Several days later, in Northern Liang's Imperial City.
"The Regent King has returned from campaign!"
The rising sun struck the palace gates as they slowly opened, reflecting a dazzling blaze of light.
That same light shone upon the towering palaces.
Before Chen Ye Hall, the court officials had been standing in two rows. As the announcement rang out, every gaze involuntarily fell upon the man clad in battle armor, his expression grim.
A faint aura of murderous severity surrounded him, and his gaze remained fixed straight ahead.
Wherever he passed, everyone silently retreated two steps and bowed. "Greetings, Regent King!"
Only after he had passed did they resume their original formation.
Duan Hongzhuo ignored every greeting and strode straight toward Chen Ye Hall.
The emperor sat upright above them, watching him.
"My failure to take Yan Pass in one stroke during this campaign against Western Chu was a dereliction of duty. I ask Your Majesty to punish me."
Duan Hongzhuo entered the hall and bowed to Duan Ziqian.
Yet anyone with eyes could see that he gave this bow grudgingly, with anger in his heart.
Clearly, a fire was smoldering within him.
And the fire in Duan Hongzhuo's heart was fierce indeed.
Had the emperor seated on that dais not interfered, how could he possibly be standing here now?
He would long since have driven deep into Western Chu's heartland.
"Thank you for your efforts, Royal Uncle. Rise." Duan Ziqian made a token gesture of helping him up, then said nothing more.
Duan Hongzhuo stared directly at Duan Ziqian, his tone distinctly hostile. "Your Majesty, have you nothing to say to me?"
Duan Ziqian narrowed his eyes, yet smiled. "What would you like to hear, Royal Uncle?"
Duan Hongzhuo snorted before continuing. "Does Your Majesty still remember our ancestors' dying