Tang Wen had just reached the Main Hall when he discovered that Nangong Zhaoyuan had actually brought his ministers to wait for him outside its doors.
"Greetings, Your Majesty." Tang Wen was about to kneel when Nangong Zhaoyuan hurried forward and supported him. "You are too courteous, One-Character Side-by-Side King. You stand beside me; there is no need to kneel or kowtow. From now on, a nod and a greeting will suffice."
After speaking, Nangong Zhaoyuan glanced at his subordinates.
They understood at once and immediately knelt to Tang Wen. "Greetings, One-Character Side-by-Side King!"
"You are all too courteous. There is no need to kneel. Please rise." Tang Wen gently swept out his hand, lifting the dozens of ministers so they could not bow down.
Yet the ministers all struggled to kneel, looking determined not to stop until he let them pay their respects.
"One-Character Side-by-Side King, let them bow," Nangong Zhaoyuan said. "This is proper etiquette. You and I may dispense with formalities.
"But they cannot. We cannot let them neglect the courtesy owed by subjects.
"Listen, my ministers. From now on, I shall address the One-Character Side-by-Side King as my imperial younger brother.
"You must treat him with the same respect you show me. Anyone who dares disobey shall be killed without mercy!"
"Greetings, One-Character Side-by-Side King!" The ministers knelt again. Helpless, Tang Wen could only accept their bows.
"Xiande greets Imperial Uncle." The eighth prince stepped forward and kowtowed.
"Please rise, Crown Prince!" Tang Wen swept out his hand and lifted him.
"Qingfeng, Tuoyuan, you two come and greet your imperial uncle as well," Nangong Zhaoyuan told the first prince, Nangong Qingfeng, and the third prince, Nangong Tuoyuan.
"Father, we are imperial princes, after all. The sovereign holds the highest rank, and I am the sovereign's son.