The Great Song Dynasty, the Imperial Palace.
Song State's Imperial Palace was exceptionally vast, with an enormous interior. In terms of extravagance, Great Song's Imperial Palace could certainly be called the finest in the entire Divine Land Dynasty.
For no other reason than money!
The palace halls were supported by exquisite, magnificent gilded columns, carved with images of coiling dragons ascending into the clouds. Gauze curtains surrounded the spaces behind the columns, where figures could vaguely be seen moving.
"Your Majesty, come catch me..."
"Over here, over here! Your Majesty missed again! Heeheehee..."
"Come this way, Your Majesty!"
Behind one of the halls within the Imperial Palace, Zhao Gou, the King of Song, was blindfolded, chasing a group of consorts and palace maids amid laughter.
The hall teemed with beauties, their coquettish laughter unceasing. The eunuchs standing nearby kept their heads bowed, seemingly long accustomed to the sight.
In terms of extravagant indulgence, the current King of Song, Zhao Gou, could certainly rank among the foremost emperors of the Divine Land's great dynasties, reportedly second only to Emperor Yang of Sui, Yang Guang, of the neighboring Great Sui Dynasty.
Even now, past fifty, he still indulged in boundless extravagance and desire, spending his days dallying with his consorts in the rear palace. Affairs of state were generally left to ministers such as Privy Council Commissioner Fan Zhongyan and Chancellor Cai Jing.
"Caught you!"
Zhao Gou suddenly pulled a beauty into his arms, then removed his blindfold. Lifting her fair chin, he laughed. "Let's see where you can run now!"
The beauty flushed scarlet and said bashfully, "Since Your Majesty has caught me, I am yours to do with as you please..."
Her bashful manner set Zhao Gou's heart ablaze, and he was about to lean down and kiss her.