Xiao Yin stationed his army outside the city, then followed Lu Xiong into the palace for an audience.
The official holidays had been in the first half of the year. Now that the second half had arrived, the court had recruited many new officials, packing the Nine-Chamber Hall to the brim.
Zi Shou disliked such orderly scenes, but things should improve considerably by next year. The new officials and veteran ministers varied widely in quality; something was bound to go wrong.
Lu Xiong stepped forward to present his report, first lavishing praise on Xiao Yin, then heaping still more praise on the troops Xiao Yin had brought.
Zi Shou knew a little about Xiao Yin. In the original Investiture of the Gods, this fellow had been a turncoat. Capable though he was, he had stabbed his superior Zhang Feng, who had placed great trust in him, so that his former superior Huang Feihu could leave the pass and defect to Zhou.
Still, Zi Shou trusted the cross-checking done by Zhang Da and the Hall of Worthies. Whatever this man's abilities, he surely had some flaw in his character. Being a turncoat might well be one of them. He would ask a few questions first.
Xiao Yin performed a deep bow. "Your Humble Servant greets Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty!"
Zi Shou was rather displeased inwardly. You don't know the rules in Chaoge. Wishing me ten thousand years is taboo. I'm going to ascend on the spot and punch straight through the Heavenly Dao. Ten thousand years is practically cursing me to an early death.
Outwardly, however, he smiled. "Minister Xiao, you have traveled a long way. Thank you for your efforts."
Xiao Yin said, "Your Majesty, it was no hardship!"
Zi Shou had little interest in continuing these pleasantries