Chapter 146: Banquet (2)

Before Han Zilie could muster a retort to salvage his pride, a series of clear, resonant trumpets sounded from the grand entrance of the hall.

The assembled guests instantly rose to their feet in unified respect as Lord Zhao Shenming entered the banquet. The Provincial Lord moved down the central aisle toward the dais, radiating the heavy authority of his station, with Envoy Zhao Wuhen walking silently a half-step behind him.

But before taking his own seat at the head of the horseshoe, Lord Zhao paused.

He stopped deliberately, unmistakably, at the second tier. In full view of the hushed, watching hall, Lord Zhao reached out and rested a heavy, familiar hand briefly on Lin Yuan's shoulder.

"Lin Yuan," Lord Zhao said, his voice warm, booming, and intentionally carrying across the silent room. "I trust the seat suits you. I had it arranged personally."