Fu Tinghan frowned and said, "If you have something to say, just get up and speak. Kneeling like this, I will be leaving."
Only then did Sima Hou rise to his feet. After casting a quick glance at Fu Tinghan, he lowered his head and said, "My lord, I know that Lord Zhao has a strict order that no refugee returning to Luoyang is allowed to leave without permission. I also understand that her order is for the protection of Luoyang. However, I still plead with you, my lord, to show mercy and allow me to leave Luoyang."
"Since you know this, why do you still wish to leave?" Fu Tinghan asked, "Your surname is Sima, so you should remain here."
Sima Hou tearfully said, "I am but a side branch, never having received the blessings of the royal family; it's truly hard for me to prioritize state affairs. Back when Luoyang was prosperous, I was just a small commoner, and even now, I wish only to remain a commoner, valuing my family above all."
