To meet the Emperor requires a grand ceremonial bow; this has been set as a rule since the position of Emperor was established.
Of course, there are historical instances where one did not have to kneel before the Emperor, and those individuals were invariably powerful ministers of the court, controlling the reins of power, such that they could replace the Emperor at any time!
Cao Cao and the Sima family are exemplary figures of this type.
Shen Yue adhered to local customs and merely clasped his hands in respect to Zhao Ji, but in the eyes of the assembled ministers, this was indeed a grave disrespect.
There were those who were startled, some shook their heads, and others' eyes flickered, seemingly calculating something...
Zhao Ji did not mind, smiling as he said, "Mr. Shen, no need for excessive courtesy. Someone, provide Mr. Shen a seat."
A palace lady brought a chair and placed it beside Shen Yue.
Once again, everyone was astonished.
