[*]
Gao Zheqi merely offered a faint smile, and the official fell silent.
*
*
「Upper Monarch Hall.」
A servant added some incense and was about to withdraw. From behind the beaded curtain, a languidly lounging figure hummed with amusement. "What's this? Has that old codger Gao Zheqi arrived?"
The servant, slightly startled, quickly lowered his gaze. "A messenger just reported that Mr. Gao is already on his way to the Imperial Palace."
"I am tired," came the careless, amused voice. "If he arrives, have him wait."
The servant quickly complied and withdrew.
*
*
The wind picked up.
The Dayong Dynasty's territory was vast, growing more barren and desolate the farther west one traveled.
Great earthen chasms crisscrossed the landscape like whip marks on the earth. The passage of carriages and horses was rough and uneven, and sudden gusts of yellow sand would rise up, blinding travelers.
