HUAN YUAN DYNASTY

The imperial drums thundered across the palace grounds. one strike roared after the other. By the ninth strike, every nobles, ministers and officials had taken his place in the hall of the Heavenly sovereignty. No one dared arrive late to the morning court. not since the emperor had ordered a court official striped of his rank for disrespecting His Majesty's patience. The enormous vermilion doors swung open. " His imperial Majesty, Emperor Jae Qzhang!" Every minister, noble and official fell to his knees. " Long live the Dynasty, May the Emperor live for infinity of years!" Their voices rose together like a thunderstorm, echoing beneath the magnificent ceiling painted with golden dragons and celestial clouds. Emperor Jae Qzhang entered. He walked with majestic measured steps, expression cold and unreadable. Even the soccerers fail to predict his thoughts nor his heart. The embroidered dragons rested upon his imperial robes, shimmered beneath the morning light. Their golden golden claws stretching across the dark fabric. A jade Ornament crowned his hair, series of golden hairpins adorned his looks, and a narrow golden belt slept at his waist. He did not acknowledge the ministers, nor the nobles, nor the officials. he did not need to. His presence alone was enough to remind everyone beneath that roof of the distance between the throne and the people who served it. Upon reaching the raised platform, he turned and seated himself. " Rise" At the command of his voice, the ministers, nobles and officials all stood immediately. Soon, the emperor's gaze travelled across the assembly and noticed a vacant space in the fifth row. His fingers stopped against the armrest. " Where is Minister Han?" Silence finally had its moments. Nobody in the chamber even had his right to dare answer. Jae Qzhang lifted his eyes " I asked a question" Silence resumed back to its post for a few minute before the Chief Minister finally stepped forward , bowing deeply. " Your Majesty, Minister Han sent word that he would be unable to attend this morning's court." " Unable?" The Emperor repeated the word quietly. The Chief Minister's chest tightened. ." Yes, your Majesty." " And what, .. precisely could be so important that a minister of this dynasty considers my summons optional?" Silence settled over the hall. Jae Qzhang leaned back against his throne. " Find him". The cheif minister bowed lower. " As your Majesty commands." However, as soon as he was about to go, the emperor spoke again " And if he is ill... summon the imperial physician. If he is occupied with private affairs, remind him of his duties, and if he has seen the chance to mistake my patience for weakness...." The Emperor paused. Nobody dared raise their heads. " ........then bring him before me in chains". A shiver passed through the assembly. Jae Qzhang reached for the memorials resting beside his throne. " Now, " he continued, as though nothing unusual had happened, " Let us discuss matters worthy of my time" Everyone bowed " Yes, your Majesty"