The attendant therefore removed the fruit platter in front of Cao Dean and replaced it with a fresh one. Cao Dean began eating in full view of everyone.
Sheng Boyuan urged him in a low voice, "Lord Cao, we should not act out of spite. Saint Zong is no ordinary man. How can we force him to participate in the peace talks?"
"The Clerk Examination benefits the Miscellaneous School Sacred Way, and it will certainly greatly strengthen Saint Zong as well. Asking for his protection is only natural. Besides, we are all members of the human race. Isn't it only right that Saint Zong protect us?" Cao Dean countered.
Sheng Boyuan said, "You and I both know perfectly well why Saint Zong cannot protect the Jing Kingdom. These high-sounding words will fool no one. If this stalemate continues, it will be extremely detrimental to the peace talks."
"So concluding the peace talks quickly would benefit the Jing Kingdom?" After saying this, Cao Dean ignored Sheng Boyuan.
Helpless, Sheng Boyuan apologized to Hong Maoshan. "Elder Hong, as you can see, I truly cannot persuade Chancellor Cao."
"Very well. I shall send a message to the Eastern Sage Pavilion."
Hong Maoshan immediately took up his official seal and sent a message. Once he had finished, he said, "I have already written to my younger friend Ganyu. He said he would definitely give me an answer."
Sheng Boyuan praised him. "Thank you, Elder Hong, for your righteous assistance. Compared with your generosity of spirit, some of us in the Jing Kingdom truly lack the bearing of gentlemen. I apologize to you on their behalf."
"You are too kind. I merely wish to resolve the hatred between our two sides, so naturally I must do everything in my power. I am not afraid of