The weather gradually grew a little colder.
But it was not as cold as in previous years.
Of the great cities under heaven, Ji City now stood farthest north, backed by Yan Mountain and tinged with desolation.
But no one could ignore this place. Centuries earlier, it had been the capital of the Ji-surnamed Yan Clan; centuries later, it had served in turn as the capital of the Yan Clan and the Murong Clan. They all shared the same name: Yan.
Through more than a century of valor unrivaled under heaven, the Yan State of the late Han had made its royal title one of the most prestigious in the eyes of the world, alongside Qin, Jin, Qi, and Chu, surpassing Han-Zhao.
As for the political center of Ji City, on the surface it was naturally the imperial palace, but in reality it was the residence of Murong Ke, Prince of Taiyuan.
When the new emperor had just ascended the throne, the late emperor's decree had appointed assistant regents holding the offices of "Minister of Education, Minister of Works, and Director of the Secretariat." But after the accession, once another assistant regent who had plotted rebellion was eliminated, Murong Ke took overall charge of government.
After repeatedly winning distinction in campaigns against Han State and, most importantly, against Wei State in Hedong, Murong Ke now held the titles of "Grand Commandant, Great General, Minister of Education, Minister of Works, Director of the Secretariat, and Commander of All Military Affairs, Internal and External."
He had essentially reached the pinnacle of official rank. Even so, he continued to treat the young emperor with deference. In Yan State, this attitude was like a clear stream, earning him the name "Little King Wen" from the Yan State people and even people of other countries.