Ximen Ren stood in front of the building alongside his bodyguards and entourage. A hopeful smile full of trust rested on his face.
His clothes were not made from luxurious or expensive fabrics. Instead, he wore a simple hemp robe, the same type of clothing that ordinary mortals could purchase from common cloth shops.
The robe was uncomfortable to wear, but the price was cheap. Even so, Ximen Ren continued smiling patiently without complaint.
"My lord," one of his bodyguards spoke up, "why don't you sit down first? You've been waiting for Official Ke for a very long time."
Ximen Ren shook his head.
"How could I sit comfortably while Official Ke is working for our people? I cannot, in good conscience, rest while he is still out there and our people still lack grain to feed themselves."
With a sigh, Ximen Ren shook his head once again as remorse and guilt clouded his expression.
