Gentlemen, Friend, Escape

 At noon, with one hand against his forehead to block the dazzling sunlight and no thought to spare for the sweat dripping into his eyes, Scholar He quickly left the serene Royal Palace. He didn't enter the Hall of Governmental Affair's row of small rooms. Instead, he climbed into his sedan chair and went to the Imperial Censorate's yamen. It was only after he entered the yamen that he realized his uniform had long become soaked through with sweat. Somewhat unconscious of his surroundings, he walked into the hall and sat alone for a while before coming back to his senses.

He had been called by the Emperor into his study earlier. With just a few simple sentences, He Zongwei knew that his secret plans were all known to the Emperor. The Emperor knew what he was investigating but had not been bothered to ask or care about it. He only watched coldly.