"The Coiling Dragon Heart Method is level 18. I always feel like I've become a hollow void that can't be filled."
"Now that the Spirit Tide has revived, the time has still been too short."
Just as Su Ziji was carefully considering the strength he would possess once it was filled, a servant rushed in to report, "Your Highness, all the important guests have arrived at the second gate!"
Ye Buhui was receiving the female guests within the estate, while minor officials below the Sixth Rank were received by the steward and aides.
But as for certain important guests, Su Ziji was a prince. He need not receive them at the outer gate, yet he had to welcome them at the second gate.
Ancient residences had several gates, and performing the rites at the second gate was itself a form of etiquette.
"No rush, I'll go at once!" Su Ziji replied with a smile. He had long since changed into court robes—not as solemn as those worn for his investiture, but still with a golden crown set with nine pearls, a blue gauze outer robe, apricot-yellow garments, and knee coverings and ceremonial pendants.
When he reached the second gate, he saw that beneath the yellow gauze palace lanterns, the courtyard's reed awning already held quite a few people. Though called a "reed awning," curtains hung around it, keeping out the wind. Inside was a flowing banquet with eight dishes, where guests could eat whenever they arrived. There was also a table for registering gifts, with people assigned by the steward to record them.
Ordinary officials could leave after registering their gifts.
Now that Su Ziji had been invested as a prince, most of the civil and military officials, regardless of faction, had to send someone to show respect. Quite a