The Petitioning Drum at the Imperial Palace Gate sounded even louder than the curfew drums.
Chen Ji stood under the eaves of the Wenhua Palace. Beside him, Li Dongyan remarked, "When the Petitioning Drum sounds, the drummer can go directly before the emperor. Even if the execution is imminent, a plea can still be made to spare a life. I stayed in the Imperial Capital for twelve years in the past without ever hearing it. Now that I've just returned, it's a regret fulfilled."
Casually, Chen Ji said, "I've only been in the capital for a short year, and the Petitioning Drum has sounded three times already. I'm a bit tired of hearing it."
Li Dongyan turned his head, scrutinizing somewhat, "Has Mr. Chen ever considered that the repeated soundings of the Petitioning Drum might be because of you?"
Chen Ji raised his eyebrows.
