*
Gao Zheqi merely shot him a faint smile, and the official fell silent.
*
*
「Upper Monarch Hall.」
A servant added more incense and was about to withdraw. From behind the beaded curtain, the master lounging inside chuckled. "What's this? Has that old bastard Gao Zheqi arrived?"
The servant was slightly startled and quickly lowered his gaze. "A messenger just reported that Mr. Gao is already on his way to the Imperial Palace."
"We are tired. If he arrives, just have him wait." The voice was tinged with a careless laugh.
The servant quickly acknowledged the order and withdrew.
*
*
The wind grew stronger. The Dayong Dynasty's territory was vast, and the farther west one traveled, the more arid and desolate it became.
Huge ravines crisscrossed the land like scars from a whip lashing the earth. The road was rough and uneven, and when carriages and horses passed, gusts of yellow sand would swirl up, forcing people to shut their eyes.
