Zhenming Gate was a side gate of the Royal Palace. Its appearance was rather different from its name; rather than being bright, it was quiet and gloomy, and a bit scary to look at.
Seeing the long and gloomy passageway of the gate, the little emperor remembered what the people of the palace had told him, and his face turned pale.
Given his temperament, he wanted to turn around and go back home immediately, to enjoy his status of the son of King Hejian. Yet, his mother told him five years ago that all he needed to do was remember two things if he would go to the capital someday:
Show adequate filial piety to the Empress; don't offend Master Eunuch He.