The next morning, the court assembly.
All the courtiers stood on either side of the great hall, divided by civil and military ranks. Usually, these assemblies began with disputes along these lines, but today there was no argument, not even a sound.
The hall was so silent that even a pin drop could be heard.
In the midst of this silence, a sudden loud noise erupted.
It was His Majesty the Emperor who slammed his palm on the desk while angrily pointing at someone below, shouting, "Drag this lawless traitor down and behead him!"
As soon as he spoke, the Qi Fei Guards came in.
The person they were to capture stood among the courtiers, a prominent and imposing figure — Duke Sheng, Yu Wenquan!
