Chapter 510

Once the court dismissed, the officials dispersed in all directions. Outside the gates of the Imperial Palace, various sedan chairs were parked, each strictly reflecting its owner's status and rank. Minor officials had to use battered litters and dared only hire two bearers. In such a place, these things touched directly upon the dignity of high-ranking lords, so no matter how much wealth the junior officials might have illegally amassed, none dared to overstep their bounds. For high officials, however, it was entirely different. Not only were their carriages positioned closer to the front, but some even utilized four bearers. Only Zhuge Fang and Li Zheng were exceptions. Possessing immense power and lofty positions, their sedan chairs were not only magnificent and placed ahead of all others, but they also had eight bearers standing at attention on either side to wait upon them. Seeing Li Zheng emerge from the palace, the steward of the Li estate hurriedly shouted: "The master is boarding the sedan chair!" "Lower the chair!"