A side hall
The Emperor was changing clothes. Having put on a fresh set, he looked at himself in the mirror and, in a daze, felt that he seemed a little more spirited than before.
The Emperor twisted his neck himself and sighed inwardly. I am old. I am deceiving myself!
White hair, wrinkles, a gaunt frame, even the heaviness within his body, and the illness secretly tormenting him day and night without respite—all told him that the air of old age hung heavy over him, and his days were numbered.
"Enough. It is time to go to the outer court." For an instant, the Emperor even considered having the Imperial Grandson preside over the outer banquet in his stead, but immediately suppressed the thought.
The Emperor knew exactly how much time had passed. He knew it was time to begin the feast.
Just then, a eunuch silently entered and came to the Emperor's ear, whispering several words.
The Emperor's hand, which had been tugging at his collar, paused. "Is that so? The Imperial Grandson only made a cursory inspection and did not ask or say much?"
"Yes. Along the way, whenever he encountered anyone, the Imperial Grandson only asked one or two questions. At each place, he merely paused briefly. Only upon returning did he rest in a side hall and drink a cup of tea, but Ji Liuliang proposed that himself, and he only asked what tea had been served."
"The Imperial Grandson went to each gate. Did he contact the guards?"
"No. Everyone in the party was watched. Six people observed and recorded separately, and there were no discrepancies in their accounts. He likewise only asked one or two questions."
"Now, the Imperial Grandson has gone to Literary Brilliance Hall and is waiting outside its doors."
"Is