End of Yin Hour* (3AM - 5AM)
Nan-Su kingdom
Luong City
Bitter signs of frosty autumn struck the southern kingdom of Nan-Su like icy cold slaps.
In the distance, barely illuminated by the wan moonlight, swirls of mist can be seen hurtling down the mountains like ghostly avalanches in chaste.
It started at the alpine peaks, roiling over the hill-tops then, down onto the valleys below.
As late night matured into pre-dawn, cold spell seeped into the hearts and bones of wary citizens like fear.
Outside of the Nan-Su's imperial city's entrance gate, Prime Minister Ze Min sat nervously inside of his sedan. Waited to be let in.
Presently, the temperature inside the single-horse-drown sedan was on par with the outside's. The lungs-piercing cold air turned Ze Min's warm breaths into steams as he exhaled. Meanwhile, his sixty-three years old bones rattled and ached in protested agony.
"Di Heng, what's the hold-up? Haven't Di Hao already shown them the tiger seal?"
The anxiety in his heart did not project in his voice, only impatience, as he asked his coachman.
"My lord, Di Hao is at the check gate this minute. He's talking to the guards' captain. This servant will get down to inquire-"
"No need. We will wait a bit more."
"Yes, my lord." Came Di Heng's reply.
Ze Min sighed outwardly after given his order. It seemed the guards were standing on high alert tonight. Even the imperial seal was ineffective to speed up the checkpoint's entry.
Well, nothing wrong with taking extra precautions on a night like this.
Thinking thus, he leaned back against the sedan's cushioned seat and forced himself to relax. Failing this, he let his thoughts trekked ahead to the various headaches to come once he reached Pei Ji Hall.
News of Dong-Er's tragic fall arrived at his manor just moments before the royal messenger came beating down his front gates.
In his opinion, the defeat itself wasn't a surprising news to take in. Although the eastern kingdom held powerful military force, it had him as its enemy.
And when it came to him, it was very unnerving to think what actions the empress would take in a time like this.
Hmph. What bad luck is this, ah?
He reflected gloomily as he rubbed his numbed hands together and blew warm breaths onto them.
Ze Min's glum thoughts were soon intruded by string of noises beyond the carriage.
Outside, a loud thump was heard ensued by series creaking noises like heavy objects being moved slowly.
Slowly, one of the fortified iron gates opened up in front of the single horse-drawn carriage
"Enter."
A strong voice called from the tower high above.
Up on the battlement, illuminated by the parapets' burning torches, a line of archers were seen drawing back their bows with arrows pointed at the ready.
Two firm knocks sounded on the carriage's door from outside.
"My lord, the captain of the guards wishes to return the imperial seal."
It was Di Hao, the footman. He was the younger brother of Di Heng.
"En. Let him proceed." Ze Min replied without hesitation, knowing it was an inspection protocol.
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