The Emperor had already ascended the throne for 18 years. He had the aura of a true royalty. Ordinary people would feel their legs go weak even if they stood at the side.
At this moment, seeing the Emperor's unchanging expression, even Duke Yong did not dare to look straight at him, but Qin Huai was not afraid.
Qin Huai replied, "In the second year of Minghua, the Emperor decreed: Those who have achieved success without relying on favors and blessings can meet officials without kneeling. Your Highness, as the Emperor, is the highest official in our Great Chang. This commoner is not talented. This spring, I just passed the county level imperial exam and am now only a county scholar."
This decree implied that if someone has achieved success through their own hard work and merit, they do not need to show subservience or deference to officials. Therefore, he could choose not to kneel.
