The Flower Boat caused an enormous stir. By the time it sailed out of the East Market, crowds of onlookers were already arriving on one another's heels. Gazing at the otherworldly Flower Boat, they surged after it.
Before long, the commotion brought the patrolling Buliangren. Squad after squad of armored patrolmen advanced with hands on their sabers, parting the packed crowds and maintaining order.
They had received orders not to obstruct the Flower Boat. It was said to be a gift for His Majesty the Emperor!
The news flew through the Imperial City as though it had sprouted wings. Everyone learned that Yihong Brothel, the largest brothel in the entire Imperial City, had built an enormous Flower Boat and was preparing to present it to His Majesty.
Deep within the palace, bouts of coughing echoed through the Main Hall. The palace eunuchs knelt bent low on the floor, trembling, seemingly worried about the health of the sovereign on the couch in the middle of the hall.
Beside the couch, a young woman dressed in pale green gazed anxiously at its occupant, seemingly deeply concerned about him.
Her looks were above average, but she was exceptionally innocent-looking, with an air of someone who knew nothing of the world. Her fair, tender face showed nothing but aching concern.
"Cough, cough, cough. A Flower Boat? Can a Flower Boat bring me eternal life? Ridiculous!" The old man on the couch, dressed in a Five-Clawed Golden Dragon Robe, sat up and smiled at the young woman as he coughed.
His aged face was covered in age spots, and his breath came rapidly, like a candle guttering toward its end. Yet his features bore a strong resemblance to Leng Qingsong's, and his cold, proud face was filled with imperial majesty.
Seeing him try to sit