A trace of surprise crossed Wang Yang's face:
"Why would you think that, Chief?"
The old Chief gave a knowing smile:
"Just as I thought."
Wang Yang smiled too, with unmistakable goodwill. Supporting the old man's back, he helped him lean slowly against the Medicinal Pillow, then reached out to pull up the corner of the quilt. The old Chief's fingers naturally loosened their grip on his wrist.
Wang Yang carefully tucked the quilt around the old Chief, saying:
"If thinking that makes you feel more comfortable, Chief, then let us call it so."
The old Chief kept his eyes fixed on Wang Yang and praised him:
"To dare come alone, without anything to rely on-the Han Envoy truly possesses exceptional courage."
Wang Yang smiled sheepishly:
"I did come alone, but I do have something to rely on. So my courage is not quite so exceptional."
Beneath the old Chief's clouded gaze lurked an almost imperceptible sharpness:
"By something to rely on, does the Han Envoy mean his status as an emissary?"
Wang Yang gave a rueful chuckle and said:
"Su Wu carried his credential tally, yet was imprisoned in Beihai; Zhong Jun bore an imperial commission, yet still perished in Nanyue. Since no one else is here today, let me speak plainly. I have neither an imperial edict nor a credential tally. My supposed status as an emissary depends entirely on whether you recognize it. If the Wenyang Tribe truly intends to oppose the court, I am no different from any ordinary traveler. Without armed troops to rely on, how would I dare accept this assignment? It is embarrassing to admit, but without those who advocate war standing behind us, those of us who advocate peace could not presume to negotiate it. However artful our arguments, they need spears