Today was Lunar New Year's Eve.
"Great Wei, founded in glory, enduring ten thousand years; its achievements eternal, its virtue spanning the cosmos. Now there is the Son of Heaven of Great Wei, ascending the summit of True Mystery..."
The ceremony was underway in the plaza atop the mountain. A ritual official held the edict and prayed to Heaven, his voice closely attuned to proper tonal law, vast and magnificent.
Wei Xuanche wore a Flat Heaven Crown hung with nine tassels. He stood tall before the hundred officials, majestic and deeply imposing, yet his thoughts were not on the Fengshan ceremony.
"Go ask the State Preceptor how things are on the Grand General's side," he instructed by voice transmission.
Yan Shaofei stood not far behind the Wei Son of Heaven. He was now the Minister of the Imperial Stables of Wei State, in charge of transportation throughout the realm. Of course, he did not involve himself much in the actual work; several deputy ministers handled the specific affairs. His chief duties were to drive for the Son of Heaven during major ceremonies, remain at his side, and serve as his guard.
To guard the Son of Heaven on such an occasion naturally meant he was the most trusted among the trusted.
One hand resting on his longsword, he gave a slight bow. Expressionless, he withdrew from the sacrificial platform, left the mountaintop plaza, and entered