Outside Cold Plum Tower, Shen Ye held a handkerchief in his hand, smiling as he looked up at the building.
The common folk around him whispered and pointed fingers.
Some said that the top scholar had written a poem for the champion, which would become a beautiful story to tell.
Others said the champion mingling with a courtesan was a sign of self-inflicted disgrace.
But Shen Ye paid no mind to any of it.
Suddenly, the Yulin Army rode in swiftly, scattering the crowd and surrounding Shen Ye on all sides.
Li Xuan’s voice was grave as he said, “Brother Shen, it’s best you come with us to the National Academy. The Qionglin Banquet cannot be thrown into disorder.”
Shen Ye reassured, “Don’t worry, don’t worry. I’ll follow you right away.”
He pulled on the reins and rejoined the honor guard’s procession.
Before leaving, he glanced back up at the tower.
The head of the Liu family—Liu Su—had stepped out unknown to him, silently watching from the balcony railing.
Within the procession, Chen Ji exchanged glances between Shen Ye and Liu Su on the balcony, then calmly said, “Brother Shen and Head Liu must be old acquaintances, right?”