The Sun Moon Empire, the Imperial Palace.
In the resplendent great hall, the lavish dragon throne was no longer occupied by Crown Prince Xu Tianran, who had been administering state affairs. The old emperor had returned to his rightful seat.
Stroking his beard, he smiled down at the hall and accepted the obeisance of his civil and military officials. He looked every inch a benevolent, wise ruler in his twilight years, with no sign that he was already terminally ill.
In truth, the old emperor's health was already very poor, but before his officials, he still had to force himself to maintain a composed appearance.
The court was crowded that day. Civil and military officials, ministers, princes, and nobles stood in orderly ranks. Lower-ranking officials knelt at the rear, while the highest-ranking princes, imperial sons, dukes, and honored retainers stood at the front, privileged to remain on their feet.
At the very forefront were Xu Tianran, several other imperial sons, and a few princes, clustered somewhat more closely according to their respective factions.
Xu Tianran remained seated in his wheelchair, with Ju Zi on his right. Behind him stood Jing Hongchen, the Hall Master of Illustrious Virtue Hall, and the Hongchen Siblings.
Only one man was qualified to stand beside the old emperor, and even the emperor treated him with respect: Silver Moon Douluo Kong Deming.
Jing Hongchen had visibly lost a great deal of weight. The destruction of Illustrious Virtue Hall had dealt him a crushing blow, and immediately after the tournament ended, he had thrown all his energy into rebuilding it.
A pall had settled over his heart.
Cause and effect came full circle. Perhaps the destruction of Illustrious Virtue Hall could all be traced back to his choice years ago, but arguing over right and wrong now