This is Wenming Hall, where the sovereign and his ministers hold court. The last few times I came by, I saw on…
This is Wenming Hall, where the sovereign and his ministers hold court.
The last few times I came by, I saw only cleaning maids, palace guards, and a scattered few officials discussing business. Looking back, I must have come at the wrong hour.
I slept lightly last night, so I wandered the palace. Around the Yin hour, I saw carriages and mounted escorts file in through the palace gates and draw up outside the hall. Officials streamed inside, and the hall quickly filled with noise.
A few of them even got into a heated argument in the front courtyard, and when tempers flared their words turned downright coarse. Oddly entertaining.
The front courtyard is where officials wait for the audience hour. Once the Mao hour arrives, they head into the inner hall, leaving the courtyard empty and bleak, like the affairs of the former dynasty, gone with the wind while the halls still stand.
It is hard enough to slip past the guards and get into the inner hall, so there was no chance of overhearing what His Majesty is worrying about today. Ah well. What I caught from this corner will do.