[*]
Gao Zheqi merely shot the official a sidelong glance and a smile, and the man fell silent.
*
*
「Upper Monarch Hall.」
A servant added some incense and was about to withdraw. From behind the beaded curtain, the master leaning lazily inside chuckled. "What is it? Has that old coot 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."
"I am tired. If he arrives, just have him wait." The words were delivered with a careless laugh.
The servant hastily agreed and backed out of the room.
*
*
The wind picked up again.
The Dayong Dynasty's territory was vast. The farther west one traveled, the more barren and desolate the landscape became.
