"Counselor Mei, you should be wise about your actions. The imperial edict could be issued at any moment. It's a waste of your talents to keep you stationed in the Northern Land," Lin Haisheng threatened with hidden intent.
A smile remained on Mei Hanqing's face, but he did not retreat, "Thank you for the compliment, Councillor Lin. However, you're not the Emperor, it might be a bit early to talk about the imperial mandate."
Just short of open hostility, the two were at loggerheads.
"Counselor Mei." After all the guests from the Prince's Residence had left, Situ Gong approached Mei Hanqing with a smile, "It seems you have trouble brewing."
"At worst, I lose my official cap," Mei Hanqing responded cheerfully, "If that really happens, Mr. Situ, you better not despise me for my destitution."
"Will you starve if you follow the Prince?" answered Situ Gong, laughing.
The two shared a laugh.