Amid shrill cries of "chirp, chirp, chirp," having seen this scene, an eagle took flight and vanished into the clouds.
More galloping horses raced from every region along the post roads, heading straight for the Capital City.
Capital City
Yu Lü had arrived at the palace gates. Seeing the nine rows of huge bronze studs back and forth across them, his body shook as he suddenly realized this was the entrance to the Imperial City.
The Book of Changes, Qian Hexagram: "Nine in the fifth place: the flying dragon is in the heavens." In ancient times, "the exalted Nine-Five" referred to the imperial throne. Thus, by architectural regulation, each gate of the Imperial Palace was decorated with eighty-one bronze studs, nine rows on each door and nine studs in each row. A prince's residence had seven rows, while dukes, marquises, and earls had five.
"The Son of Heaven..."
Yu Lü was somewhat dazed. He had known Su Ziji since Linhua County. At the time, he had merely thought Su Ziji was a man skilled with books, someone worth befriending.
After that came Cultivated Talent, Provincial Graduate, and Presented Scholar.
Marquis of Ying, Duke of Ying, Imperial Grandson.
And then, even the Son of Heaven.
In winter, the three of them had studied beside a blazing red stove. When they grew tired of reading aloud, they would open a jar of wine, set out a dish of peanuts, pour wine and recite poetry, looking forward to the future. Now, his heart brimmed with countless emotions. What did the emperor himself think?
It truly felt like a dream.
Just as he was pondering this, a guard came out. Seeing Yu Lü, he said in a low voice, "By imperial order, Yu Lü is to attend His Majesty at East Pond Pavilion!"
With