Mr. Li felt his heart tremble. He averted his gaze and announced in a loud voice, "An oral edict from the Emperor! Ye Qianning and Prime Minister Gao are to proceed to the palace at once."
Old Master Gu's expression grew grim. 'It's the middle of the night. Why would the Emperor summon them to the palace?'
Zhan Yi lowered his gaze. 'This child caused such a scene at the Prime Minister's estate. She must have alarmed the Emperor long ago, but why is he only sending for them now?'
"I... I must go to the palace... I must report her, and report Xiang Minghou..." Prime Minister Gao crawled toward Mr. Li.
The sight of his mangled flesh made even Mr. Li wince in pain.
"Someone, help the Prime Minister up," Mr. Li ordered.
A young eunuch from behind him hurried forward.
"Stop," Ye Qianning said.
Mr. Li looked over at her. "Miss Xiang, the Emperor has summoned you to the palace for an immediate audience. There can be no delays. Please, come with this servant."
