*
Gao Zheqi merely shot him a sidelong smile, and the servant fell silent.
*
*
「Upper Monarch Hall.」
The servant added some incense and was just about to withdraw. From behind the beaded curtain, the master lounging within chuckled. "What's this? Has that old codger Gao Zheqi arrived?"
The servant, slightly startled, quickly lowered his eyes. "A messenger just reported that Mr. Gao is already on his way to the Imperial Palace."
"We are tired. If he arrives, just have him wait." The voice was casual, tinged with amusement.
The servant hastily complied and withdrew.
*
*
The wind picked up.
The Dayong Dynasty's territory was vast. The farther west one traveled, the more arid and desolate it became.
A network of massive gullies crisscrossed the land, as if a god had scourged the earth with a whip. The ground was rough and uneven for the horses and carriages. Occasionally, gusts of yellow sand would rise up, blinding everyone.
