[*]
Gao Zheqi merely offered a faint smile, and the servant fell silent.
*
*
「Upper Monarch Hall.」
A servant added some incense and was about to withdraw. From behind the beaded curtain, a master lounging lazily chuckled, "So, has that old coot Gao Zheqi arrived?"
The servant started slightly, quickly lowering his eyes. "A messenger just reported, Your Majesty. Mr. Gao is already on his way to the Imperial Palace."
"I'm tired," came the careless, laughing voice. "If he arrives, just have him wait."
The servant quickly assented and withdrew.
*
*
The wind grew stronger.
The territory of the Dayong Dynasty was vast, and the further west one traveled, the more arid and desolate the landscape became.
Huge ravines crisscrossed the land, like scars from a heavenly whip lashing the earth. The passage of carts and horses was a struggle over the uneven, pitted ground. Occasionally, gusts of yellow sand would rise, blinding travelers.
