Outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
The nine-tiered jade steps were bathed in the soft morning light, each stone shimmering with a delicate luster. Flanking the path, a thousand Huben Guards stood as still as pines, their armor glinting with a cold, sharp light as they kept a majestic watch over the road to the seat of power.
The vermilion palace gates swung wide, welcoming a grand ceremonial procession that moved slowly toward the heart of the Imperial City to the accompaniment of resonant horns. Wang Zhen, the Chief Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, stood before the Hall of Supreme Harmony, his voice sharp yet solemn.
Chapter 91