The winter snow was ceaseless and the temperature continued to drop, as if the vast land had been encased in ice.
At noon, the guards of Central Capital City had just changed shifts when a rush of hurried hoofbeats raced by.
It was too cold, and the long street was nearly devoid of people. The messenger soldier cut across Copper Camel Street, heading toward the inner city.
"Report…"
"Her Highness the Empress Dowager has returned to the capital with her imperial carriage…"
"The Prince of Yonghuai has led his troops back to court…"
Li Zongxun was in the government office, discussing affairs with several officials.
They were all dressed in mourning clothes, their expressions solemn.