[*]
Gao Zheqi offered a faint, dismissive 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 leaning back lazily scoffed, "What's this? Is that old coot Gao Zheqi here?"
The servant, slightly startled, quickly lowered his eyes. "A messenger just reported that Mr. Gao is already on his way to the Imperial Palace."
"I'm tired. If he arrives, just have him wait." The voice was casual, tinged with a smile.
The servant quickly acknowledged the order and withdrew.
*
*
The wind picked up.
The Dayong Dynasty's territory was vast. The farther west one traveled, the more arid and desolate it became.
Crisscrossing ravines scarred the landscape like giant whip marks lashed upon the earth by the heavens. Carriages and horses bumped along the uneven ground, and occasional gusts of yellow sand would suddenly swirl up, blinding travelers.
