"My lord, Elder Xi has been kneeling outside for three hours. He's a senior elder of many years, with considerable influence in the Elder Council. Treating him so harshly—if word gets out, I'm afraid it'll chill the hearts of some people."
At Little Buddha Mountain, in the Hall of No Delusion, Jia Zixu prostrated himself on the floor. He was Meng Fan's closest confidant, and they had known each other since they were nobodies.
Meng Fan had changed into a blue robe. Sitting on his knees behind a narrow table made of emerald bamboo, he slowly brewed fragrant tea. At the sound of Jia Zixu's words, he didn't so much as twitch an eyebrow. "How much did you take from him? At a time like this, you still dare speak up for him?"
Jia Zixu had known Meng Fan for many years. The moment Meng Fan spoke, Jia Zixu knew there was room to talk, and urged him, "I wouldn't dare hide it from you, my lord. Old Xi is good at cultivating relationships, and I really have received quite a few small favors from him. But I would never let private interests interfere with public duty. I'm truly considering the bigger picture for you, my lord. Whether you forgive him or not, why not hear what Old Xi has come to say? At any rate, if you make him keep kneeling, you'll really wound people's hearts. My lord, if you truly don't wish to see him, just send him away."
The trickling water swirled into the blue-and-white cup. Meng Fan gave a slight wave of his hand, and Jia Zixu withdrew. Before long, he led Xi Mengfan inside.
Xi Mengfan prostrated himself and repeatedly cried, "I deserve the death penalty." Meng Fan didn't even look at him, quietly sipping