As in previous years, the Great Ming Palace had also prepared a banquet for this year's new students of the Academic Palace.
Emperor Yu and the courtiers warmly received the new students from the Academic Palace. They delivered a speech about loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, which sent waves of excitement through the new students. This dispelled any psychological shadows left from the final exams, making them almost wish they could recite the poem "Leading the jade dragon to die for my lord" on the spot.
By the time Li Leqing's carriage brought Chai Chai back, it was already deep into the night. Rarely staying up late, Li Leqing was both exhausted and sleepy. She said a brief goodbye and returned to the Great Ming Palace.
As for Chai Chai, she was full, tired, and sleepy. Having finally attended a banquet at the Imperial Palace, and honoring the dignity of a food lover, she felt she had to try every dish served at the state banquet.
