A Rage-Filled New Graduate

"Today is our emperor's birthday, a day for all under heaven to celebrate. Why must Mister Guanhai insist on quibbling over words? Has Mister Guanhai finished reciting his gift list?"

This elder in python robes was Ye Tiangao, the First-Rank Left Chancellor of the current court. His schemes ran deep, far beyond those of ordinary men. How could he let the elder in Confucian robes lead him by the nose?

The elder in Confucian robes knew the other man's reputation and did not press the point. Smiling, he said, "I've finished reciting the list. However, since someone in your esteemed country considers the gifts too humble, Chen has another grand gift to offer. The Literary Path is flourishing in this age. How could such a grand occasion pass without a magnificent work to commemorate it?"

Ye Tiangao's expression changed abruptly. His grizzled brows twitched as he stared at the elder in Confucian robes. "My Great Yue is renowned for its flourishing literary culture. Our new graduates are as abundant as spring blossoms, their talent gathering like stars. Though Mister Guanhai's Literary Fame has spread far and wide, there is no place here for you to display your literary talents."

Great Yue and Ba State were the two great powers of the age.

In everything but territory and population—economy, culture, and military might—Ba State surpassed Great Yue.

Moreover, the two countries had not gone to war for many years. With no hard standard by which to judge their economies, they had long competed in literary affairs, year after year without end.

They even held grand literary gatherings every year, vying for supremacy. By the record of past contests, Ba State had won six or seven out of every ten, its prestige soaring.

The moment the elder in Confucian robes proposed commemorating