The leadership arrived at the factory with minimal fanfare, which surprised the employees.
Tips
history
From Liu E's late-Qing novel 《老残游记》 (The Travels of Lao Can), chapter 8: 轻车简从的向平阴进发 — 'set off toward Pingyin with a light carriage and few attendants.' The phrase specifically describes officials deliberately forgoing their usual retinue.
register
Highly formal, almost always applied to officials or leaders. Carries a positive connotation — suggesting humility and a focus on substance rather than ceremony. Rarely used of ordinary travelers.
