Several scholars near the front also noticed it and looked towards the door.
As more and more people noticed Qin Zhao's arrival, the chatter in the banquet hall gradually died down. Amidst countless gazes, Qin Zhao, hand-in-hand with Jing Li, walked to the front and bowed to the prefect. "Greetings, Your Excellency."
The prefect didn't mind Qin Zhao's lateness and smiled kindly: "No need to be polite."
"Everyone, this is this year's top three winners, Qin Zhao. Those who asked me to introduce you to someone earlier, why not take this opportunity to get to know him?" the prefect said half-jokingly.
He spoke without any airs, and then he said loudly, "It is a great honor for the prefecture to have young talents like you. Now that the college entrance examination has just ended, tonight we will not talk about academics, but drink to our heart's content and not leave until we are drunk!"
"Let's eat!"
To show respect for the guests, there were no designated seating arrangements at the banquet. Aside from the initial mention of the "Little Three Yuan," the prefect didn't mention any rankings. Everyone sat down according to their preferences. Qin Zhao and Jing Li found a more secluded table and sat down. A moment later, attendants arrived to serve wine and food.
However, as soon as the pot of osmanthus wine was brought up, Qin Zhao put it aside.
Jing Li: “…”
I really don't want him to touch even a drop of it.
"Stingy..." Jing Li muttered softly and fed the kid a mouthful of porridge.
Although they chose a secluded seat, there were still many people trying to talk to Qin Zhao. After the meal, Qin Zhao was so exhausted from dealing with so many people that he barely ate anything.
The prefect saw this not far away and ordered his attendants, "After the banquet is over, prepare another meal and send it to Qin Zhao's courtyard."
Gu Changzhou heard this and asked, "Brother Yue, do you really think so highly of that person?"
"Of course not! Don't you see? It's been years since the city has produced such a talented student," the prefect said leisurely. "If he is properly nurtured, his future achievements will far surpass you and me."
Gu Changzhou lowered his eyes and did not answer.
The prefect tilted his head to look at him and asked, "Is he really not the relative you're looking for?"
"No." Gu Changzhou lied casually, "I saw his handwriting was familiar and his appearance was similar, so I wanted to meet him alone. Unfortunately, I just asked him, and he's not the person I'm looking for."
The prefect was still puzzled: "But he works in your Gu Mansion. If you want to see him, you can see him when he comes to your house. Why do you have to make me do this?"
Gu Changzhou smiled and said, "Isn't this also because I want to help Brother Yue? I'll hold a banquet for three days so that you can observe this person more and see if he's worth winning over."
"I think it's worth it." The prefect had no doubt about him and smiled. "I deliberately introduced him in public just now, but he is neither arrogant nor impatient, and he still treats everyone politely. I like him."
Gu Changzhou's gaze fell on Qin Zhao again and he nodded: "Indeed."
Even though he was in a position above everyone else, he never looked down on others.
This is why, even after hearing the news of Prince Rong's death, many of his former subordinates were still willing to return. They never followed this man's status or power, but only him himself.
.
After the little fish cub turned into a human, its energy was consumed quickly and it slept more than before. After eating, it leaned in Jing Li's arms and rubbed its eyes.
Seeing this, Qin Zhao tilted his head and said, "Wait a little longer, I'll take you back in a while."
The banquet had just started, so it was not appropriate for Qin Zhao to leave now.
Jing Li also understood this and whispered, "Why don't I take him back first? It's too noisy here, and Yuzai won't be able to sleep. What if he gets too tired and just turns back to his original form..."
That would be a big trouble.
Jing Li's worries were unfounded. This little fish always liked to give them surprises, and they couldn't afford this result.
This hot spring villa was owned by Gu Changzhou, so he wasn't worried about any danger. Qin Zhao found a servant to lead the way and took Jing Li back to the courtyard first.
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