The Great Yin Dynasty's civil official system was rather complex.
But overall, the Grand Secretariat was the pinnacle a civil official could rise to.
Emperor Jiaguang was diligent in state affairs and convened court assemblies every few days. Xu Yan calculated when court would end and only found his way to the First Gentleman's residence around noon. After speaking with the steward guarding the gate, he was allowed in to pay his respects.
The First Gentleman's surname was Huang, given name Shilong.
Blessed with exceptional talent, he had studied under Master Xun from childhood. At seventeen, he claimed first place on the literary rankings. Even his divine abilities had made the martial rankings; he could be called accomplished in both letters and martial arts.
After serving as an official for over thirty years, he had already attained a position within the Grand Secretariat, his status extraordinary.
Inside the study, Huang Shilong, clad in red-and-black official robes, held a brush and wrote with complete concentration.
His desk was piled high with all manner of books and bamboo slips.
Footsteps sounded outside. Huang Shilong's brush paused, and he lifted his eyes to look over.
"Xu Yan greets Senior Brother." Xu Yan clasped his hands and bowed his head in salute.
At the sight of Xu Yan, Huang Shilong raised a brow, his eyes lighting up. Smiling, he said, "Junior Brother, there is no need for such formality between fellow disciples. Sit quickly."
"Alright!"
Xu Yan smiled.
He casually sat cross-legged before the desk.
The two chatted freely.
They spoke of many things, from the Primordial Script to cultivation. This First Gentleman was broadly learned and steeped in the classics; listening to him was like bathing in a spring breeze. No wonder he had flourished so brilliantly in the imperial capital.
"Junior Brother