*
Gao Zheqi merely offered a faint smile, and the official fell silent.
*
*
「Upper Monarch Hall.」
A servant added more incense to the burner and was about to withdraw. From behind the beaded curtain, the master lounging within gave a lazy, contemptuous laugh. "What now? Has that old codger Gao Zheqi arrived?"
The servant, slightly startled, quickly lowered his gaze. "A messenger just reported that Mr. Gao is already on his way to the Imperial Palace."
"We are tired. If he arrives, tell him to wait." His tone was nonchalant, laced with amusement.
The servant hastily complied and withdrew.
*
*
The wind picked up. The Dayong Dynasty's territory was vast, and the farther west one traveled, the more barren and desolate the landscape became.
