The following day, Chi Yan was to attend the Qionglin Banquet.

He started to dislike his clothes for being too flashy: "Aren't these mature and composed enough?"

His previous persona was that of a playboy, who preferred fine clothes and seemed to enjoy spending money as much as possible.

But today I'm meeting future colleagues, so I naturally need to change my appearance.

Shen Tangning stood up and went to the front of the wardrobe. After looking at it for a moment, she picked out a moon-white Hangzhou silk robe for him, with dark floral patterns embroidered on it with silver thread.

It is neither ostentatious nor overly monotonous.

She pondered for a moment: "His Majesty and many court officials will also be attending the banquet today, so it is not advisable to be too ostentatious. This outfit is quite suitable."

Chi Yan looked it over a few times and thought it was pretty good: "You have good taste."

Shen Tangning raised the corners of her lips slightly and glanced at his wardrobe: "Have someone tailor a few more outfits suitable for formal occasions later."

After changing his clothes, Chi Yan's demeanor became much more composed. He leaned down slightly and winked at her: "Then I'll be going?"

After examining her closely and finding nothing amiss, she nodded and said, "Go ahead."

Chi Yan stood still, looking somewhat uneasy: "Aren't you going to offer any thanks?"

She looked up in confusion, not understanding what he meant, when she saw him deliberately tilt his head and say, "Ahem."

She suddenly understood, her eyes flickered a few times, and she tiptoed slightly. Just as Chi Yan closed his eyes, she lightly tapped his lips with her fingertip: "You're so spoiled!"

Although he didn't achieve his goal, Chi Yan had a slight smile on his lips as he left.

——

Within the Qionglin Garden, winding streams flow, and pavilions and terraces dot the landscape.

Court officials and successful candidates in the imperial examinations gathered in large numbers, exchanging toasts and creating a lively atmosphere.

Chi Yan looked at the four people, and before he could see who they were, someone came up to him with a wine glass and started a conversation.

"Top scholar, it's a pleasure to meet you!"

Chi Yan looked up at the person who had come in, but did not recognize him.

He gave a perfectly timed smile and began his socializing.

After several rounds of conversation, Chi Yan's face was stiff from smiling. He rubbed his cheek imperceptibly and sighed inwardly.

Shen Ci appeared behind him without him noticing, and said in a high-pitched voice, "Congratulations, Scholar Chi!"

Chi Yan took a deep breath, forced a smile, and turned back: "Thank you..."

When Shen Ci's mocking face came into view, his eyebrows immediately drooped, and he glared at him irritably: "Are you bored?"

Shen Ci raised an eyebrow: "It's not as busy as the top scholar, who doesn't even have time to catch his breath."

Chi Yan raised an eyebrow and was about to speak when he heard the other party hum: "Come here, let me introduce you to someone."

Chi Yan followed behind him, completely bewildered, but when he caught sight of the old man sitting at the table, everything became clear to him.

The other person looked up at him, his expression calm, his eyes filled with peace and the wisdom of someone who had experienced the world.

Shen Ci stepped forward and respectfully said, "Grandfather, this is my brother-in-law, Chi Yan."

As she spoke, she turned around and winked at him.

Chi Yan bowed his head and stepped forward, respectfully bowing: "Thank you, sir."

The old man in front of her was Shen Tangning's maternal grandfather. He had served as Grand Tutor and was now Grand Preceptor. The Princess and even the current Emperor had been taught by him. He was highly respected.

Grand Tutor Xie scrutinized Chi Yan for a long time before speaking: "He is a good child, but you should follow Tang Ning's example and call me maternal grandfather."

Chi Yan raised his eyes slightly and readily changed his address to "maternal grandfather".

"Sit down." Grand Tutor Xie gestured to the seat next to him, and Chi Yan sat down.

He casually asked Chi Yan a few questions, which Chi Yan answered fluently, and gradually a look of satisfaction appeared in the other party's eyes.

His Majesty is almost here. Grand Tutor Xie did not keep him for long: "Go ahead. When you have time another day, come and visit this old man with Tang Ning."