The grand sacrifice was underway in the square before the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
Solemn music echoed on and on, while the ritual officials' chants rang out from afar, offering prayers to the vault of heaven.
Inside this side hall beside the square, an awkward atmosphere continued to spread.
Had it been Chongxuan Sheng, let alone being exposed to his face for reading an erotic illustrated manual, even if someone had caught him acting out an erotic play, he would only have remained perfectly composed, without the slightest embarrassment.
Just as the Marquis of Dingyuan had said, when it came to thick skin, Chongxuan Zun was ultimately at a great disadvantage.
Thus, the moment Jiang Wang asked that question, Chongxuan Zun immediately closed the book with an unnatural motion. A few traces of embarrassment showed on that handsome face which was usually so carefree and composed.
After a pause, he said, "I didn't expect Brother Jiang to have studied farming as well."
"Not at all." Jiang Wang said expressionlessly, "Mine was a Tiandu Collection edition."
The hall fell silent for a moment.
Then they spoke almost at the same time—
"Why does yours even have illustrations?"
"Mine is the Secret Spring Garden edition."
They fell silent at the same time again.
At that very moment, Han Ling, chief of Great Qi's palace eunuchs, entered the hall. Those black boots of some unknown hide at least shattered the awkwardness beneath their tread.
"Young Master Jiang, Young Master Chongxuan," Han Ling said warmly. "The auspicious hour has arrived."
For a summons like this, any minor eunuch would have sufficed. For Han Ling to come in person naturally showed the utmost regard.
The two rose to their feet almost simultaneously.
Jiang Wang gave Han Ling a proper bow. "Thank you for the trouble, Eunuch