Imperial City, early 5 a.m., Junhou Street.
The wide avenue was already filled with carriages and horses moving like a dragon, lanterns lighting the path, stretching forward all the way to the red walls at the end.
Today was the Great Court Assembly, and all officials qualified to attend were required to arrive at the Ten Thousand People's Palace by 7 a.m.; unless in special circumstances, otherwise the Star Officer of the Day would consult the roster and demand accountability for those who hadn't arrived or were late—at best a demotion and docking of salary, at worst dismissal from office and loss of title.
So even though it was only early 5 a.m., Junhou Street was already filled with officials heading for court.
