The Empress's No.1 Lackey

The dark clouds over the Capital scattered before dusk, as if to herald the end of the contest of magic.

Zhao Douan changed into new clothes, mounted a fine horse, wrapped in the glow of the western sky, and clip-clopped to "Zhangtai Garden"

——a separate garden within the Capital, exclusively used for banquets, managed by the Ministry of Rites.

"Scholar Zhao!"

No sooner had Zhao Douan reached the periphery of the garden than he heard a familiar voice, hastening towards him from the direction where carriages were parked, face brimming with a smile.

"Han Congee?"

Immersed in his dejection, Zhao Douan was taken aback before he saw behind Han Congee, the rest of the scholars from Xiuwen Pavilion, with smiles spreading:

"It's you guys."

Days had passed without meeting, and there was no end to the exchange of words upon reuniting.

Zhao Douan's horse was taken away by a servant boy, and he was immediately encircled by a group of scholars, walking towards the grand entrance of Zhangtai Garden.

A group of hard workers, who bury themselves in studies at Xiuwen Pavilion day in and day out, were extremely excited, and mixed among the chattering were not a few complements and exclamations of amazement.

Indeed, they had all come to know of Zhao Douan's performance in the contest.

"Scholar Zhao, why have you come alone? I heard that after the contest, your family's threshold was worn thin with visitors," Han Congee joked with a smile.

Zhao Douan blinked with a wry smile:

"That's why I'm out here seeking some peace and quiet."

That afternoon, after parting with Zhang Yan Yi, he had returned home once and found it crowded with visitors offering congratulations.

With his aunt and sister frantically receiving guests, Zhao Douan also felt a headache coming on, so he changed his appearance, sent a message to the family servants, and slipped away first.

After listening to his gripes, the scholars from Xiuwen Pavilion smiled at each other.

When they had first "entered the cabinet," each of them had experienced something similar.

"...We too were like this at first, scared to the point of not daring to go home, even more exaggerated than the proud moments after scholarly achievements. We simply ran out and drank together, which in retrospect was indeed a joy."

Han Congee sighed, then admiringly said:

"However, compared to Brother Zhao, we are but amateurs to a master. Today, officials from all over court and country have gathered to celebrate for you, what a grand scene, eh?"

Another scholar shook his head:

"Brother Ban Shan is not quite right in saying that, Scholar Zhao just recently also had many military officers celebrating for him, he's already well-acquainted with such events."

Endless praise filled the moment.

Zhao Douan just smiled faintly, and while speaking, he had already entered Zhangtai Garden.

At this moment, dusk had already fallen, and officials from various government offices gathered in the garden.

Zhao Douan casually conversed with Han Congee and others, and the ever-growing, smiling crowd surrounded him.

This caused onlookers to sigh:

Two months ago, the voices in official circles used to compare Han Congee with Zhao Douan, regarding the former as a tad superior.

Back then, wherever Zhao Douan went, he often met with officials who gave him cold eyebrows and disdain.

But now, their status and treatment had reversed.

Walking among the Xiuwen Pavilion scholars, he had the demeanor of the number one young man in the Capital.

Inside Zhangtai Garden, attendants were like clouds, with musicians and dancing girls enhancing the joy of the event.

Zhao Douan went straight into the largest hall, where round tables were set up.

In the hall, however, were officials of fourth-rank and above.

"Haha, the deity of martial prowess of our Great Yu Dynasty has arrived!"

The Minister of Rites, whom Zhao Douan had met once before, rose to greet him with a beaming smile.

By his side, the elderly Minister of War, who had also reviewed with him at the Divine Mechanism Camp, stood up laughing with a tease:

"The heroic deeds of Master Zhao today also reflect glory on us warriors, how dare you, a civil official, take words from my mouth?"

Zhao Douan laughed heartily, exchanged pleasantries with the many officials in the hall, and then turned to greet Grandmaster Dong, who had arrived earlier:

"Grandmaster, why go to the trouble of coming here?"

Grandmaster Dong, draped in a Grand Scholar's robe, with white hair and beard, feigned displeasure:

"What, upon entering the Fourth Rank of Military Merit, you disdain this old man?"

Zhao Douan hastily waved his hands, and only then did Grandmaster Dong reveal a smile, patted the chair beside him, and sighed:

"Since it's a celebration banquet, it's always good to have an old official to support it. Yuann Li from the Imperial Court of Supervision is held up with matters, Xue Shence, after seeing your Sky-opening Sword, seems to have had an epiphany, and also excused himself. As for Li Yanfu... heh, he presumably didn't wish to come, so it was left to this old man."

Imperial Court of Supervision has matters?

What happened that Yuann Li himself is so occupied he can't even spare time for a meal?

Zhao Douan was curious in his heart, but didn't inquire, simply taking his seat while exchanging pleasantries.

But before he got comfortable, another elegant and graceful familiar figure entered the hall, attracting many gazes.

"The Commandery Princess has come as well?" Zhao Douan was surprised.

Xu Junling had dressed up opulently that night, and her already extraordinary appearance made her stand out like a beacon amidst the almost entirely old male crowd as she entered.

With bright eyes and white teeth, she gave a charming smile:

"What, does Mr. Zhao disdain this Commandery Princess for having no official position, not fit to enter Zhangtai Garden?"

"Where would the Commandery Princess get such an idea,"

Zhao Douan laughed heartily, ordered a chair to be brought over, and then said with a smile:

"As long as the Commandery Princess doesn't find this room full of men too dull and boring, I'm willing to keep you company until dawn."

Everyone laughed.

The Grandmaster was in a good mood today, chuckling to him:

"You're quite mistaken, the splendor of today's celebration banquet is half yours, and half, I fear, belongs to the Commandery Princess."

"Oh?" Zhao Douan did not understand.

The Minister of Rites beside him explained a few words, and he suddenly realized.

It turned out that hosting the Zhangtai Banquet after the contest of magic was also a tradition, established by the Grand Ancestor Emperor back in the day.

At that time, showcasing the prowess of the court in the contest was the goal.

The banquet was aimed to gather a group of literati with excellent poetic skills to compose praises, highlighting the martial prowess of the Royal Family.

But later... as the Imperial Family's power gradually weakened.

The Zhangtai Banquet became something akin to a "gathering of scholars."