The sky gradually darkened.
Chen Ji set out from Changping County.
He traveled ninety li along the official road, from morning to dusk, all the way to Renshou Palace. He turned a deaf ear to the difficulties posed by Honglu Temple, the mockery of others, and the persuasion of Zhang Li.
This time, he neither meekly followed at the end of the ceremonial procession nor stood submissively like a lamb to the slaughter before the Filial Piety and Brotherly Love Stele.
Instead, he crossed the high threshold, suppressing all voices.
This was what Chen Ji had promised Zhang Xia: he would find a way.
The veils in Renshou Palace fluttered in the wind, concealing any view of Emperor Ning's expression on the throne. He seemed like an emotionless deity, gazing down at the myriad forms of life.
