Spring, the twelfth year of Yuanqi.
Capital, Qionglin Banquet.
The crimson official robes of the new scholars were so bright that they were dazzling against the backdrop of the scorching peaches and plums in the imperial garden. The sound of silk and bamboo orchestral music, mixed with deliberately suppressed chatter, laughter and compliments, formed an invisible and soft network in the air filled with the aroma of wine and food. This is an occasion where the emperor bestows a banquet and is extremely gracious. Everyone present there has almost the same, just right smile on their face, but there are completely different thoughts hidden in their eyes - ecstasy, reserve, calculation, or uneasiness.
