In the Imperial Study.
Candlelight flickered brightly atop the jade pillars and gilded walls, yet for some reason, the room felt dim.
An occasional breeze would drift in from outside the hall, always making the candle flames dance.
Zhao Huan leaned on the desk with both hands. He didn't know when he had grown a few more white hairs. His face was etched with exhaustion, showing none of the spirited vigor he'd displayed earlier that day at the Imperial Clan Court while instructing the young talents.
In truth, though his face had been ruddy under the public gaze today, his advanced age was already showing through.
Now, hunched over and flipping through a book, he looked even more like a man in his twilight years.
An unknown amount of time passed.
Eunuch Li's voice came from outside the door.
"Your Majesty, the Ninth Prince has arrived!"
"Let him in."
"Yes! This way, Ninth Prince!"
...
Zhao Yong, his face pale, entered the Imperial Study in a daze.
