In the study of the Gu Mansion, the candlelight flickered red.
Zhao Kuangyin and Gu Jin sat opposite each other, each wiping the rainwater from their hair, appearing leisurely, as if they were not an emperor and a noble scion, but merely two fellow travelers seeking shelter from the storm.
Both had a faint, indistinct smile at the corners of their lips.
Gu Jin smiled because he witnessed his judgment proven true—Zhao Kuangyin was indeed a true dragon among men, not a creature to remain in a humble pond;
Zhao Kuangyin smiled because Gu Jin unhesitatingly stepped into the rain with him and accompanied him all the way back.
Though few words were exchanged, an unspoken understanding quietly took root between them.
The old tale of Emperor Ming and Wencheng—
This incident had long been an epitome of enlightened ruler and virtuous minister. How could Zhao Kuangyin as the Emperor and Gu Jin as a member of the Gu Clan not know?
The long night loomed ahead; there was plenty of time.
