Two people arrived in the courtyard, but Yang Qing and the others merely glanced at them before returning to their food and drink.
They ate with such cheerful concentration that Yun Niang and the other woman did not step forward to interrupt them. Only after they had finished everything did the women approach.
Once again, Yun Niang spoke first. "Since you've all had your fill, let's go."
Then she gestured to Yang Qing. "This is the city lord."
The city lord, Gongsun Ru.
She was the Eldest Princess's twentieth-generation descendant.
Yang Qing and the others straightened their clothes, stepped forward, and bowed to Gongsun Ru.
Gongsun Ru said nothing, merely giving a slight nod.
With her illustrious lineage and exalted standing, she naturally had no need to offer Yang Qing and the others any further acknowledgment.
"Today, the city lord will take you into the Holy Temple. You should prepare yourselves."
The Holy Temple was connected to Emperor Zhetian.
Legend had it that Emperor Zhetian had discussed the great affairs of the realm with his ministers within the Holy Temple.
To think that Upside-Down City had a Holy Temple as well. This stirred a little more curiosity in Yang Qing.
"The Eldest Princess had this Holy Temple built according to the specifications of the original. It has stood for five hundred years now."
Five hundred years again.
Five hundred years had passed since Emperor Zhetian's fall.
This Holy Temple had also existed for five hundred years.
There seemed to be some connection hidden in the workings of fate, but Yang Qing still could not make sense of it.
When he could not make sense of something, Yang Qing's response was to say nothing and ask nothing.
As Gongsun Ru watched Yang Qing and the others bow respectfully to her, a