The sky was heavy and gray.
The court officials proceeded slowly toward the grand hall. Unlike their usual morning pleasantries, today everyone held their tongue, remaining silent in the cold wind.
The only sound was that of hurried footsteps.
Everyone knew this was no ordinary day—today marked the ten-day deadline for the case of Xu Jie and Huo Yucheng.
His Majesty demanded an answer, so no matter what, there was bound to be an outcome today!
A cold wind gusted past. Xie Pei took a deep breath, feeling the chill seep deep into his lungs.
He caught sight of a familiar figure in his peripheral vision and turned his head slightly.
Murong Yang met his gaze for a moment, then quickly lowered his head in a bow.
Xie Pei nodded in acknowledgment, but his mind refused to settle.
He looked up ahead and saw only vast, gloomy clouds gathering, threatening to shroud everything below.
The grand hall stood tall and imposing, yet it gave off an inexplicable chill.
...
