The scorching sun of midsummer hangs high, heating the bluestone slabs in front of the Envy Immortal Tower.
In the steaming heat, the kneeling crowd seems to be roasted over charcoal, their clothes soaked through with sweat.
Madam Liu, the procuress, lies on the scorching ground, her forehead against the stone.
The coarse stone patterns grind painfully against her knees, but she dares not move an inch.
The heat wraps her back, with cold sweat continuously seeping, creating a sticky feeling that slides down her spine into her collar, causing her to shiver nonstop.
Madam Liu sneaks a glance at the approaching hem of the deep purple robe, which shimmers with an indescribable nobility under the blinding sun.
The scenes of yesterday flash before her eyes.
At noon, a group of royal secret guards, clad in chain armor, approached the backyard under the scorching sun, their armor reflecting sunlight so bright that it blinded the eyes.
