No Way Forward

Qiu Jianhan was startled upon hearing the emperor's words. In his mind, he was rolling his eyes wildly even as his face was calm, without a sign of his repressed frustration.

'You're asking me? How would I know?'

'Besides, what's the use of following formal procedures?'

"What do you mean, Your Majesty? This old official does not understand. Please speak directly, Your Majesty," said Qiu Jianhan.

"Is Supreme Cloud set on killing him?" asked the emperor, "Is it possible to let him go?"

Qiu Jianhan was sweating. "How would this old official know of this?"

"Ask him about it for me," the emperor said vehemently.

Qiu Jianhan was flabbergasted. "Where- where would this old official go to ask?"

'Are you asking me? Then who am I supposed to ask? Don't you know that Supreme Cloud is always unpredictable? He is never to be found if he does not wish it, and you will only meet him if he wants to meet you!'