Duan Ziqian stood before Chen Ye Hall, gazing at the tightly packed halls and pavilions before him, and said quietly, "Eunuch Gui, there must be a few times in a man's life when he follows his heart."
Duan Ziqian naturally understood what consequences he might bring upon himself by choosing the day Duan Hongzhuo returned with his army to lay his cards on the table.
But he wanted to try all the same.
If the realm of Northern Liang truly no longer belonged to him, he would accept it.
But if it did, he would fight to his last breath to reclaim it and affirm his rightful rule!
Duan Ziqian was staring distractedly at the gray expanse of sky and earth when someone came to report.
"Your Majesty, the Marquis of Anguo requests an audience."
Duan Ziqian came back to himself and waved a hand at the guard. "Admit him!"
With that, he remained standing before the hall, motionless.
Before long, the Marquis of Anguo hurried over, a few snowflakes still resting on his shoulders. Upon reaching him, he bowed.
"Your subject pays his respects to Your Majesty."
"Rise," Duan Ziqian said.
After looking the Marquis of Anguo up and down, Duan Ziqian asked, "Marquis of Anguo, what brings you to the palace in such haste to see me?"
The Marquis of Anguo glanced around before taking a few steps closer and asking cautiously, "I heard that Your Majesty had a disagreement with the Regent King at this morning's court session?"
Duan Ziqian nodded. "Indeed. I rejected his plans for the campaign against Western Chu. Have you come with something to say, Marquis of Anguo?"
"Your Majesty, that was a most rash move!" the Marquis of Anguo said.
"The Regent King's power now reaches the heavens, and he has drawn