Prosperity Capital Imperial City, Golden Hall.
"Say that again. I did not hear clearly."
Emperor Li Kun's vigor had grown increasingly wan, and he had long since lost his former heroic bearing. Even seated upon the dragon throne, he gave off the air of one in his twilight years. The civil and military officials filling the court had long grown accustomed to it.
Yet now, as the emperor's voice rang out, mixed with anger, incomprehension, and surprise, the court officials seemed to see once more the emperor of five years ago, brimming with youthful spirit.
Before the imperial steps, Grand Secretariat Commissioner Wang Jing wiped the sweat from his brow and said again, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the entirety of Southern Ridges Circuit has raised the banner of rebellion!" His face was full of bitterness as he spoke. The Southern Ridges Circuit Observer was related to him by marriage; once this matter came to light, his days as Grand Secretariat Commissioner were numbered.
Originally, he had not been particularly supportive of the national war. Yet when the war was won, he had received no small share of the credit, drawing some criticism. Still, it had not been enough to shake his foundations. Besides, at his position, moving even a single step was harder than ascending the heavens. He had never sought merit, only freedom from fault, and so had lived quietly and contentedly. But now, before he had even properly enjoyed his accomplishments, blame had already come crashing down upon him. His fate was sealed.
Hearing it repeated once more, Li Kun instead calmed down. Sitting steadily upon the dragon throne, he asked indifferently, "An entire circuit? Can someone explain to Us what exactly 'an entire circuit' means?"
After the question, the hall fell silent as death.
After several breaths,