Qiu Yan Unknown, the Hearts of All Beings Vast and Lost

"Everyone, please drain this cup."

That night, the Meng Residence laid out a grand banquet. Every notable figure in Daizhou City was present, welcoming the Military School Grandmaster who had returned north.

The Military School Grandmaster, Canon Attainment—it referred to Qiu Yan.

The title of Military School Grandmaster had not been promoted by the Meng Residence. Rather, several Military School generals attending the feast had called him that. These men were usually hostile toward officials and scholarly Confucians, yet before Qiu Yan they were utterly respectful, leaving the onlookers clicking their tongues in wonder.

As for the Meng Clan, aside from the younger generation such as Meng Bufan, even the clan head, Meng Qingyan, had attended to keep him company, showing just how highly they regarded Qiu Yan.

Then came clinking cups, singing and dancing, with host and guests alike enjoying themselves to the fullest.

Before long, the attendees were busy building connections and networking. Such occasions were opportunities in themselves; the merchants of the city were practically sharpening their heads to squeeze in. The reason was not entirely Qiu Yan's reputation, but also the chance to meet more people.

Yet after arriving at the banquet and seeing how the Meng Clan treated Qiu Yan, they naturally caught the hint and hurried to forge some connection with him as well.

Qiu Yan met the goodwill of others with a smiling face. He did not carry an official's airs, but a faint majesty radiated from every gesture. Others took it for the bearing of a Grandmaster, something no ordinary person could endure for long. Often, after speaking with him for only a few words, sweat would slowly drip down, and they would ultimately find an excuse to leave.

Yet this sight did not make Qiu Yan seem aloof. Instead, it caused