"Gulp..."
Zheng Ping swallowed instinctively.
Holding the bright yellow imperial edict in both hands, he felt that this silk scroll, once a symbol of supreme imperial authority, now weighed as heavily as a mountain.
It pressed down on him until he could barely breathe.
But...
Just as Cui Yuanhe could not show fear in Shenjing and diminish the prestige of the Southern People.
He, Zheng Ping, could not diminish the prestige of the Northern People before the Southern People either.
Otherwise.
Even as a Divine Mansion Realm cultivator.
Death would be his only path.
He drew a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.
Bracing his weakening legs, he struggled toward the center of the great hall, one step at a time.
He looked straight at the languid, unrestrained figure on the dais.
By rights.
When an imperial envoy arrived to read an imperial edict.
The subject should set up an incense table, bathe and change his clothes, and lead his entire household in a formal ceremony of obeisance.
But now?
There was nothing.
Li Xinge had not even sat up straight. He remained reclining sideways on his throne.
"M-Marquis of Chu..."
Zheng Ping forced a smile and assumed the bearing of an imperial envoy from Shenjing. In a shrill voice, he said, "His Majesty's imperial edict is here. Marquis of Chu, please... descend from the dais to receive it."
His voice trembled slightly.
He had already conceded ground again and again, not even daring to mention kneeling to receive the edict.
He only hoped Li Xinge would stand, descend from the dais, and take the edict, so he could at least give a barely acceptable account of his mission.
Yet.
Li Xinge did not move.
He stopped toying with his jade thumb ring.
His deep eyes glanced indifferently