Great Qian Imperial Palace, Taiji Hall.
The hall was wreathed in curling wisps of dragon-saliva incense, and the morning light glinted blindingly off the golden bricks. The Emperor sat high upon the dragon throne, the jade beads hanging from his crown veiling his shifting, unfathomable expression. Below the steps, civil and military officials stood in neat rows on either side, dead silent.
Zhao Yan, a Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, stood among the military officers, his fingers nervously rubbing his ivory tablet of rank while fine beads of sweat coated his palms. He cast a stolen glance toward the imperial dais—the Empress Dowager was once again attending court from behind a lowered screen today, her phoenix seat placed to the right of the dragon throne. That blurred silhouette behind the beaded curtain looked like a sharp sword hanging over everyone's heads.
Chapter 238