Three miles north of Jiangling, there is a team advancing. This team is not large in size, only a few hundred people. However, the ceremonial guards, carriages, and various other elements are very impressive.
This was the angel team that came all the way from Luoyang. Because of the large number of people, they walked slowly and had only arrived near Jiangling. After walking for another three miles, the team saw the huge Jiangling City.
At this moment, the north gate of Jiangling has been specially cleaned, and no common people are seen. There are generals, officials, and soldiers waiting to greet them. Among them is Liu Hua, the Prime Minister of the King of Chu.
"Meet the angel." When the team came closer, Liu Hua led the crowd to pay homage.[
"I am on an envoy to the Kingdom of Chu on the order of the Emperor. There is no need to be polite. It is business to quickly bring me to see the King of Chu." A rather strong voice came from one of the carriages.
"Promise." Liu Hua agreed upon hearing this, and led the troops into Jiangling. There were still many soldiers on the road to prevent the people from colliding with the angels, so the troops marched very smoothly and soon arrived outside the palace of the King of Chu.
The procession stopped, and an official came out of the carriage in the middle. This official looked first-class, had a majestic manner, and was holding a scroll of bamboo slips. He was the angel of this trip.
It was Xu Jing, the minister of the Shangshutai, who was chosen as the angel this time because of his majestic appearance.
After Xu Jing got out of the carriage, under the guidance of Liu Hua, he came to the palace. There was an incense table near the door, and bursts of fragrance came from the incense burner.
After the incense ceremony, King Chu Liu Pan led his wives, concubines, and princes who were able to walk, and tent ministers to welcome the angels. After entering, Liu Hua bowed to Xu Jing, and then lined up behind King Chu.
"I have seen an angel." Liu Pan saluted Xu Jing with a very humble attitude.
"Your Majesty, you are very polite." After all, he was a prince of princes, so Xu Jing would not be too arrogant, so he returned the courtesy very humbly. Soon after, Xu Jing announced again: "The emperor's edict, the King of Chu pays his respects."
"I accept the edict." Liu Pan led the crowd in salute.
"King Liu Pan of Chu guarded Jingchu and served as a barrier for the Han Dynasty. He has made great achievements. I admired it and gave him twenty beauties, a pair of white jade, fifty horses, and thirty million coins as a reward. I hope King Chu will abide by it.
Jingzhou, let’s build our achievements again.”
Xu Jing unfolded the bamboo slips and read out. The edict was very simple, just a few sentences, but it was an attitude to show his kindness.
Liu Pan listened to every word without missing a word, with a look of gratitude on his face, and bowed again: "No."
This was the end of the ceremony. Xu Jing took a few steps forward and handed the bamboo slip to Liu Pan, and then said: "This is the end of my duties as a low-ranking official. Let me take my leave."
"Angel is tired from traveling. Let's rest for a few days before leaving." Liu Pan took the bamboo slip and said kindly.
"I appreciate your Majesty's kindness. However, due to my responsibilities, it is really not convenient for me to stay for a long time. I hope your Majesty will forgive me." Xu Jing declined politely.
"Alas." Liu Pan seemed to sigh when he heard this, and then said: "The solitary king will not keep any more angels. He also asked the angels to report to the emperor after returning to Luoyang, saying that the solitary king will definitely guard Jingzhou and defend it to the death."
"I will definitely bring you here," Xu Jing said, and then raised his fist to say goodbye. Liu Pan sent Xu Jing off to the palace gate very cordially, and then said goodbye again.
After Xu Jing left the reward and led the team to leave, Liu Pan returned to the palace. At this moment, Liu Pan's wives, concubines, sons, and officials had all dispersed.