Xia Houzhe did not truly want to sever ties with this old minister, so he bowed and softened his voice, saying, "Sir, please don't be angry. It was my arrogance and reckless words that displeased you."
Mr. Ning was not one to fall for this, and said, "My lord, there's no need for such courtesy. You're the master and I'm the servant; I don't deserve this. Moreover, my lord is grown now, and need not rely on this old man for every decision. You can make your own judgments."
Xia Houzhe felt a bit indignant. Looking at the old man's weary appearance and recalling their years of companionship, he said, "You truly are angry with me. I understand your wishes; patience in small matters is crucial for the bigger strategy. I understand that. But sir, after tolerating for more than twenty years, how long must we continue? My heart is with Great Xia, what about the old troops in the village?"
Mr. Ning pursed his lips.
