August 17th, overcast.
The oppressive heat enveloped the entire Imperial City; even the old dogs on the roadside hung their heads limply under the trees, unwilling to move. Only those rushing for their livelihoods braved it all, still laboring as sweat poured down their faces.
The waiters at the restaurants on both sides of Junhou Street kept darting outside to look around. Nearly every establishment did the same, puzzled as to why, even though it was almost seven p.m. after the Great Court Assembly, the distinguished officials had yet to emerge. Normally, after each Great Court Assembly, those officials would gather in small groups at the street-side taverns to drink a few cups. At such times, every restaurant would prepare delicate dishes in advance, exclusively offered for the officials.
Why had the palace gates not opened till now?
