Zhou Shuren and the Emperor, among others, were in a private box on the second floor. The Emperor sat down and inquired, "I just heard Mr. Yu Dang speak without any accent. If I didn't know any better, I'd think Mr. Yu Dang was not an ambassador but one of our own officials."
Hearing this, Zhou Shuren glanced at Mr. Yu Dang. Indeed, not only did he lack an accent, but his appearance and demeanor closely resembled those of a local official. Zhou Shuren had met many ambassadors, some from nearby countries, and even though their hair was black, their demeanor could not be disguised; they clearly looked foreign.
Mr. Yu Dang was not at all flustered and responded with a smile, "Is that so? I hadn't even noticed."
The Emperor looked intently at Mr. Yu Dang and then turned his head to watch the opera below.
