*
Gao Zheqi merely shot him a faint smile, and the official fell silent.
*
*
「Upper Monarch Hall.」
A servant added more incense and was about to withdraw. From behind the beaded curtain, a lazy, reclining voice chuckled, "What is it? Has that old codger Gao Zheqi arrived?"
The servant, slightly startled, quickly lowered his gaze. "A messenger just arrived, Your Majesty. Mr. Gao is already on his way to the Imperial Palace."
"I am tired," came the careless, laughing reply. "If he arrives, just have him wait."
The servant quickly assented and withdrew.
*
*
The wind picked up.
The Dayong Dynasty's territory was vast. The farther west one traveled, the more arid and desolate the landscape became.
