The dawn broke, casting a golden glow that bathed the glazed tiles of the Imperial Palace in a dazzling light.
On the ridgeline of the Great Hall, dragons arched, poised as if ready to soar on the breeze.
The sound of the bell was deep and resonant, echoing in the silent court as the civil and military officials, dressed in their court attire, ascended the long steps in a continuous stream into the Great Hall.
Li Fei, holding no official position, had to wait outside once more.
However, unlike last time, he no longer needed to wait in the square outside the Great Hall.
An eunuch led him to a side hall next to the Great Hall, where the room was equipped with tea, pastries, and comfortable seating.
"Ming Qi, it's good to see you again."
Li Fei smiled as he saw Ming Qi donned in a red monk's robe in the room.
In the recent conflict in Ming Province, the Buddhist community had intervened at a critical moment, which had effectively thwarted the schemes of Qingxu True Monarch.
