Zhang Yu looked at Gongsun Shao and said, "Since this is an order from the Profound Court, Protector Gongsun, please let me inspect the edict."
Gongsun Shao took out the letter from his sleeve and handed it over. "The letter is here."
Zhang Yu accepted it, unfolded it, and gave it a cursory glance. The document stated that, because of Huo Heng, Gongsun Shao was to keep him there for a time and find out the reason behind it.
He then carefully examined the seals before returning it to Gongsun Shao. The latter asked, "Well? Will Inspector Zhang return with me?"
Zhang Yu said evenly, "The letter is genuine, but forgive me, I cannot comply."
Gongsun Shao's expression darkened. "Inspector Zhang, are you defying an order from the Profound Court?"
Zhang Yu replied calmly, "If it were truly an edict from the Profound Court, I would naturally obey. But Protector Gongsun's letter is merely a letter of transmission. It bears neither the Profound Court's imperial seal nor an openly issued decree, so I need not follow it."
Gongsun Shao stared into his eyes and waved the letter in his hand. "Inspector Zhang, did you see clearly just now? That was a handwritten letter from a Court Executor of the Profound Court!"
Zhang Yu shook his head. "As an inspector of the Profound Court, I obey only the orders of the Profound Court, not the orders of any particular Court Executor."
Gongsun Shao frowned. "What difference is there?"
Zhang Yu looked at him. "Naturally, there is a difference. This letter was issued in that Court Executor's own name and given to Protector Gongsun. At most, it is a private command. I am neither his disciple nor have I ever served him. Nor has he ever bestowed favor upon me. Why, then,