Just past midnight, Chen Tang had already gotten out of bed, tidied up his clothing, prepared documents, and eaten something to fill his stomach. After finishing his preparations, he walked towards the imperial city.
In the Inner City of the Western Capital, many officials had risen early, each leaving their own residences—some mounted carriages or sedan chairs, while others also walked.
In the third watch of the night, while it was still early, they waited at the Meridian Gate. By the time of the fifth watch, they crossed the Meridian Gate and the golden bridge, arriving at the square in front of Taihe Palace to solemnly gather.
Once all the Cabinet Ministers had arrived, a bell rang and everyone entered the court in single file.
In the court, the throne of the True King had been vacant for thousands of years, but all the civil and military ministers still bowed and paid their respects to the empty throne.
Then the discussions began. First, the thirteen Cabinet Ministers reviewed various topics. Generally, the Cabinet already had resolutions, and it was just a matter of informing the ministers of the outcomes and asking for their opinions. Most had no objections.
Some reported that on a certain day in a certain month at a certain place, a Demon Transformation or a natural disaster had occurred, requesting that the court dispatch someone to handle it.
Next came the impeachments; civil officials impeached each other, criticizing and accusing some of being corrupt or their families taking bribes. Then, a fight would start in the court, but no one would strike to kill.
This had been the way for thousands of years and was nothing unusual.
Chen Tang performed his duty, even if presenting reports, it was just to explain the distribution of treasure notes and gunpowder across fifty provinces.
By the time court was adjourned, it was already daylight. Famished, Chen Tang exchanged a few pleasantries with the other officials and then walked out of the Inner City to the Outer City.
Soon, he arrived at a shop known as Fragrant Bean Shop and sat down.
"A bowl of hot soy milk, no sugar, and two baskets of pork and green onion steamed buns."
Chen Tang instructed the waiter, who went to carry out the order, "Also, pack six more baskets for me to take away after I finish eating."
Shortly after, the soy milk was served, along with two steaming baskets of buns.
Just as Chen Tang was about to begin eating, he saw across the street a Scholar who looked somewhat like him but was younger, with his arms crossed in front of his chest, leaning against a wall and smiling at him.
The Scholar stood on one leg, the other bent and resting against the wall. He was far away, yet his voice seemed to come right next to Chen Tang’s ear.
Chen Tang ignored him, continuing to drink his soy milk and eat his buns. After finishing the two baskets of buns and drinking the soy milk down to the last of the bowl, he stood up, went to the counter to pay, and collected the packed buns that the waiter had prepared, leaving the Fragrant Bean Shop.
The Scholar on the opposite side rose and walked alongside him.
Chen Tang did not look at him, heading back to the Inner City on his own. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
"I heard you were injured, and it was serious."
Chen Tang replied indifferently, "You still dare to come out? Aren’t you afraid someone will take advantage of it to finish you off?"
Creation Little Five laughed, "Who dares touch me? I suffered these injuries not in vain; the elder of the Li Family has already agreed to tell me who is the one who obtained the ’Divine Embryo.’ Want to know who it is?"
Chen Tang replied, "I do. But the elder of the Li Family won’t tell you."
Creation Little Five laughed, "That depends on my methods."
He changed the subject, "Brother Tang, I heard Little Ten has come to the capital, staying at your place."
Chen Tang stopped and said, "It’s none of your business."
Creation Little Five also stopped, speaking earnestly, "He has suffered a lot. Treat him well for me, and don’t let him be aggrieved."
Chen Tang, suppressing his anger, retorted, "He is a Chen Family member, not your son!"
Creation Little Five moved forward, laughing, "If you can’t teach him right and don’t want this son, then give him to me. He has called me ’dad’ before; I can be his father."
Chen Tang’s body trembled, he clenched his teeth and suddenly vented, shouting, "You’re always stealing mine! You stole my father, my teacher, the fatherly love I should have received, and now you’re even trying to steal my son! You want to take everything from me!"