The following day at the hour of the dragon, the golden tiles of Yuji Hall reflected the cold.
Below the vermilion steps, the full court of civil and military officials prostrated themselves, their ashen faces mirrored on the gilded tiles.
Some ministers had necks trembling slightly, eyes filled with panic, stealing glances at Emperor Qianxi on the dragon throne.
Emperor Qianxi was seen slumped on the dragon throne; the once valiant and resolute emperor, whose eyes shone like bright stars, was now devoid of vitality.
His gaze was stagnant like ancient jade covered in dust, sitting with an expressionless face, resembling a puppet whose soul had been extracted.
Even the nine-dragon crown symbolizing imperial power was askew, with the beaded curtains clashing with hollow sounds.
"By order of His Majesty, all officials shall kneel and greet!" The sharp voice of a eunuch announcing the decree pierced the deathly silence of the hall.
