The Profound-Nurturing Hall suddenly fell silent.
Emperor Jingtai looked at Qing Chen, who knelt on one knee and presented the scriptures with both hands, and for a moment did not speak.
This wasn't how it was supposed to go, was it? He had already planned how to put this increasingly powerful Circuit-Surveying Governor in his place.
He had to make him understand: I can raise you up, and I can trample you down. A dog must know how to behave like a proper dog, or not only will it get no bones, it will get a few slaps as well.
Yet the moment this fellow entered the hall, he dutifully reported on his previous assignment, without saying a word to claim credit for himself.
He had not dared forget it for a single day in nearly forty years.
Even while guarding the northwest, he had continued sending people to search throughout the various nations.
He had delayed his audience only to collate and verify the scriptures.
Of course, Emperor Jingtai would not believe everything he said, however much of it was true.
But an emperor never measured loyalty merely by what someone said; he looked at what they did.
Qing Chen, for his part, felt not the slightest humiliation in kneeling to present the scriptures.
Face was such a thing.
When it needed to stand firm, it had to weigh more than a mountain.
When it needed to be set aside, it could be lighter than a bird's feather.
After a moment's silence, Emperor Jingtai finally gave two soft, dry coughs.
The name register beside his hand, which he had intended to use to put Qing Chen in his place, was also put away.
"Rise, my dear minister." His voice had already lost its earlier chill.
Qing Chen did not