For three consecutive days, the Emperor had failed to attend court. Even when ministers sought an audience in person, they were turned away at the gate.
This anomaly cast a heavy shadow over the entire imperial court. Panic-stricken, the ministers speculated endlessly about the Emperor's physical condition.
Inside and outside the court, discussions were rife. Officials were deeply worried, and even the common folk had caught wind of the rumors, talking of little else.
Chapter 39