281, Xu Zhenguan: How do you explain this?

About fifteen minutes later.

Having cleaned himself and dressed, Zhao Douan, grooming himself neatly, walked through the corridor at noon under the guidance of a gorgeously-dressed court lady, holding the "Taia Sword" and arrived at the "Dining Hall" of Yangxin Hall.

It was not his first time here.

Several months ago, on his third day after arriving, he had entered this place and faced a life-or-death interrogation.

It was also the first time he had dined with the Empress.

Months later, on an autumn noon, he stood once again before this door, about to face another significant interrogation.

His emotions were uncontrollably tense.

Zhao Douan tried hard to clear his mind of complex thoughts and enter a sharp state of "great secrecy."

He knew if he mishandled this conversation between sovereign and subject, he might have to start all over with everything he had built up during this time.

"Mr. Zhao, Her Majesty is right ahead, please go forward."