Borderless City, Mingxi Main Hall.
After careful preparations, Luo Lijun arranged for Li Qi and Nian Shangyou to meet.
Li Qi chose the meeting place. Mingxi Main Hall was unusual; its structure changed with shifts in people's emotions.
Nian Shangyou arrived first. The crystal pillars, originally clear and glittering, soon turned pitch-black, representing the weight on his heart.
When Li Banfeng entered the hall, the pillars around Nian Shangyou began to tremble.
Li Banfeng had achieved his purpose. He did not want to hear Nian Shangyou beat around the bush.
"Grand Scholar Nian, spare me the pleasantries. If you have something to say, say it plainly."
Nian Shangyou weighed his words and expressed Qiao Yi's intentions as tactfully as he could. "The Imperial Envoy has been consumed by state affairs, neglecting food and sleep. He has labored so relentlessly that he is worn down in body and spirit. Lord Qiao cannot bear it and respectfully asks Your Highness to summon the Imperial Envoy back, allowing him several days of rest."
Li Banfeng tilted his ear and listened for a moment. "Did I hear that right? Qiao Yi is worried about Cui Tike?"
Nian Shangyou smiled. "We all serve His Majesty. Naturally, there is fellowship among colleagues."
Li Banfeng stared at Nian Shangyou. "Is there really?"
"There is." The glazed pillar behind Nian Shangyou began to tremble again, proving that he had not spoken the truth.
Li Banfeng asked, "What if Cui Tike refuses to leave?"
"Well, he... he must ultimately obey His Majesty's orders."
Li Banfeng said, "And what if His Majesty does not want him to return either?"
"Whether His Majesty wants it or not depends on whether Your Highness wants it, does it not?" Nian Shangyou looked at Li Banfeng, trying to discern Li Qi's thoughts. He wanted