*
Gao Zheqi merely shot him a faint smile, and the official fell silent.
*
*
「Upper Monarch Hall.」
A servant added more incense to the burner and was about to withdraw. A lazy chuckle came from the man lounging behind the beaded curtain. "What's the matter? Has that old coot Gao Zheqi arrived?"
The servant started slightly and quickly lowered his gaze. "A messenger just arrived. Mr. Gao is already on his way to the Imperial Palace."
"I am tired." A careless laugh followed the words. "If he arrives, tell him to wait."
The servant hastily complied 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.
Huge ravines crisscrossed the land like sores, as if the heavens had lashed the earth with a whip. The ground was pitted and uneven, and as the horses and carriages passed, clouds of yellow sand would suddenly swirl up, making it impossible to open one's eyes.
