TW: Violence
As they approached Tianlu Pavilion, screams filled the air, destroying the sanctity of the emperor's study. They were accompanied by a rhythmic dull thumping noise, paired together ironically in perfect harmony but still discordant in Yan Zheyun's ears because he could guess at what was orchestrating the sounds.
Yan Zheyun paused just outside the moon gate. The garden of Tianlu Pavilion was one of the neatest in the imperial city, with a small clearing just beyond the lotus ponds and the white marble bridge that led up to the main entrance. He had a clear view of the entire courtyard now and this clearing, which was usually unoccupied but for the occasional servant that was sweeping leaves, was now full of people.
