Northern Liang's imperial palace, Chaolan Hall.
Chaolan Hall had originally been where Duan Hongzhuo conducted affairs in the palace, but Duan Ziqian now occupied it.
Ever since becoming the new emperor, Duan Ziqian had been kept under Duan Hongzhuo's thumb, and a bellyful of anger had long since built up inside him.
Now Duan Hongzhuo's whereabouts were unknown, and his remaining followers had yet to be purged. Whenever Duan Ziqian thought of it, bitter resentment filled his heart.
Everything Duan Hongzhuo had done before had all but stripped him, the emperor, of his dignity.
Because of this, Duan Hongzhuo had been unable to sleep peacefully night after night.
Now, the opportunity he had waited so desperately for had finally arrived!
Duan Ziqian kept studying the Northern Liang Map spread out before him.
His gaze lingered on Western Chu's Yan Pass, separated from Northern Liang's southern border by only a thin line.
Yan Pass—just one tiny Yan Pass—had kept Northern Liang's iron cavalry at bay for a hundred years!
But now Northern Liang had strong soldiers and sturdy horses. As for Western Chu, aside from Yang Chengming, the Yan Prefecture Military Commissioner who had distinguished himself in both civil and military affairs, it seemed no other talents had emerged.
This unparalleled achievement would surely fall into his hands!
At the thought, excitement surged through Duan Ziqian's chest, and he could not calm himself for a long while.
He was engrossed in the map when a loud announcement came from the hall entrance: "Prince Ding requests an audience!"
Hearing this, Duan Ziqian restrained the wild grin on his face and drew his gaze away from the map, looking somewhat embarrassed.
"Admit him!" Duan Ziqian tried to keep his voice even, but his faintly trembling fingers betrayed his feelings.
Duan Hongxing slowly entered