[*]
Gao Zheqi merely shot him 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, the master lounging inside chuckled. "What is it? Has that old codger Gao Zheqi arrived?"
The servant started slightly and quickly lowered his eyes. "A messenger just reported that Mr. Gao is already on his way to the Imperial Palace."
"I am tired," he said with a careless laugh. "If he arrives, just have him wait."
The servant quickly assented and withdrew.
*
*
The wind picked up.
The Dayong Dynasty's territory was vast, growing more barren and desolate the farther west one traveled.
Huge ravines crisscrossed the land, as if the heavens had lashed the earth with a whip. As carriages and horses traveled over the uneven ruts, clouds of yellow sand would suddenly swirl up, blinding everyone.
