The fourth quarter of the Hour of the Dog.
Star-Picking Tower.
The lanterns had just begun to glow.
Within the eighth-floor banquet hall, pearl curtains swayed gently, and all thirty-eight rosewood round tables were packed to capacity.
On the stage beside them, dancers in colorful robes displayed their graceful movements, while the sound of silk and bamboo filled the air.
When the appointed time arrived, Zhao Yulong lightly tapped his glazed wine cup against the table and was the first to rise.
His deep voice suddenly rang out. "Everyone, let us drain this cup to Jiang Ning, our top scorer, and wish him another first-place victory in this summer's provincial examination!"
Though his voice was calm, it carried with startling force, reaching the ears of every guest with perfect clarity.
Zhao Yulong's initiative in standing was a show of support for Jiang Ning.
At once, no one dared put on airs. They hurriedly raised their cups and stood.
"May Top Scorer Jiang seize first place in the provincial examination in one fell swoop!"
"..."
Seeing this, Jiang Ning rose as well.
Everyone who had come had given him a monetary gift, and besides, one did not strike a smiling face. He did not put on any airs.
He raised his wine cup.
"Thank you all for your favor! I shall drink first as a gesture of respect."
As his words fell, Jiang Ning tipped back his head and drained the wine in his cup. His Adam's apple bobbed as the strong liquor flowed into his stomach and spread like fire.
After emptying it in one gulp, he inverted the cup. Not a single drop fell.
Though the crowd was somewhat taken aback, they all raised their cups in response before draining them in one gulp as well.
At that moment,