*
Gao Zheqi merely shot him a faint smile, and the attendant fell silent.
*
*
「Upper Monarch Hall.」
A servant added more incense and was about to withdraw. From behind the beaded curtain, a lazy voice drawled, "What is it? Is that old codger Gao Zheqi here?"
The servant, slightly startled, quickly lowered his eyes. "A moment ago, a messenger reported that Mr. Gao is already on his way to the Imperial Palace."
"I am tired. If he arrives, tell him to wait." The voice was casual, tinged with amusement.
The servant swiftly agreed and withdrew.
*
*
The wind picked up.
The Dayong Dynasty's territory was vast. The farther west one traveled, the more barren and desolate the landscape became.
Massive earthen ravines crisscrossed the land like scars from a divine whip. Carriages and horses jostled over the uneven, pitted ground, and occasional gusts of yellow sand would startle up, blinding travelers.
