Chapter 292 : Liu Wenyuan, The Criminal
Every morning, the court officials gathered in the vast audience hall of the Golden Dragon Palace for the morning court. The hall was a magnificent sight, with its towering pillars, gleaming marble floors, and intricate murals depicting scenes from the Heavenly Realm’s history.
As no other clan but the dragon clan had the privilege to sit on the throne so far, naturally these murals mainly spoke about the magnificence of dragon clan leaders during their reigns.
The officials arrived in a steady stream, their robes rustling and the sound of their footsteps echoing through the hall. They took their places according to their ranks, forming neat rows of palace masters, ministers, and other court officials.
Special rows were granted to the gods and deities who only came when they had something to report to the Heavenly Emperor.
At the far end of the hall, on a raised platform, stood two lavishly decorated seats. One was reserved for the Emperor, and one for the Empress.
The Empress rarely joined, because she usually held her own morning gathering at the Eternal Springs Palace.
The Crown Prince usually stood beside his father at the morning court, but he had been unable to attend for more than a month due to his pregnancy. In his place, his husband, Crown Prince Consort Zhang Fengxi, stood on the platform to represent his wife.
The air in the hall was thick with anticipation as everyone waited for the Heavenly Emperor to arrive. Not long after, Head Eunuch Wang announced his presence, and all those present dropped to their knees in a practiced greeting.
"These subjects greet Your Majesty the Heavenly Emperor. May Your Majesty’s reign last for tens of thousands of years!"
The Heavenly Emperor gave Zhang Fengxi a side glance before he took his seat on the throne.
"Rise."