The agreement was recorded; stamps sealed it, and memories were recorded. Both parties stood up and exchanged hopeful handshakes, masked behind disdain and contempt. Then the ministers shook hands with the prince.
As they prepared for departure, Liang Chen sat back down and watched the ministers of Yunzhou take their leave first, then those of Yelan followed. Eunuch Shen remained behind, and so did Ji Mingyaun.
Liang Chen's eyes stared down at his hands as they trembled. Yellow was once a color of the crown of Yunzhou, but today it bore a different meaning, a meaning attaching him to another kingdom and a man he desperately wanted to escape from, yet every instance and problem seemed to be drawing them closer.
The heavy steps of Ji Mingyaun thundered against the gravel floor; Liang Chen's heart rose and fell rapidly. His gaze lifted, and just before he could utter a word, the door opened.
