Zhang Wenshu and the others were seething with anger, their fists clenched in frustration.
How audacious was this Lord Imperial Envoy? To behave so disrespectfully in public! Didn't he realize he was trampling on their ruler's dignity?
It seemed he was relying not on his title as "Emperor's Envoy," but on his blood relation to Lord Shao!
Shao Yunduan, ever composed, took Shao Liulang's tirade in stride. Once the scolding was over, he calmly explained that Hangzhou City was currently lacking in officials and that, as a reception banquet, showing sincerity was what mattered.
Guests should act with decorum.
Continuing to criticize would only make them appear rude and uncouth.
The imperial envoy's behavior was disgraceful to the Emperor, but Shao Liulang missed the point. With a haughty air, he retorted, "What do you mean, 'guest'? We're family, so you should treat me as such. I'm speaking out for the good of the Shao Family!"
