PART I. The Puppet on the Dragon Throne
Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the dragon-saliva incense burned brightly within the gilded bronze crane censer. Wisps of smoke curled upward, yet failed to dispel the ice-thick stagnation of the air within the hall. I sat straight upon the dragon throne of nine dragons, lacquered in gold. The bright yellow imperial robe pressed heavily upon my shoulders, its twelve symbolic emblems embroidered in gold thread that cast a cold gleam beneath the candlelight, resembling countless pairs of eyes staring indifferently at the kowtowing ministers massed below the steps.
"Your Majesty, a military report from the northern frontier: the barbarian tribes are growing restless, and we request reinforcements of grain and provisions—" The voice of the Minister of Personnel trembled with fear, the trailing end quivering slightly within the vast, empty hall.
Chapter 138