Capital, Taiji Hall.
The Emperor reclined lazily on the dragon throne, his fingertips gently rubbing the seal of a memorial bound in red lacquer. Outside the window, cicadas buzzed noisily, but inside the hall it was quiet enough to hear the dripping of the clepsydra.
"My lords," the Emperor began slowly, his voice as hoarse as sandpaper rubbing against wood, "Xia Huai'an has submitted another memorial of gratitude."
Chapter 218