Zhu Sui was now before the Emperor.
There were not many in the world who could request an audience with the Emperor at any time. Zhu Sui was naturally one of them.
That tattered leather cap and old leather coat were gone.
They had been the last traces of the Martial Ancestor upon him. Just as he, Zhu Sui, was the last lingering reflection of the Martial Ancestor's era.
He was dressed neatly, yet still stooped.
Patrolling the night was bitter work, laden with grave responsibility, not something easily borne. For a very long time, he had been unable to straighten his back.
The elegant Qingci Grandee had departed, and the Emperor's gaze rested quietly upon the old man.
Already hunched, Zhu Sui bent a little lower. His voice was slow and low. "This servant has come to ask leave to resign."
The Emperor's voice was gentle, as though afraid of startling this weary old man. "I have known you since I was still in my princely residence. We have weathered so much wind and rain over the years. You should know that I have no intention of moving you from your post."
"This old servant has patrolled the night for a thousand years, long accustomed to Linzi's Long Night. How could I not wish to spend my final years here? But the office of Night Watchman is of the utmost importance. It guards the Long Night for Great Qi and patrols the Mountains and Rivers in the Emperor's stead. How can a mere Divine Presence bear such a charge?" Zhu Sui said slowly. "This servant asks to resign not by the Emperor's will, nor from my own desire, but for the sake of Great Qi's realm and its people. It cannot be otherwise."
The Emperor of Qi sat cross-legged