Fuan Palace is located in the northwest of Palace City, and beyond it lies the bounds of the Harem. This is also the deepest place foreign ministers are permitted to enter.
Because there is a warm spring beneath Fuan Palace, hot soup baths are available year-round. It is also the Emperor's favorite place to be during winter.
Yet, Pang Ban, who has served before the Emperor for nearly fifty years, can count on one hand the number of times he has been summoned directly to Fuan Palace. In general, the Emperor prefers to conduct affairs in the Diligent Governance Hall rather than Fuan Palace.
All the way in silence, a eunuch led Pang Ban to the entrance of Fuan Palace, bowed after arriving, then went in to report, leaving Pang Ban standing outside.
Looking up, he could see steam rising behind the tall palace—this was the warm soup within.
"Lord Pang, His Majesty invites you."
"Thank you for guiding the way."
