The moonlight filtering through the small window of the woodshed carved a pale, stark square onto the floor. Qin Lie sat cross-legged on the freezing pile of straw, the Ancient Bronze Mirror Fragment pressed directly against his skin over his heart, transmitting a steady, faint chill. The tidal wave of praise for his "loyalty and bravery" in the Golden Throne Hall that day, Emperor Xia Hong's "gratified" smile, and Li Yuanfu's hypocritical "admiration" all morphed into silent mockery, weighing heavily upon his chest.
Canglang City. Xiaoji Captain.
A coffin trimmed in gold. The Emperor intended to use his blood to dye the dust and wind of the Northern Frontier red, and along the way, thoroughly bury the last lingering hope of the Zhenbei Estate rising again. As for the Chancellor, the Second Branch, and Su Qingxue, they had likely already prepared the celebratory wine.
Chapter 77