The elderly man before me grinned at me.

"Well, a promising young man like yourself has asked for the help of an old man like me. I’ve taken time out of my very busy schedule just for you."

No, you retired last year, and now all you do is sit in a rocking chair at home, sipping tea. I know that, which is exactly why I invited you here.

As expected, courtiers—especially those who’ve worked in the imperial palace—are known for their pretentiousness, and this man was no exception. The rumors couldn’t have been more accurate.

‘The higher one serves, …