The bronze qilin sculptures outside the Golden Throne Hall were polished to a sheen by the torrential rain. Zhou Mingyuan stared at the closed doors of the hall, cold sweat soaking the cuffs of his official robes. Lord Li, the Right Prime Minister, stood by his side, his fingers subconsciously rubbing the jade pendant at his waist, creating a faint, rhythmic clinking.
"The Emperor has been in private consultation with Lu Jingyuan for over three quarters of an hour," the Right Prime Minister lowered his voice. "Could our plan have..."
Before he could finish, the hall doors swung open. Lu Jingyuan appeared, the silver-threaded qilin on his dark official robes shimmering coldly in the rain. His gaze swept over Zhou Mingyuan, and a cryptic smile touched his lips: "Lord Zhou, the Emperor summons you."
Chapter 192