The Pei Residence had decided to assess Li Xuancang, yet they weren't in any hurry to invite him hastily.
As Peace Prefecture's foremost family of officials and aristocrats, every move they made had to be proper and dignified.
They needed to achieve their goal of judging a person without losing the bearing of a great clan and inviting suspicion of deliberate probing.
Five days later, the Pei Residence's steward arrived before the Li Residence gates, holding a card and cupping his hands in perfect courtesy.
"This old servant comes by the order of Lord Assistant Administrator and the clan elders to respectfully invite Thousand-Man Commander Li to choose a day to visit the residence for a modest gathering at Pure Elegance Hall."
"In gratitude for Thousand-Man Commander Li's repeated defense of the city and protection of the people, his purging of evil forces, and his stabilization of the region, we have prepared a humble banquet to express our thanks."
The steward's words were modest and courteous. He spoke only of gratitude and an elegant gathering, open and aboveboard, without the slightest flaw to be found.
Li Xuancang wore a plain, fitted outfit, his posture straight and his bearing calm.
Having endured bloody battles and the tempering of military life, he had long since shed the rashness of youth.
Li Xuancang reached out and accepted the invitation, his fingertips brushing against the warm, weighty paper.
The handwriting was dignified and the signature neat—this was the highest courtesy of a formal invitation from a great clan.
He understood perfectly and saw through the Pei Residence's intentions in an instant.
This wasn't merely an expression of thanks or an idle elegant gathering. It was a test.
They wanted to see whether this young man, who had risen from humble beginnings and made a