A Chicken in a Vinegar Jar, a Frog in a Pit Well

The Rui Bin Bell rang long and loud.

Treasures of jade from every dynasty and ceremonial carriages were displayed in the great hall. The Heavenly Feather Guard wore bronze armor and masks, the ceremonial array solemn and majestic.

The Sacred Emperor sat beneath the imperial canopy in dragon robes and crown, while the Sacred Empress withdrew behind the curtains.

The civil and military officials, court assembly envoys, literary nobles, and martial aristocrats all wore Court Attire and stood in solemn silence. Everyone watched as the Northern Court envoys strode into the four directions, then bowed and waited beneath the Jade Steps.

The court assembly envoys did not reside in the Imperial Capital and knew little, so they took it as ordinary.

The envoys from the smaller states all envied Northern Court for taking first place.

Da Shun was, of course, invincible beneath heaven. But if there had to be a second, none but Northern Court could claim it.

A fierce tiger and a pack of wolves.

All were man-eating beasts.

"Qiyan Tribe's Qeteer Batu pays respects to His Majesty the Emperor of Da Shun, the Sacred and Cultured, Divinely Mighty, Heaven-Observing, Dao-Realizing Emperor!"

Batu was stout and powerfully built, his temples flecked with gray. His cheeks were thick and dotted with brown spots, squeezing his eye sockets into narrow willow leaves.

Kneeling on one knee, he saw his own reflection in the mirror-smooth floor. He saw the slanting gazes around him, and for no reason at all, unease and worry surged in his heart.

Something was wrong.

Yet having been chosen as the delegation's representative, he naturally possessed some composure and steadiness. Man could make things happen. Batu did not lose his head over the situation in the hall; he gathered his thoughts and respectfully presented the Congratulatory Memorial.

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