The Secretary Xing entered the palace for an audience with the Emperor.
The Emperor was in the Imperial Study Room examining memorials when he heard the report from Eunuch Wei and ordered that Secretary Xing be brought in.
"Your humble servant, pays his respects to Your Majesty."
Secretary Xing performed a respectful ritual.
Seated behind his desk, the Emperor put down one memorial he had reviewed and picked up another, asking, "Secretary Xing, what brings you to the palace so urgently?"
Secretary Xing hesitated for a moment before saying, "Your servant...has a matter to report."
The Emperor opened the memorial, "What matter cannot wait until the morning court?"
In his heart, Secretary Xing thought it could wait, but he feared mentioning it in front of the civil and military officials would displease you.