The clinking of chains announce Xi Zirui's presence before any eunuch can instruct all the gathered ministers to bow to him.
Xi Zirui is holding a thin lead attached to Han Yu's collar, the chain over Han Yu's chest, and connected to the wrist cuffs, jingles melodically with each step he takes behind Xi Zirui.
The silence in the great hall is deafening as Xi Zirui makes his way to the throne. The beaded curtain veiling the dais where the Empress Dowager sits shifts slightly as she peers through the gaps to get a better look at Xi Zirui.
Xi Zirui ignores all the bewildered stares and takes his seat on the throne, the beads on his crown clinking when he sits down after sweeping the train of his robes to the side.
"This Emperor greets Imperial mother and all the gathered ministers," Xi Zirui says, ignoring the pointed looks towards Han Yu kneeling down at the side of his throne like an obedient servant, while Xi Zirui still holds on to the end of his lead.
