One month later, in the palace of Northern Liang's Imperial City.
"Your Majesty, all preparations for the sacrificial ceremony are complete. Please proceed to the Imperial Shrine."
The Minister of Rites entered the hall and reported the progress of the preparations to Duan Ziqian.
"Where are the ministers now?" Duan Ziqian asked.
The Minister of Rites replied, "The ministers and members of the imperial clans are all waiting outside the Imperial Shrine. However..." His expression grew troubled, and he seemed unsure how to answer.
"However, what?" Duan Ziqian asked.
After considerable hesitation, the Minister of Rites finally replied, "The Regent King is still in the Diligent Governance Hall. He has not joined the officials."
"My imperial uncle is still in the Diligent Governance Hall?" Something flickered in Duan Ziqian's eyes. "Has he given a reason?"
"According to the Regent King, today is the anniversary of the day the Late Emperor appointed him regent. Yet he believes he has failed to help Your Majesty govern the realm, and feels ashamed. The Diligent Governance Hall was where the Late Emperor attended to affairs of state, so the Prince is there quietly reflecting on his failings."
"My dear imperial uncle. What performance is he putting on this time?" Duan Ziqian scoffed, then abruptly grew serious. "I understand. Summon General Xiao."
Xiao He was the commander of the palace's Imperial Guards in Northern Liang. He had also been a trusted minister during the Late Emperor's reign, and had retained his command after the Late Emperor's death.
Xiao He hurried inside, stopping only when he reached Duan Ziqian. "Your Majesty summoned me. Is there an urgent matter you wish me to attend to?"
Duan Ziqian looked at him. "Xiao He, has there been any unusual activity in the palace these past few days?"
Xiao He