Dusk nearly fell as Qiu Ji alighted from the sedan chair, hurriedly clutching a brocaded box as he paced towards the national treasury.
Upon having his identity verified by the guards outside the first gate, he quickened his steps, entered the inner chamber, and from afar, began to apologize, "Lord Jiang, I truly regret the inconvenience, keeping you waiting for so long! I was in the palace, requesting a mandate and documentation, which took a considerable amount of time, hence my delayed arrival!"
He was one of the eight Writing Eunuchs of the Ministry of Rites, with a standing in the palace that was no less than the other eight Eunuchs in Attendance. Only thereby could he qualify to carry the keys to the national treasury.
Although incomparable with the Chief Eunuch Han Ling, he stood among the higher echelons of the internal officers.
He apologized immediately upon meeting, giving a forthright explanation for his tardiness, showing a very proper style of conduct.