บท 223: A golden opportunity 2

The Imperial palace

Emperor Zhong left the examination office after giving His instructions. His entourage of guards and palace servants fell into step with him as he walked out of the pavilion through the compound to the gate. During Imperial Examination the scholars working at the examination office were housed at the palace till the end of the exams to prevent leaks. Guards were stationed at every corner of the compound to keep off intruders, security around the palace were tight.

The guards at the gate bowed as Emperor Zhong got closer, they opened the gate and stepped aside for him. Emperor Zhong stopped abruptly as he crossed one leg over the threshold, he suddenly felt light-headed and held the wooden frame of the gates tightly until the feeling subsided.