The arrangements of diplomatic affairs between the two nations were already arranged in advance. Going by the norm, for someone of Fan Xian’s status to be able to move around in Shangjing would require the appropriate personnel as escort. But Fan Xian was worried about such arrangements. While there were already resident officials beginning the negotiations, Fan Xian still asked permission from Northern Qi’s Imperial court, and came to the Board of Rites.
In the secret agreement, Yan Bingyun was to be exchanged for both Xiao En and Si Lili. This already put Qing at a deficit, which was why Fan Xian was in a hurry to find the person secretly in charge. But unexpectedly, Minister Shu of the Board of Rites, who was actually the vice-recruiter of the Brocade Guard, refused to see him!
