The Khitan envoy's expression darkened as he listened to the crowd pass judgment on him.
He was an envoy of a nation, after all. Even if he had come to pledge allegiance, his standing was hardly low. How could these common folk speak of him this way?
"My lord..."
The Khitan envoy called out.
The Court of State Ceremonial official leading the way turned back. "I am Qi Lun, director of the Court of State Ceremonial."
The Khitan envoy greeted him, then explained what he wanted.
"Lord Qi."
"Is this not improper?"
Qi Lun considered it for a moment, then smiled and shook his head. "The people of Great Song are free and open. Even the Court of State Ceremonial cannot drive them away lightly. They are merely curious about the envoy; they mean no harm. Please do not take offense."
The Khitan envoy: "..."
Fuck!
These Han people!
The delegation would pass Bao Residence on its way to the Imperial Palace.
Verdant Green Maiden was on the roof of Bao Residence.
With one foot planted on the roof ridge, she rested her elbow on her knee and her chin on her hand, watching the delegation make its slow way down the street.
"Khitan and Dali pledging allegiance to Great Song. This truly is a sight unseen in a thousand years."
Below her,
the young Bao Zheng looked up at Verdant Green Maiden. "Teacher, what are you looking at?"
"The Khitan envoy. Want to see?"
Verdant Green Maiden answered.
Bao Zheng nodded at once. "I do!"
"Then climb up yourself."
Verdant Green Maiden added.
Bao Zheng looked left and right, but saw no ladder. Frowning slightly, he asked, "Teacher, how did you get up there?"
Verdant Green Maiden turned to him with a faint smile. "I have my own clever