[2797] They described their father as ‘a very old man’ to soften the Chief Minister’s heart; knowing that an old father is usually deeply attached to the younger ones among his children (cf. al-Ṭabarī, Ibn Kathīr, al-Saʿdī). They called him by his honorific title, al-ʿazīz (Chief Minister), for the same purpose (cf. al-Biqāʿī, Naẓm al-Durar).
[2798] They further wanted to appeal to his honourable nature (cf. al-Zajjāj).