Only Its Fragrance Remained

Ji Zhibai had scarcely left when members of the Left Prime Minister Faction began departing one after another.

A few months ago, at least half would have left. Now, fewer than twenty percent did.

Chen Hanlin in the pavilion let out a breath and began presiding over the Snow-Plum Literary Gathering according to custom. Originally, he was to invite the highest-ranking person in Plum Garden to speak, but seeing that Jiang Hechuan had little interest, he moved directly to the next step and had ten newly advanced Licentiates recite the top ten poems and verses from last year's Snow-Plum Literary Ranking.

The Licentiates were overjoyed. Their attendance was not merely ceremonial; with so many scholars gathered here and Literary Qi surging through the air, it was immensely beneficial to them.

After the ten Licentiates had finished reciting poems from last year's Snow-Plum Literary Gathering, Chen Hanlin began recounting amusing incidents from past gatherings. Many had heard several of the stories before, yet never tired of hearing them.

This was Fang Yun's first time attending the Snow-Plum Literary Gathering, and he was hearing many of these anecdotes for the first time. He found them quite interesting.

Nunu and Ao Huang listened attentively as well. The fox and dragon often laughed; when Nunu laughed, she made soft little whimpering sounds, utterly ladylike, while Ao Huang roared with laughter, his voice shaking the ground for half a li. From time to time, Nunu would smack him with her fluffy little paw, telling him to keep it down.

Whenever a story was simply too funny, Nunu would clutch her belly, leap into Fang Yun's arms, and roll about laughing.

Plum Garden brimmed with laughter and cheerful voices.

Once he had finished the anecdotes, Chen Hanlin said, "The fine poems and verses on this year's