"I need to see your emperor. It is desperately urgent!" Jiang Zhizhou released the man's foot and continued, "If I had any ulterior motives, I would not have chosen this route."
The narrow path connecting Northern Liang and Southern Xun had not originally existed.
It had only been worn into existence by the many people secretly traveling between the two sides.
Very few people even knew that this path existed.
And those who knew to take it not only wielded unusual power and standing in Northern Liang, but also had close ties to the Southern Xun Imperial Family.
Hearing Jiang Zhizhou mention this, the Southern Xun soldiers on patrol immediately hesitated.
If Jiang Zhizhou was telling the truth, then they were delaying important business for His Majesty.
But if he was lying and they let him through, their heads would surely roll if anything went wrong.
As though he had seen through their thoughts, Jiang Zhizhou reached inside his robes, took out a small seal, and handed it to the Southern Xun soldier.
"Since you are being so cautious, please take this to your emperor."
"What is this thing?" The Southern Xun soldier accepted the seal and turned it over several times, but could make nothing of it.
"If you lose it, you will lose the head on your shoulders as well."
Once Jiang Zhizhou had finished speaking, the Southern Xun soldier gave him a glance and ran back.
He could afford to wait a little now, so he remained where he was, waiting for the soldier to return.
Sure enough, before half an incense stick had burned, the Southern Xun soldier came running back in a hurry.
He was gasping for breath, his forehead covered in sweat.
"His Majesty requests your presence!"
There was now a curious look in