Supreme Ultimate Hall.
Before the plaza.
The civil and military officials stood in ranks to the left and right, all solemn and silent.
Even Jiang Ning and Su Qingying's unexpected arrival merely drew a few extra glances before the officials looked away again. No one stepped forward to exchange pleasantries.
Everyone could sense that something major was bound to happen at this court assembly.
Since Emperor Changning had ascended the throne, he had never been so diligent in attending to state affairs, nor had he ever summoned the civil and military officials for court at this hour.
Moreover, countless rumors had been circulating through the royal capital these past days. Anyone could feel the undercurrent stirring beneath the calm surface.
At this moment, Jiang Ning stood more than ten places back in the ranks of military officials.
Those before him were all first-rank ministers of the court or princes of Great Xia.
Their total number easily exceeded ten.
Among the civil officials, Su Qingying stood gracefully at the head of the line, unmoved by anything around her.
Time passed, and the vast plaza before the Supreme Ultimate Hall remained utterly silent.
At the first quarter of the Tiger Hour.
Rumble—
With a heavy tremor, the massive palace doors slowly opened.
As the doors parted, a sliver of bright, transparent light shone through the gap, revealing a corner of the brilliantly lit hall beyond.
The next moment.
The two golden-armored guards on either side widened their stances and pushed outward together, one to the left and one to the right, throwing open the palace doors.
Rumble rumble rumble—
Amid the reverberating sound of the doors opening, the Supreme Ultimate Hall, resplendent in golden splendor beneath the lights, slowly appeared before the civil and military officials.
Through the open doors, Jiang Ning