Silent moves 4

 The Imperial palace, four hours after the Emperor passed out at the Emperor's audience hall.

"Minister Sheng, have you heard anything from the fifth prince about the Emperor's condition?" An elderly civil official under the ministry of works asked as Minister Sheng sat down on the stool by the side. The Civil official like everyone present at the morning court has been detained in the palace for hours. Palace guards matched in as the Emperor was carried out and surrounded the audience hall.