A courier rode through the outer gates under escort, his horse lathered and breathing hard. Dust covered his robes. The document case tied to his back was sealed with multiple marks, each one stamped in red wax.
He did not stop until he reached the inner compound.
By the time the sun rose over the capital, the report had already been placed in the hands of the court.
Inside the palace, the Emperor sat in stillness.
His robes were arranged with exact care. The silk lay flat across his shoulders. The embroidered dragon across his chest caught the morning light from the high windows. His hands rested on his knees, unmoving.
An attendant stepped forward and bowed low.
"The report from Tianjin has arrived, Your Majesty."
The Emperor did not respond at once.
"Read it."
The attendant turned and passed the document to a court official standing below the steps of the throne.
The man broke the seal carefully.
He read in silence for a moment.
Then his expression changed.
