Song Zhiyuan personally handed a cup of tea to Song Zhiqing, glanced at him, and sat down.
"The journey must have been exhausting; did you encounter anything on the road?"
Song Zhiqing stood up, cupped his hands, and replied while holding the tea cup, "The journey was smooth. Along the way, some officials wanted to invite me for a visit or to pay respects. I only accepted a few invitations and declined the rest with excuses."
Song Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow and said, "It's good that you have this understanding and aren't blinded by the official hat. Your years of service haven't gone to waste."
If he were to accept every invitation, his perspective would be quite shallow.
Song Zhiqing said, "I have always kept your teachings in mind and dare not forget."
Song Zhiyuan lowered his eyes and chuckled softly.
