The capital of the Wu Dynasty is situated on the vast and boundless Luocheng, a land seemingly favored by the heavens, blessed with the most fertile and abundant soil in the world. Since ancient times, it has been an important strategic location and economic center in the Central Plains.
As a key stronghold in the region, Luocheng not only carries a rich historical and cultural heritage but also bustles with activity, filled with the sounds of traffic and lively crowds. In this thriving metropolis, commercial activities are particularly vibrant. Shops line the streets and alleys, with merchants busily calling out to customers, showcasing a dazzling array of goods that can overwhelm the senses. From exquisite silks and precious jewelry to various local delicacies, everything one could desire is available here. Both locals and visitors can indulge in the joys of shopping.
Lin Feng's residence is just a stone's throw away from the imperial city, easily reachable in just a few moments. As he strides toward the grand imperial palace with a light step, a sense of reverence wells up within him. This palace has weathered over two hundred years of storms and tribulations, witnessing the rise and fall of countless dynasties. Yet it stands firm, its majestic form proudly displayed before the world.
Upon arriving at the palace gates, he sees the tall and sturdy city walls resembling a winding dragon, guarding everything within. The guards stationed at the entrance are all striking and imposing. One of them approaches Lin Feng as he arrives, promptly inquiring about his purpose and quickly heading inside to report.
Lin Feng quietly waits for his summons, aware that the palace has strict protocols; one must patiently await the emperor's decree before entering. After a while, a young eunuch hurries up to Lin Feng and respectfully says, "Fourth Prince, His Majesty summons you. Please follow me."
Lin Feng replies, "Thank you for your trouble, Gonggong." The young eunuch feels a bit flustered; in his time at court, he has never seen a member of the royal family treat them so courteously.
"You're too kind, Fourth Prince," he stammers.
In truth, Lin Feng has never been to this front hall before; he has never attended court sessions. Within the palace, he has only visited Tai Chi Hall to pay respects to the emperor; everywhere else remains unfamiliar to him.
The place is vast with numerous rooms. After several turns, they arrive at a modest Warm Pavilion where the emperor reviews memorials after court sessions. The small eunuch dashes ahead to announce Lin Feng's arrival.
From behind the tightly shut Vermilion Gate comes a deep and authoritative voice: "Let him enter."
Once granted permission, Lin Feng takes a deep breath and slowly steps into the room.
As soon as he entered the room, he immediately spotted the Emperor seated at the desk, diligently reviewing a pile of memorials. Lin Feng dared not show any signs of negligence; he quickly stepped forward, then knelt down with a thud, bowing his head respectfully as he said, "Your servant Lin Feng pays his respects to Your Majesty."
At that moment, the Emperor, Lin Zhen, held a red brush in his hand, completely absorbed in examining the mountain of memorials before him, with no time to glance at Lin Feng kneeling on the ground. He simply uttered in a casual tone, "Rise."
Hastily, Lin Feng got to his feet and stood cautiously to the side, not daring to make a sound. The entire room was eerily quiet, with several attending eunuchs and palace maids standing respectfully on either side, each one silent as if they were frozen in place. Even their breathing seemed deliberately subdued, afraid that even the slightest noise would disturb the Emperor.
Every now and then, one could faintly hear the soft sound of the Emperor lifting his teacup and taking a sip. In this silence, those subtle sounds stood out starkly, almost jarringly. At this moment, it was so quiet that one could almost hear the heartbeat of everyone present.
Lin Feng cautiously raised his eyes and stole a glance at His Majesty. The Emperor remained fixated on the memorials before him; occasionally, his brow would furrow tightly as if he encountered some thorny issue. At other times, he could not help but let out a cold snort, revealing his dissatisfaction.
Despite this, from the Emperor's slightly pale complexion and the occasional cough that escaped him, it was evident that this ruler who usually held immense power over the realm now showed signs of an unmasked ailment.
Time passed slowly, second by second.
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