Because

"Greetings, Void Sage Fang!" Before the Left Side Gate, regardless of official rank or literary rank, everyone took the initiative to greet him—even the Left Prime Minister was no exception.

"Spring greetings to you all." Fang Yun courteously returned the salute, his gaze sweeping across everyone present.

In that instant, Fang Yun firmly memorized the faces and expressions of several hundred people. Whether they genuinely welcomed him or merely fawned over him, whether they harbored misgivings or resistance—he could guess seventy to eighty percent of it. As for the remaining twenty to thirty percent, they either possessed exceptionally deep composure or concealed themselves with the power of the Miscellaneous School, making them difficult to read.

Still, everyone knew who belonged to which faction.

After returning their greetings, Fang Yun's brow twitched slightly.

Something was off about Ji Zhibai's expression. It differed subtly from his attitude at the Hunting Grounds a few days ago. Though that difference was minuscule, it stirred a strange feeling in Fang Yun.

Fang Yun had Yang Yuhuan go first to Qiao Juze's family, then walked toward the Metropolitan Graduates participating in the Spring Hunt. He wore the robes of a Metropolitan Graduate rather than the State Duke robes of the Nation-Quelling Duke.

Once he drew near, Fang Yun cupped his hands and smiled. "Congratulations to Brother Ma Chaoming, Brother He Ludong, Brother Sun Ming, and Brother Shen Hao on your promotions to Hanlin Academicians."

The four returned the salute together. The Poem Maniac, Ma Chaoming, said with a laugh, "The four of us are planning to jointly hold a Hanlin banquet in a few days to celebrate our advancement. Void Sage Fang, you must attend—we won't go home until we're drunk!"

"Of course."

Ji Zhibai smiled. "I think we should wait a few more days, until