Yan Huaishi stumbled at those last words, and the groggy Helian Zheng collapsed beside him.
South Sea's commoners exclaimed in surprise, and another whirlwind of noise passed through the docks.
The South Sea officials stood shocked, turning to numbly stare at their ghastly pale Commissioner.
Zhou Xizhong had come to display his power and embarrass the Imperial Envoys, but not only had he failed, the situation had been reversed. Now, with their ship sinking, they calmly sorted through food and invited Master Zhou to tend the fire!
He could not refuse — His Highness was setting the table, so why could he not tend the fire?
Moreover, the reasoning the Envoys had given was too righteous to be dismissed; ten thousand commoners were watching. The Envoys were saving food for the hungry! Why should Zhou Xizhong refused to tend the fire? If the Commissioner refused to board the sinking ship, the people would say the he did not love his people!
