Great Qian Dynasty, Imperial Capital.
Within the vast Imperial Capital, everyone from the royal palace and nobles to the common peddlers and laborers could clearly sense that the atmosphere had grown exceedingly strange.
Joy for the new emperor's ascension filled the air, yet behind this layer of joy, a profoundly oppressive mood enveloped everything. The court officials were shutting their doors and declining visitors, while the powerful members of the major families were consolidating their forces.
Even the usually bustling Combat Pavilion was now as quiet as a graveyard, desolate and in decline.
The city's defenses and patrols had also become more frequent.
The scrutiny for those entering and leaving the city had grown increasingly rigorous.
Meanwhile...
The Heavenly Prison.
Li Xiaoye's family had been in charge of the Heavenly Prison for three generations, and now the responsibility had passed to him, firmly under his control.
Life had always been good.
