The Deer-Cry Banquet.
The raised terrace overlooked the water, shaded by ancient trees. The golden honor roll hung high at the end of a vermilion-lacquered gallery, its names inscribed in golden light, swaying faintly in the breeze, every character clear and distinct.
Banquet tables lined both sides. Those who had passed the examination sat according to rank, with the three First Class laureates at the very front.
Xie Junheng was the top laureate, Pei Junyao the runner-up, and Liu Fuqu the third-place laureate. The moment the three took their seats, countless eyes turned toward them.
Murmurs buzzed through the crowd like mosquitoes. One sweeping glance from the Ceremonial Officer silenced them at once.
Before long, the bell rang again.
Great Xia's officials filed out from behind the terrace. At their head was today's Chief Examiner, Lord Yun Tianluo.
In crimson robes and a jade belt, his black gauze hat neatly set and a folded fan resting in his palm, his robes stirred faintly as he walked. His bearing was easy and refined, the very picture of a noble, scholarly new minister of Great Xia with boundless prospects.
Yun Tianluo stopped before the seat of honor.
The scholars rose and bowed.
"Our respects, Lord Yun."
Yun Tianluo raised a hand. "Dispense with the formalities."
He took his seat in the center and swept his gaze over the newly successful scholars. His voice was unhurried, yet carried an authority none dared slight.
"Today's Deer-Cry Banquet celebrates your success, but also serves as an admonition to those entering office."
"Making the honor roll does not mean you have ascended to the clouds. Receiving an appointment does not mean you hold the power of life and death."
His fingertips rested lightly on the table, his gaze lowering indifferently.
"From this day onward, once your