The group talked and laughed merrily, settling some things that needed doing half in jest and half in earnest. This was precisely what Hai Xixi particularly appreciated about this circle: they neither put on airs nor made shameless boasts. Though matters settled over drinks might seem somewhat lacking in solemnity, he knew these people would work hard to carry out whatever they agreed on, rather than merely talk about it.
Once they had eaten and drunk their fill and discussed most of their business, Zong Qian reminded him, "Senior Brother, you should give out fewer of those hats for the time being. This isn't Pingliang Prefecture, where you can cover the sky with one hand. The two Prince's Manors wield great influence here. There's little in Jade Capital City they don't know about; they're hardly inferior to our Minister of Justice Prefecture in that respect.
"With the Annual Assembly approaching, there are countless variables. The uncertain changes in the proceedings alone will leave us scrambling. If some minor aspect of your private life causes trouble, the loss would outweigh the gain."
Hou Niao nodded. His brothers all meant well, and he was not the sort who could not walk straight upon seeing a beautiful cultivator. He had only given someone a cuckold's hat immediately upon returning because Hat Rack had come knocking himself, and he had not refused.
"Don't worry. I've already applied to the Minister of Justice Prefecture to stay on duty inside the prefecture for this month before the Annual Assembly. I won't go out stirring up trouble. Anyone hoping to provoke me into causing an incident will probably be disappointed."
Wang Mian raised a thumb. "Senior Brother really is someone destined for great things-you can pick things up and put them down! They say you squeezed those