The clouds parted at sunrise, the sky growing faintly bright. After a night of being lashed by wind and rain, Lin City was now shrouded in pale golden morning light and a thin mist. It had been washed clean overnight, revealing a crisp, clear world of glistening water and wood.
Gongsun Xu strode forward, his robes damp from the morning air. The slick, bluestone path was lined with jasmine bushes bearing pale white blossoms, their sweet, invigorating fragrance filling the air.
Despite the beautiful scenery, he was in no mood to appreciate it.
Gongsun Xu's expression was grim. "Imperial Doctor, you are aware of the situation in Weiyang Palace. We cannot delay any longer."
In contrast to his frantic urgency, Chen Dechun followed at an unhurried pace, drawing out his words:
