The Imperial Court.
Holy Bright Palace.
Amidst a heavy atmosphere, the civil and military officials passed through the Meridian Gate and took their designated places, gathering in the magnificent and resplendent great hall.
Today's court session was rather late. An emergency had arisen, and the palace had only notified the Capital Officials to attend after dawn. The Holy Emperor had decreed that no one could request leave for any reason, not even illness. Unless they were dead, they were to be carried into the palace if need be.
Most of these officials were seasoned veterans who had navigated the political landscape for decades. They knew with certainty that something major must have happened.
The Capital Officials filed into the great hall in an orderly fashion, their ranks forming neat and silent lines. Just then, Yuan Xuangang, the Chief Minister of the Cabinet who had already resigned his post, appeared at the entrance of the Holy Bright Palace and slowly walked inside.
