The Empress of Xiliang suddenly arrives in casual attire at the posthouse. She dismounts and hasn't yet stepped through the main entrance when the head of the Imperial Guards hastily reports that King Yan, Li Zhijie, has sent back new information from Dadu City.
Li Tianjiao halts her steps at the words and stands at the posthouse entrance, reaching out to receive the wax-sealed message tube from the head of the Imperial Guards.
She opens the tube, tips out two thin pieces of parchment, tosses the tube back to the head of the Imperial Guards, and stands at the posthouse entrance to read intently.
After reading the message, Li Tianjiao takes a long time to regain her composure. The head of the Imperial Guards, observing the Empress's expression, cautiously asks, "Your Majesty... has something happened to King Yan?"
