Crash——
On this day, at the pier outside the South Gate of the Capital, a ship returning along the canal finally docked.
Before the ship steadied, the deck was filled with shadows of people, led by the "Palace Attendants" Mo Chou and Sun Lianying.
After days of absence, Mo Chou had grown visibly thinner. Beside her, the Old Director Sun Lianying could barely hide his exhaustion — for a mortal like him, this retreat had undoubtedly been a strenuous journey.
On either side of the Empress's trusted aides stood familiar faces to Zhao Douan:
Eunuch Hai in a bright red python robe.
The nominal highest official of the team, actually serving as a mascot, is the Minister of Rites.
Governor Ning Zechen of Shipping.
Tributor Eunuchs Tang Jinzhong, Song Jinxi, and others of the Martial Arts Hall.
And the elite of Zhao Douan's direct lineage, the Lihua Hall, including Lang Shiba and Ji Yue.
