Please Resign

With the Azure Wolf Dynasty reduced to history, its vast territory was divided among three dynasties. The interests involved would take more than a day or two to sort out. Fortunately, the rulers only needed to set the overall direction; the rest could be left to their subordinates.

Bai Yang didn't concern himself with how those interests were divided. Once King Chen, Chen Yongxin, had some free time, Bai Yang went to see him.

Inside the temporary palace, in one of the great halls, Chen Yongxin rose to greet Bai Yang personally. He warmly took Bai Yang's hand and said, "Mr. Bai, you've come."

Even though Chen Yongxin was using this gesture to win over a subject, Bai Yang still found it deeply uncomfortable. He discreetly pulled his hand free and said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me for intruding."

"Mr. Bai, what are you saying? I've always wished I could share wine and conversation with you, but state affairs kept me too busy to make it happen. Now that I've found the time, at last we can have a good talk. Come, sit here. Someone, prepare a banquet!"

They took their seats. Chen Yongxin was so warm and welcoming that Bai Yang had no idea how to bring up what he wanted to say.

The ruler of a dynasty had hosted a banquet in his honor, complete with elaborate formalities. Beyond the food and drink, there were even song and dance performances. They were lovely to watch, but Bai Yang's thoughts were entirely elsewhere.

After a stretch of aimless small talk, Bai Yang finally said, "Your Majesty, I've come to resign."

Chen Yongxin, who had been beaming, froze. He immediately waved away the group of young women performing music and dance. As they bowed and withdrew, he looked at Bai