In the Royal Palace of the King of Parthia.
The amiable and kindly King of Parthia was drinking with two others. The King maintained a leisurely demeanor, while the two drinking companions showed great respect and caution, carefully avoiding any impropriety. Midway through the drinking, the King of Parthia took another sip, gently placed his cup on the table, and sighed:
"Thanks to the counsel of you gentlemen, I am able to ease the worries of my heart."
Opposite him sat a tall man of rugged, sincere appearance. Hearing these words, he respectfully replied:
"Your Majesty wields a three-foot sword and governs lands stretching ten thousand miles, commanding tens of thousands of soldiers in armor. This is the mandate of heaven — how could mere human effort achieve it? Your Majesty's praise is indeed unwarranted!"
The King of Parthia chuckled at these words, offered more wine, and sighed:
