In Qingzhou Prefecture, a seemingly simple, elegant feast had been laid out in the small courtyard of the Four Seas Trading House.
Seemingly was the key word: anyone who knew their fare would have recognized that the ingredients in every dish and wine on the table were rare delicacies.
Mu Xuanzhou occupied the seat of honor, with Zhao Feng beside him and Fang Han and the other disciples seated in order. Conversation flowed cheerfully.
"Here, Brother Zhao, let me offer you a toast. Congratulations on your success in the examination. May a splendid future await you." Lin Ziwei raised her cup with a smile.
"Thank you, Miss Lin." Zhao Feng raised his cup, clinked it against hers, and drained it.
"Trading house business kept me from watching the Martial Examination, but I knew all along that you would pass. Even your first-place finish on the A List came as no surprise." Lin Ziwei smiled.
"Will you return to Big Stone County to wait for the results to be posted? The officials will need several days to deliver the news."
"No need." Zhao Feng shook his head.
"Miss Lin, could you send someone back with a letter for me?"
"Of course. That's no trouble."
Fang Han, Zhang Hao, and Li Yong took turns toasting Zhao Feng and congratulating him. They chatted a while longer.
"My disciple, taking first place on the A List will bring you no shortage of attention. Given your circumstances, I'm afraid you can no longer keep lying low," Mu Xuanzhou said, setting down his cup.
Zhao Feng knew his master had something important to say, and his expression grew solemn.
"Your root bone is ordinary. Reaching such heights will draw ever more attention, and plenty of suspicion as well. The tree that rises above the forest is