Jia Xu was old and often ill, unable to attend court. He spent his days recuperating quietly at the Grand Commandant's residence. Cao Pi frequently sent imperial physicians to examine him and bestowed precious medicines to prolong his life; such reliance and favor made the court officials envious.
The imperial carriage arrived at the Grand Commandant's residence, and Jia Xu's eldest son, Jia Mu, came out to receive the emperor.
"Where is the Grand Commandant now? Is he in tolerable spirits?" Cao Pi asked as he walked.
Jia Mu clasped his hands and bowed. "My father is much as usual. He is only still asleep from his midday nap. I ask that Your Majesty first go to the main hall for wine; this servant will wake him at once."
"No need to hurry. I can wait awhile." Cao Pi strode forward with his head held high, leaving Jia Mu no choice but to follow and attend him.
Jia Xu had always been exceedingly low-key in both life and office. The Grand Commandant's residence had wine, meat, melons, and fruit in abundance to receive the emperor, yet unlike the homes of other nobles, it kept no singing girls or beauties. Before long, Cao Pi began to look rather bored.
Using the excuse of relieving himself, Jia Mu went outside. Avoiding Xu Chu's gaze, he contacted his brother Jia Fang and told him to quickly wake their father, Jia Xu. Making the emperor wait half an hour for a minister was practically the crime of grave disrespect.
Jia Xu had trained the Jia family's younger generation to be cautious in every step. They immediately hurried to the inner residence and supported Jia Xu to the front hall.
Seeing Jia Xu's wan expression and how slowly he walked even with others supporting him,