"That's not really the case," Bai Shan, unlike Manbao, lacked experience in discussing gossip with the Emperor, so he was visibly conflicted for a while before deciding to speak honestly, "Your Majesty, this is a personal matter for others. It wouldn't be appropriate for us to talk behind their backs."
The Emperor was taken aback, as it was the first time he had been politely declined in this way. His interest was piqued, and he immediately said, "How is it a personal matter?"
The Emperor spiritedly remarked, "Didn't you hear Wei Zhi and others saying? In the royal family, there are no personal matters. Even if I eat half a bowl less of rice, they will talk about it. Now it involves the promotion or reassignment of an official; how could that be a personal affair?"
