A thunderous awakening

"The younger man His Excellency the Imperial Commissioner mentioned is me." Su Ziji rose, bowed to everyone, and held up a painting, unrolling it for those present to see. "I have only just entered official service and have little experience. I hope you will all offer me your guidance."

As the painting was unfurled, many people began discussing it in low voices.

"This is a landscape painting from my collection by Zhang Daoyuan, an artist of the previous dynasty. Though it is no priceless treasure, it is still worth collecting and appreciating. I shall offer it as the prize." Luo Pei lent his support, following up with these words.

Hearing Luo Pei say this, the officials present grew somewhat excited.

They had not come for the painting. It was worth a hundred or two hundred taels of silver, but that was all. The real prize was the chance to stand out and make a name for themselves.

With so many officials present, anyone who distinguished himself would shine not only before his superiors, but also before Luo Pei and the governor-general!

Most civil officials could not resist such a temptation.

Seeing the atmosphere grow lively, a sixth-rank official stepped forward and coughed. "Allow this humble official to cast out a brick to draw forth jade. Please correct me where I am mistaken."

"A first-rank ceremonial escort includes eight attendants bearing road-clearing ceremonial sabers, two mounted crossbow bearers, ten attendants in blue, ten halberds, four prefectural aides walking on either side, four round fans, and two curved canopies, with command banners, standards, great horns, cymbals, and wind instruments all provided."

"From the second through the fourth rank, the number is reduced by only one person at each rank."

"Even a county magistrate has two attendants bearing road-clearing ceremonial sabers, one mounted