Chapter 21: The Hall

The Hall of Audience was larger than anything Zhiruo had ever seen.

Red pillars rose to a ceiling lost in shadow.

The floor was paved with gold-veined stone, and on either side stood the whole court in rows, hundreds of men in robes of every rank.

She stood at the very back, among the maids and clerks of the Grand Secretary's train.

She held a tray of tea she did not intend to serve.

Xiuwen stood a step ahead of her in her plain green coat, her hands folded, her eyes straight forward.

In front of them, the Grand Secretary Lu carried a long case of black lacquer and walked.

He had not looked at Zhiruo once.

On the dais, behind a screen of yellow silk, the Emperor sat on his throne.

He was nineteen.

He looked younger.

"The Chief Censor Gao Wenjing may read his memorial," said the herald.

Gao stepped out of the line in his black robes.

His voice was as gentle as ever.

"Your Majesty."

"I bring before this court a matter that cannot wait for a quieter day."

"The Prime Minister of the Great Yan is a woman."

"I ask that it be proved here, in the open, where no one can say it was hidden."

A murmur rolled across the hall.

"The penalty is death." Gao bowed.

"I ask that the Prime Minister be examined here, before the court."

Zhiruo felt her stomach drop.

At the head of the opposite row, Biyan stood in her crimson and black.

The formal hat sat on her head, and her hands were in her sleeves.

She had not moved.

She had not looked behind her once.

"Minister Xue," said the Emperor from behind the silk. "What do you say?"

Biyan took one step forward.

Then she removed her hat.

She held the black gauze hat in both hands for a moment.

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