Outside Shangyang Palace.
The on-duty eunuch stopped Zhang Zhengyang, standing on the steps, spoke down to him from a higher position.
"Chancellor Zhang, His Majesty has already gone to bed. If there is a matter, you can submit it in the Imperial Court tomorrow."
"I have urgent matters to report; please trouble Eunuch Xu to announce my presence."
Zhang Zhengyang looked towards the palace, brightly lit and filled with the sound of stringed instruments and dancing. The occasional laughter and playful shouting of the women could be heard.
"I wouldn't dare disturb His Majesty's rest," said Eunuch Xu. "Chancellor Zhang, please return."
"Your servant begs to see His Majesty!"
Zhang Zhengyang knelt outside the palace gate, his voice filled with tears and continued to plead for an audience with His Majesty.
Knocking his forehead on the ground, blood started to seep from his brow.
After a long time.
