Ge Sheng entered and saw two judicial desks standing in the middle of the hall. Behind the central desk sat a young man. Even though they stood on opposing sides, the sight still made his eyes light up.
Su Ziji wore no ceremonial robes. A gold crown rested on his head, and he was dressed in a moon-white gauze robe with broad, flowing sleeves. His eyes gleamed like dots of lacquer, radiant with every glance-a sight that made one forget the vulgar world.
At first sight, Ge Sheng could not help thinking, I heard Prince Dai possessed exceptional grace. Seeing him today, the rumors were true.
Just then, the bailiffs thumped their black-and-red staves against the floor and drew out a cry of "Authority!" Personal guards stood with swords at their waists, and the atmosphere in the hall instantly turned tense and forbidding. Only then did Ge Sheng come to his senses. Inwardly alarmed at his lapse, he hurriedly knelt to Prince Dai, then rose and bowed with clasped hands. "This student, Ge Sheng, a Provincial Graduate of Zhili, pays his respects to Your Highness and Lord Tan."
Although he had greeted Tan Ping, only now did Ge Sheng notice him seated in a rattan chair behind a judicial desk. His position was slightly off to one side, indicating that Prince Dai presided over the hall.
There was also a side desk for the clerk, who needed to take notes; everyone else stood. A short, middle-aged man sat there, with brush, ink, paper, and inkstone arranged before him. As he looked toward Ge Sheng, a trace of resignation crossed the short-bearded minor official's face. He flexed his hand, picked up the brush he had just put down, and prepared to continue recording.
"Please rise. There is no need for ceremony.