The next few months that passed could be summarized in very few words.
Peace and overwhelming admiration for Li Qingmu.
Back in the Golden Sun Pavilion, he finally enjoyed the fruits of his success in the exams. Disciples bowed deeper when he passed, elders nodded with genuine respect and even the once-distant Governor Zhen treated him with careful courtesy.
At first, Li Qingmu thought it was simple pride—the old man must be thrilled to have such a talented son-in-law. But then Big Sister Song Yan laughed like a hyena when he told her that one evening.
"Qingmu, don't be naive. Governor Zhen Guang isn't proud in the slightest. In a year's time, you'll hold seniority over him as a Holy Court Attendant. You'll be the emissary from the Holy Court to the lower realms. He'll have to submit routine administrative reports, merit accounts, crisis summaries, tribute ledgers, personnel recommendations… and pretty much everything. To you."
