In the Golden Hall, officials "helped" one another-with a free-for-all.
What a spectacle, what a grand occasion!!
Upon the Imperial Throne, the emperor leaned forward slightly, his imperial backside poised to leave the seat.
Debates at court had existed throughout the dynasties.
Yet disturbances in the halls of Great Zhou had always begun with the roughness of fighting men and ended among the armored ranks.
Today, civil officials brawled upon the Vermilion Steps beneath the emperor's gaze.
Purple-and-scarlet robes tangled together, hats and tassels scattered across the floor.
This was...
A first since the founding of Great Zhou.
As fists and feet rose and fell, the knot of men rolled ever closer, until they were only a few feet from the Imperial Throne above the Vermilion Steps.
Wang Cheng stood beside the Imperial Throne, his heart pounding wildly, cold sweat streaming down his temples.
"The Imperial Dragon Guard... quick, summon the Imperial Dragon Guard into the hall to protect..."
The words had only reached Wang Cheng's throat; he had yet to voice them.
Then he saw a hand rise abruptly, its five fingers slightly spread, held still in midair.
The emperor's meaning was neither "wait" nor "hurry."
It was: "Do not move"!
Wang Cheng's Adam's apple bobbed. Every word caught in his throat, and he dared not utter a sound.
Then he glanced sideways.
He saw only the emperor seated in perfect stillness, his face like unruffled water.
Neither joy nor anger showed on his face; neither sunshine nor storm could be read beneath his lashes.
Nothing was more unfathomable than imperial might.
Shen Duan stood at the head of the ranks, looking left and right, unsure where to turn.
"Chief Minister Shen! Chief Minister Shen!"
Kou Yuan's cries came from the chaotic melee, so shrill they