Song Zhiyuan visited the Duke Dingguo Mansion, naturally, Duke Dingguo personally received him. Upon meeting, the two middle-aged men who were not much different in age exchanged compliments and pleasantries.
"...The Emperor often mentions that Duke Dingguo, in his prime, is merely resting idle, leaving him quite helpless, all waiting for you to offer your services."
Duke Dingguo replied with a hearty laugh: "I am old now, you should know, my legs feel sore every winter, and now I rely on moxibustion every night just to sleep well, otherwise I wouldn't be able to sleep a wink all night. So, serving and glorifying the nation should be left more to the young ones."
"Saying that makes me feel awkward. You're not that much older than me."
"This can't be compared, you are now the top civil servant, a pillar of the nation, and the Emperor can't do without you." Duke Dingguo lightly patted the shoulder of Prime Minister Song.
