Capital, Taiji Hall.
Summer sunlight streamed through the carved lattice windows, casting mottled light and shadow across the golden bricks of the hall. The Emperor leaned back against the dragon throne, his face pale, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the memorial on his desk. The faint scent of sandalwood curled through the room, yet failed to mask an underlying medicinal odor. The Empress Dowager sat squarely behind the beaded curtain, the pearls on her phoenix coronet trembling slightly with her hurried breath.
Prime Minister Fan stood at the foot of the dais, fine beads of sweat trickling down his forehead. He stole a glance at the other ministers in the hall: the Minister of Revenue gripped his hu tablet so tightly his knuckles turned white; the Minister of War furrowed his brow, unease flashing in his eyes; while the Junior Vice Minister of Rites stared intently at the tips of his own boots, as though some rare treasure lay hidden upon them.
Chapter 213