On this day, the Mountain and Sea Empire welcomed two guests.
An old man and a young woman, a grandfather and his granddaughter.
The old man was thin, with a buzz cut and graying hair. Dressed in coarse linen, he would occasionally toss a small pill into his mouth, squinting in enjoyment.
The young woman was a charming and lovely girl, with fair skin, beautiful features, and a graceful, willowy figure.
Emperor Li Shimu himself was waiting at the main gate of the Imperial City to receive them. All civil and military officials were in attendance, as were the Clan Leaders of the Six Great Clans.
It was a grand and solemn affair.
"This junior, Li Shimu, greets Master Liu."
Li Shimu even forewent "We," the royal pronoun exclusive to the Emperor, instead bowing as a junior. This was enough to show the immense importance he placed on the old man.
