Free Web NovelChapter 1595: Chapter 3: Bonded as Autumn Frost_4
Since the chief watchman appeared, Xiu Yuan had not spoken again. He merely slowly turned the teacup in his hand, silently watching the confrontation between the two.
Only at this moment did he shift his gaze to the skirt armor lying on the floor, remaining silent for a long time.
Others cut off their robes, Yan Tu cut off his armor.
Xiu Yuan shook his head.
He had despised Yan Tu’s bull chewing peonies many times, yet now he raised his cup and drank this exquisite tea in one go.
...
...
Purple Pole Hall.
The morning assembly had dispersed, and the civil and military officials had all retreated.
Yet Emperor Qi remained in the hall.
High above the cinnabar steps was the enormous and magnificent dragon throne.
The grand hall was vast and empty.
Emperor of Da Qi, elusive today, was neither perusing memorials nor doing anything else, merely sitting fixedly there.
After a long time, he sighed: "Have I sat too high?"
At this moment, the one serving beside him was, of course, Han Ling.
He did not respond because the Son of Heaven did not require an answer.
Plop, plop.
Footsteps sounded outside Purple Pole Hall, resonating on that vast white stone plaza.
Actually not heavy, but to their ears, quite clear.
The Son of Heaven pressed the armrest, stood up, and walked down the cinnabar steps.
The dragon boots touched the ground firmly and forcefully.
The Son of Heaven walked slowly because each step bore the weight of the nation.
While outside the hall, the footsteps were steady and under the "rites," didn’t slow down.
When Emperor Qi finally descended the cinnabar steps, he stood within the Purple Pole Hall, at the very front where court officials usually lined up.
The thin figure in the white fox fur also stood within the giant portal of Purple Pole Hall. frёeωebɳovel.com
The majestic portal, like the heavenly gate, emphasized his thinness.
He stood in the morning light falling behind him, man like snow, fur like snow.
Bringing a killing chill that froze the heart.
"Son pays respect to Imperial Father!"
Jiang Wuqi pushed Golden Mountain, toppled Jade Pillar, and bowed within the vast Purple Pole Hall.
He could have gone to the Son of Heaven’s sleeping quarters to see him, but today it was a son meeting his father, also a minister facing his sovereign.
So he chose Purple Pole Hall.
The Emperor Qi did not stop his grand salute, the tassel of the Flat Sky Crown obscuring the emotions of this supreme ruler of Da Qi.
Yet the swaying bead curtain clearly said, his mood was not calm.
Finally, the Son of Heaven only asked: "Why the hardship?"
Jiang Wuqi rose uprightly, now standing before the Emperor of Da Qi. Finally able to gaze directly at his father as a son.
This was a grace especially granted by Emperor Qi.
But he adhered to ministerial protocol, lowering his gaze slightly, speaking earnestly: "Imperial Father’s great enterprise is imminent, the army must not have hidden troubles."
The Son of Heaven said: "We have plenty of time..."
Jiang Wuqi replied: "Time waits for no one."
"Wuqi." The Son of Heaven called once and then fell silent.
Behind the Son of Heaven stood Han Ling, silent, transforming into a silent statue, yet his face was sorrowful, tears brimming.
Only Jiang Wuqi was smiling.
He smiled like a snowflake blossomed in Purple Pole Hall.
In his life, rarely were there such bright and splendid smiles.
Because from birth, he had already borne too much. Even while in the cradle, his fate was already sealed.
Where in frozen soil does life bloom?
"Imperial Father, do you believe your son?" Jiang Wuqi asked.
The Son of Heaven was silent for a long time, finally saying: "The Son of Heaven cannot be without doubt."
Jiang Wuqi’s pale, handsome face continued to shine brilliantly: "Now you can believe your son."
He seemed determined to ensure Emperor Qi remembered him in this splendid form.
Thus he smiled so radiantly.
"I only hope for you, just to trust me."
"Imperial Father, your son has never harbored rebellion!"
"Please return that piece of white jade taken away to your son."
"Your son never felt, himself so healthy. This feeling...is wonderful..."
And his smile, in this way, froze.
In the October morning, becoming autumn frost.
