At that moment, a little eunuch suddenly ran in from outside the city gate; he had just been sent to gather information. Upon his return, he immediately informed everyone that the Imperial Carriage was about to arrive!
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi and Pei Xingyuan couldn't continue their conversation. Shang Ruyi hurriedly stood up and moved to the front of the procession, while Pei Xingyuan returned to the group of officials. Everyone stood straight, holding their breath, in front of the vast Mingde Gate, not a cough or a pant could be heard.
Then, a gust of wind blew in from the wide-open city gate.
A sudden gust of wind, distinctly carrying the late summer evening's heat; yet, for some reason, Shang Ruyi felt a chill to the bone in this warm breeze. Perhaps it was Pei Xingyuan's words that stirred increasing unease within her. Following this, the rumbling sound reached her ears.
The sound of footsteps, growing closer.
