Jinghe Year Fifteen, the twenty-fifth day of the tenth month. The Grand Court Audience.
Before dawn, the officials had already assembled in their ranks before the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Purple, scarlet, blue, and green spread across the Vermilion Steps, layer upon layer.
Court tablets stood like a forest, the ridges of their ceremonial caps like waves...
Today was unlike other days. Every face held a measure of anticipation.
His Majesty had returned to court today.
Since Grand Preceptor Duke Wen Zheng's passing, the emperor had been unwell, suspending court for over a month to rest and recuperate.
Today was the Son of Heaven's first day back upon the Imperial Throne.
At the beginning of Mao Hour, the Jingyang Bell rang.
Emperor Jing of Zhou ascended his throne.
Beneath his Dragon Robe, he had grown considerably thinner.
The officials bowed and cried "Long live His Majesty!" three times, their voices shaking the hall.
Emperor Jing of Zhou slowly swept his gaze over the hall full of purple-and-scarlet robes and spoke:
"I have lain ill for over a month. The affairs of court have rested largely upon the Crown Prince and you, my ministers.
Now that I have returned, do any of you have memorials to present?"
His words had barely fallen when hurried hoofbeats sounded beyond the hall doors, approaching from afar.
Hooves pounded and whips cracked, coming straight to the Meridian Gate.
Everyone in the hall turned.
A moment later, an official from the Directorate of Transmission hurried into the hall and prostrated himself, his voice trembling with excitement:
"Your Majesty, a report of victory from Ningxia!"
"General Who Pacifies the West Zhou Quan defeated three thousand Tangut cavalry at Jingtai!"
The Director of Transmission took the victory report and read aloud, each word ringing like a pearl.
"On