The two sat in the Inner Chamber, exchanging warm greetings.
Servants brought tea and set it before them, followed by all manner of delicacies.
Their conversation was most congenial, and Sima Fu even took Wang Xiang's hand affectionately.
After they chatted about everyday matters for a while, Wang Xiang explained why he had come.
"Grand Tutor, I have come to ask a favor of you."
Wang Xiang held nothing back. He told Sima Fu everything: His Majesty had summoned him, then summoned the ministers under him, and now those men refused to see him.
He told the plain truth, concealing nothing.
Sima Fu listened to his account with great attention.
"So that is how it is... His Majesty is eager to hold the ceremony."
Sima Fu smiled. "It seems His Majesty has little trust in the ministers. He believes he is in danger of being deposed."
"Grand Tutor, I sincerely wish to undertake this great task, but under the present circumstances, it is truly difficult to accomplish anything. How many times has this reform been proposed? Yet it never succeeds."
"I believe that unless the ministers work together with one heart, we cannot accomplish this."
Sima Fu slowly turned his gaze toward Wang Xiang.
"Lord Wang... you are usually so astute. Why can you not see through this now?"
Sima Fu's expression abruptly grew solemn. He told the servant pouring their tea, "Leave us. Close the door, and let no one approach."
The servant froze, then hurried out.
Once only the two of them remained in the Inner Chamber, the smile finally vanished from Sima Fu's face.
"Grand Minister of Ceremonies, the King of Qi was the son of the Emperor of the Filial and Enlightened Ancestor, yet was he not deposed all the same?"
"What sort of man is