"Now that Literary Heart Carving Dragon had upgraded, it could influence everyone below the Seventh Rank. The scope of what I could do was growing ever broader. But what exactly did obtaining the Way of Utmost Sincerity mean?"
Su Ziji could not help feeling puzzled. The Way of Utmost Sincerity could grant foreknowledge—he had long known that—but judging from the situation, that might not be what it meant.
"My lord!" Just as he was thinking, Wild Daoist, who had left, hurried back in. "A palace eunuch has delivered a message. An imperial decree has summoned you to the temporary Grand Secretariat at Qingchun Garden at once."
Su Ziji's heart sank. Disaster had only just struck the Imperial City, yet the Emperor had suddenly sent word for him to go to the Grand Secretariat. What could it mean?
"Is the carriage ready?" Su Ziji had always been at ease with Wild Daoist's work. He asked casually and, sure enough, received an affirmative answer.
He was going to the Grand Secretariat, and the Emperor might summon him at any moment. Su Ziji had no choice but to have his ceremonial robes brought over and dress himself formally before hurrying out and boarding the ox carriage.
"This time, do not bring those new men. Bring the veteran residence guards."
Qingchun Garden was also within the city. It was quite far from the Imperial City, though somewhat closer to Prince Dai's Residence.
He hurried into the ox carriage and rushed toward Qingchun Garden. Yet the moment they left the gates of Prince Dai's Residence, he could sense an air of tension.
Soldiers were everywhere, each with a hand on his sword. A sentry every ten paces, a lookout every five—security was as tight as a sealed iron barrel, a sight rarely seen even in