我奉命进京公干
“Back then, I came to the capital on official business.”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
当年
“Back then, I came to the capital on official business.”
我 奉命 进京公干
“Back then, I came to the capital on official business.”
“But right after I left, Suixue Pass was breached.”
“I was following legitimate orders when I left; I did not abandon my post deliberately.”
In historical China, acting under higher military orders (奉命) was the ultimate justification to clear oneself of unauthorized movement or neglect of duty.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
acting under orders / by command
A formal and literary term used to indicate that one is acting strictly under superior instructions.
go to the imperial capital
Commonly found in historical or formal contexts to denote traveling to the capital city on official duty.
official business / public duty
A formal term denoting travel or tasks conducted on behalf of an official institution or government.
