The Grand Hall of Justice had never felt more oppressive.
Soyeon had heard about this place from Teacher Wan's lessons, where major criminal proceedings took place, where officials were tried for treason, where justice was dispensed. But hearing about it and standing in it were two entirely different experiences.
The hall was massive, with soaring ceilings painted with dragons and phoenixes locked in eternal combat. Red pillars carved with scenes of judgment and punishment lined both sides. At the far end, elevated on a dais, sat three thrones, the Emperor in the center, flanked by the Crown Prince and the Empress Dowager.
Below them, kneeling in chains, was Prime Minister Li.
