De'an lightly nudged Zhao Jing and whispered, "I was actually moved. If it weren't for all the grief my mother gives me, which has built up my immunity, I would've been completely taken in."
Zhao Jing hissed, "How is that being 'taken in'? The Lord Prefect spoke with righteousness and clarity. His words are pearls of wisdom, and every sentence is something we should commit to memory and reflect upon carefully…"
De'an raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, I'll stop. I won't say another word."
As his speech drew to a close, Mr. Sheng once again offered impassioned thanks to the wise and brilliant Son of Heaven, leading the crowd in a kowtow toward Jinluan Hall.
Only after the kowtow ended were the official ceremonies considered complete. Mr. Sheng then gestured for everyone to take their seats, and the banquet prepared to commence.
The banquet was a lavish spread, with hot and cold dishes served in a continuous stream.
