The warm sunlight streamed through the clean glass windows into the office of the Imperial Tax Department. Outside, the world was bright and clear, with fluffy white clouds floating in the azure sky, resembling puffs of cotton candy. Occasionally, a silver airplane would streak across the sky, leaving a long white trail.
"Tsk tsk, look at today's news, it's truly fascinating!" An official in uniform put down the document in his hand, picked up a newspaper, and began to read: "Marquis of Ice Cold delivered a public speech in Linshui, expressing deep regret for previously opposing His Majesty and pledging allegiance to the Great Tang Empire."
As he spoke, he accepted a cup of hot tea handed over by a subordinate and took a sip: "Looks like this marquis knows when to adapt to the circumstances."
