Uncomfortable Silence.

At the Main Palace. 

As Zheng Xiang's carriage crossed the entrance gate of the royal palace and entered the estate, he was directed to the Main Palace for a formal meeting with His Majesty. 

When Zheng Xiang entered the main hall of the royal palace, he saw Zheng Huang sitting on his throne with his hands resting on the sides of the throne chair. His face had become wrinkled and weaker compared to the image Zheng Xiang remembered of his father. The once mightiest man in the Empire now appeared old, weary and seemed to be weakened, likely due to an ongoing recovery from health issues.