Ever since the old emperor was seriously ill, he had not attended the morning court session.
But today, he suddenly announced that he wanted to hold an early court assembly.
All officials above the fourth-grade in the capital had to participate, including Xiao Juan.
He left the Langjun Imperial Palace at dawn and rode to the palace.
When the morning court assembly began, the old emperor was helped out and slowly sat on the dragon throne.
The Crown Prince led the civil and military officials to kneel and kowtow.
Just a dozen steps from the gate to the dragon throne made the old emperor pant with exhaustion.
He sat and rested for a long time before his breathing calmed down.
"I summoned all my beloved ministers to the palace today because I have something to discuss. Last night, I received an urgent battle report from Liaodong County."
Wei Huai'en unfolded the urgent battle report and read the contents to everyone.
