*
Gao Zheqi merely shot him a faint, smiling glance, and the servant fell silent.
*
*
「Upper Monarch Hall.」
A servant added some incense and was about to withdraw. From behind the beaded curtain, a lazy voice chuckled. "What is it? 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. If he arrives, just have him wait." The voice was casual, tinged with a smile.
The servant quickly acknowledged and withdrew.
*
*
The wind picked up again.
The Dayong Dynasty's territory was vast. The farther west one traveled, the more barren and desolate it became.
Huge ravines crisscrossed the landscape like scars from a divine whip lashing the earth. Carriages and horses bumped along the uneven ruts. Occasionally, yellow sand would swirl up, blinding everyone.
