"I cannot receive benefits without merit; I shall walk there myself. As for the ceremonial escort from Your Majesty... I ask this esteemed officer to inform His Majesty that Xu Qing's visit concerns a matter of life and death for the common people of the realm, and is not for personal glory at court."
The ceremonial officer dared not delay and hurriedly went back and forth. However, when he returned, he wore an expression close to tears:
"His Majesty has said that if no one boards the imperial carriage, I will be stripped of my rank, and those welcoming the Saint Master will also be punished for neglecting his honor."
"..."
Ha! Xu Qing was displeased at that moment.
To invite me and to coerce me are two different matters.
This little plump sovereign really has gotten addicted to playing tricks, repeatedly resorting to these schemes against him. Does he think Xu Qing is as easy to manipulate as the Wu brothers?