Huainan.
The envoy hurried into the General's Residence.
People came and went inside the General's Residence, their steps quick, their heads lowered, their expressions hurried.
The envoy threaded his way through them and soon arrived outside a study.
Two armored guards stood there. They checked his identity, then went inside to report his arrival.
Soon, they led the envoy into the study.
Upon entering, he saw nearly ten generals seated there, with Guanqiu Jian waiting for him in the seat of honor.
The envoy hastily bowed in greeting to everyone.
He then presented the emperor's edict to Guanqiu Jian.
Guanqiu Jian was about to rise and kneel when the envoy hurriedly said, "His Majesty gave verbal instructions that you need not do so, Grand General. You may receive the edict seated."
Guanqiu Jian shook his head and said earnestly, "His Majesty's kindness fills me with gratitude, but how could I receive his edict sitting down? That would be disrespectful to His Majesty!"
He still knelt and bowed with utmost reverence before accepting the edict.
The envoy could not help marveling inwardly. This was a general the imperial court could truly rely upon.
Someone like Deng Ai, though very capable in battle, would certainly never bow to receive an edict under such circumstances.
Guanqiu Jian soon finished reading the emperor's edict, then asked the envoy to wait outside for the moment and ordered that he be well entertained.
Guanqiu Jian's words and manner were very mild. Though he looked stern, he was not frightening in the least, but always approachable. There was no brutality in his eyes, and his strong scholarly air gave him a very refined bearing.
Even an envoy meeting him for the first time could not help being won over.
Guanqiu Jian looked at the generals seated around