Early the next morning, before the break of dawn, sealed missives stamped with wax were already placed on the Emperor's desk in the Imperial Study. Although they were labeled as secret reports, the information within was hardly hidden from those in the know.0

Various officials throughout the court also received word that Qi Zongbi had arrived in Liangzhou Prefecture at the same time.0

Su Yi rose early, nursing a slight headache from the previous night’s drinking. He massaged his temples and washed up with the help of a maidservant. Morning routine out of the way, he ate some porridge. After sitting quietly for a while, his steward came over and softly informed him that the carriage was ready and waiting just outside the main gate.0

Before getting into the carriage, Su Yi glanced at the vermilion-painted gate of his residence. The plaque inscribed with...0