"Hahaha, you tried to win over your own father?"
Cao Mao could not help bursting into laughter.
Sima Yan kept his face taut and said nothing.
"Why didn't you try winning over your Elder Uncle?"
Shaking his head, Cao Mao said with a laugh, "How could you use the methods for winning over celebrated scholars on your own father?"
"Let's not speak of that anymore. Speaking of which, why did Your Majesty suddenly decide to hold a banquet? Didn't we agree to start holding them next year?"
Sima Yan hastily changed the subject.
"I originally intended to wait until next year, but I've been terribly bored lately, so I thought I would gather the worthies for a banquet and some merrymaking."
Sima Yan nodded. Staying home all day had left him rather bored as well, so a banquet was certainly welcome. He then asked, "But I heard Your Majesty invited many high officials. Why is that? With them in the East Hall, how could we enjoy ourselves to the fullest?"
Cao Mao said earnestly, "Anshi, since we want to turn the East Hall banquet into a gathering that scholars throughout the realm yearn to attend, we must place particular emphasis on the draw of famous names. There must be officials from the Imperial Court at the banquet. Those I invited not only have the power to promote others, but are also celebrated scholars whom people admire. With them presiding here, wouldn't the banquet's reputation grow even greater?"
"Besides, you needn't worry about them spoiling the atmosphere. They only need to put in an appearance. In fact, with the Imperial Court as it stands now, there are so many complicated affairs to handle that they may not all be able to come. Even Lord Zhong might not be able to-"
"Hahaha!