Feng Jingteng arrived at the Western Palace in a state of panic, and bowed respectfully, bending all the way to the ground.
"Your humble servant Feng Jingteng, greets Your Majesty."
Xiao Cheng sat upright with a serious demeanor, offering no response.
Feng Jingteng raised his head and said with a choking voice, "I implore Your Majesty to immediately contact the Jin Court, abide by the alliance between our two nations, and promptly release the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat..."
Xiao Cheng slowly lifted his sleeve.
"Bestow a seat upon Minister Feng."
Feng Jingteng's eyelids twitched ever so slightly.
The Emperor showing no emotion, yet offering a seat from the start?
"Your servant dares not." Feng Jingteng bowed his head low, his voice softened, "With my brother's safety weighing on my heart, I returned to the Capital without Your Majesty's decree, and I beg Your Majesty to punish me for my transgression."
