This was a kowtow that Zhao Jiulang, the Prime Minister, performed wholeheartedly.
Ji Runhao ascended the steps. After Zhao Jiulang straightened up, he followed, two steps behind.
When Ji Runhao reached the top and stood before the old man in the black robe, the old man knelt and prostrated himself, performing a grand obeisance.
"Xue Yi pays his respects to Your Majesty!"
Ji Runhao didn't reach out to help him up. Instead, he smiled and said, "Uncle Xue, my father once decreed that in Yan, you need not kowtow to anyone."
Xue Yi raised his head. "It is only right."
There was something else Xue Yi hadn't said, but the Yan Emperor understood: this might be the last time he would perform such an obeisance.
"Uncle Xue, are the rice cakes ready?"
"Your Majesty, you sent word this morning. They've just been steamed and are perfectly sticky."
The Yan Emperor rubbed his hands together and said, "Well then, I truly can't wait."
