The Great Qian Ancestral Hall, the holiest and most exalted place under heaven.
The youthful figure in the imperial portrait looked down upon all directions.
Holding nine incense sticks carved with golden dragons, Jia Huan paid his respects before the spirit tablets of successive emperors, then offered cups of blessed wine.
Once the rites were complete, the party entered the outer hall, where vegetarian dishes had been laid out on a table.
"Your Majesty, please." The Ancestral Hall Eunuchs were deferential to the utmost.
The Retired Emperor took his seat first, with Emperor Jingde sitting beside him.
"Chief Grand Secretary, please." Jia Huan gestured in invitation.
Chief Grand Secretary Yang returned the courtesy with a clasped-hands bow and slowly sat down.
Jia Huan took the fourth chair.
Jiang Liu and Jiang Qi guarded the door, while the Eight Ancestral Hall Guardians stood nearby.
Silence reigned at the dining table.
Jia Huan could clearly sense that Heaven and Earth Essence was richer within two li of the Ancestral Hall. No wonder these old fossils willingly spent year after year keeping their lonely vigil here.
Clack-
Emperor Jingde set down his chopsticks, wiped the corner of his mouth with a brocade handkerchief, and spoke as though to himself:
"I just saw the portrait of Quan Bing of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. It reminded me of that villain's countless vile deeds. A cur of imperial power from the Emperor's Personal Guard, yet he dared to usurp control of the court and humiliate the imperial family. Our Jiang Family was far too merciful. For the sake of the greater good, we let him live out his days."
"And that double-pupiled Nangong Ping'an showed even less restraint. A mere Commanding Commissioner, yet he publicly defiled a legitimate daughter of the Jiang Family. Truly, he recognized