Ever since the Empress ascended the throne and Gao Zheqi seized power, the realm had not known a single day of peace.
A large, gold-inlaid sedan chair paraded ostentatiously through the city, carried by twelve bearers. It was an immense display of extravagance.
The man inside the sedan chair called for a halt.
A handsome, calm face peeked out, its owner smiling as he said, "I do believe I'm in the mood for a killing cake from Heavenly Offering Hall."
A young servant immediately ran off to buy the cake for him.
"Mr. Gao, we are in a hurry to enter the palace for an audience with Your Majesty. We cannot afford to be delayed," a gray-haired elder in purple robes said anxiously.
After a moment, the man in the sedan chair chuckled. "My stomach is empty, and my vision grows dim. Her Majesty is wise. I'm sure she can understand my predicament."
Cold sweat beaded on the elder's brow. "You are right, sir," he said quickly.
