Due to the Emperor's severe illness, even before the New Year was over, the entire palace already seemed uncharacteristically gloomy. These days, Prince Li's faction and Prime Minister Liu's faction were openly and secretly feuding without cease in the imperial court. The reason behind the Emperor's illness was clear to everyone who was well-informed, and all eyes were fixed on the glittering golden throne in the great hall. Even the petition for help from Zijing Pass was ignored by all. Mo Jingqi lay in bed, muddled and delirious, unable to care for himself, let alone manage state affairs.
"My Prince." The eunuch guarding the bedchambers, huddled due to the cold, quickly scurried forward to pay respects and flashed a naturally obsequious smile when he saw the nobly dressed man striding in. Mo Jingli looked down arrogantly at the eunuch before him and said coldly, "I have some affairs to discuss with His Majesty."
