Chapter Twenty-Five: The Grand Ceremony of the Five-Nation Alliance (Part Five)

On the evening of the second day following the completion of the rites, everyone returned to the training ground with lively enthusiasm.

A gentle breeze stirred, and the clouds drifted lightly overhead. The spectators below delighted in discussing the events of the previous day, while the dignitaries on the platform faced each other over drinks, their conversation refined and never noisy.

The two palace maids who had performed the grand salute for Shen Xinan and the others yesterday now appeared as ladies of noble birth. Both possessed slender figures, bright eyes and white teeth, almond-shaped eyes and rosy cheeks, their every movement exuding an indescribable grace and elegance, like ethereal beings untouched by worldly dust.

They followed behind the elderly man and the woman, walking slowly with steps as light as lotus blooms, their demeanor the very model of contemporary femininity.

The four approached the Emperor of Baixi and performed a bow of utmost respect, all kneeling with reverence. The old man knelt with his legs spread in an outward-turned posture. The woman and the two young ladies knelt with their legs together. Their left hand pressed upon the right (palm inward), hands clasped to the ground, and their heads lowered gently to touch the earth.

Their heads remained on the ground for a while, hands placed before their knees, foreheads touching the backs of their hands, displaying the deepest respect.

The Emperor of Baixi cast a meaningful glance at the woman, though his expression betrayed some discomfort.

He quickly raised his hand and said, “Elder Guo, there’s no need for such a grand gesture. Please rise. Attendants, grant them seats.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your gracious favor.”

The woman helped the old man to stand. Instantly, the platform and the area below erupted with fervent discussion.

“The Emperor of Baixi called him Elder Guo, did you hear that? Elder Guo!” A young scholar tugged at his companion, waving his arms in excitement.

Throughout the five kingdoms, there was only one person worthy of the title “Elder Guo.”

“There are six great sages in the world. They have mastered the six arts, yet they have never served in government, declaring that in their lifetime they will not pledge allegiance to any country. Some live among the common people, some hide in the mountains... I never thought I would have the fortune to witness one of them in person. How lucky, how blessed!” Another waved his ink-stained fan as he spoke.

“I know this! It’s said that Elder Guo took in three disciples, teaching them the ways of ritual. And the three are of noble lineage.”

“Quick, tell us about their backgrounds!” The others eagerly leaned in.

“Look at that woman—her attire may be simple, but her bearing alone reveals her status. She is Princess Suhua, daughter of the former ruler of Baixi, and aunt to the current emperor.”

Those present were deeply shocked, especially the citizens of Baixi.

The tales of Princess Suhua's early life were so legendary that even thousands of pages could not exhaust her stories. The dramatic and awe-inspiring events of the previous dynasty were all closely intertwined with her.

In her youth, she married a renowned scholar, who later passed away, leaving her a widow residing in the palace for many years. Most memorials submitted to court were reviewed by her...

When she learned her father intended to pass the throne to her, Princess Suhua threatened suicide, petitioning to leave the palace to study under Elder Guo, refusing to involve herself in state affairs.

“What about the other two young ladies?” The inquirer’s voice trembled; the news was truly astonishing.

“The Yan Sisters of Dongling! They began studying under Elder Guo at the age of eight, so few recognize them now, but they have come of age.”

The Yan family was one of the most powerful clans in Dongling, and both sisters were legitimate daughters.

“Wow, how do you know so much?”

“I am known as the omniscient one—there’s nothing in the world I do not know.” He replied with pride, waving his fan again.

“So, does this mean we’ll get to see the other five sages?”

“Don’t get your hopes up. To see even one of them is enough to be content in this life.”

“Yes, indeed, you’re right.”

…

Such was the buzz below the platform, and the same curiosity was felt above, though none spoke loudly. Yet the identities of the four had already been settled in their minds.

“No loud discussions!” The Minister of Ritual cried out, restoring order.

The elderly man and his companions were in no hurry to take their seats. The woman beckoned the Minister of Ritual and whispered a few words to him.

He bent low to listen and nodded repeatedly.

When she finished, he bowed to her, then announced to the platform, “Will the second prince of Beixiao, the sixth prince of Nansheng, the third prince of Dongling, the fourth prince of Xize, and the second prince of Baixi please come forward to the training ground.”

None dared delay—Gu Nan Yuan was sweating in his anxiety, constantly wiping his brow with his sleeve. Based on seniority, that woman was his real grandaunt... a genuine grandaunt. After so many mishaps yesterday, where could he hide his face now?

When meeting elders, they hastened forward and bowed deeply to Elder Guo.

“You speak,” Elder Guo said to the woman, mindful of his age and the need to conserve his breath.

The woman understood, her gaze cool as she regarded the five standing side by side. She said, “Yesterday’s assessment of ritual: ‘Walking’ should be measured, neither too fast nor too slow, without looking around. When meeting others, even if their identity is unknown, one must show respect and honor, never slight or neglect them.

‘Sitting’ has its rules: do not sprawl or lean, do not sit in the center or cross the seats.

‘Eating’ is silent, the host goes first, guests follow, use chopsticks properly, and do nothing inappropriate.

‘Drinking’ consists of four stages: bow, offering, sipping, and finishing. The four principles are: first, drink only during sacrifices; second, avoid frequent drinking, drink sparingly to save grain, and only drink when ill; third, no mass drinking gatherings; fourth, no excessive drunkenness.

‘Speaking’ must be based on facts, not idle talk. Speak little, avoid mistakes, consider carefully before speaking, so as not to be regarded as frivolous or baseless.”

“Yes. We will follow your teachings faithfully.”

At that moment, the Minister of Ritual handed over a yellow scroll. The woman took it and said slowly, “Ritual arts are graded into four levels: superior, upper, middle, and lower. Now, the grades of each prince’s ritual arts will be announced to the world.”

Upon hearing this, even the Emperor of Baixi grew nervous, let alone the five princes who had participated.

Everyone held their breath, waiting for the woman to declare the results. She slowly unrolled the scroll and read the contents aloud.

“The second prince of Beixiao, Shen Xinan—superior. Awarded a gold medal.” As soon as she finished, an attendant presented a small gold medal engraved with the word ‘superior.’

Applause and cheers erupted. The woman continued.

“The fourth prince of Xize, Changsun Chengjue—upper. Awarded a gold medal.”

“The sixth prince of Nansheng, Fu Chen, and the third prince of Dongling, Wan Qi Shu—middle. Awarded silver medals.”

“The second prince of Baixi, Gu Nan Yuan—lower. Awarded a bronze medal.”

“The results have been announced. Please return to your seats.” She regarded them, her eyes unreadable.

Fu Chen and Wan Qi Shu exchanged a knowing wink; they held no lofty ambitions, content as long as they did not rank lowest, feeling as if they had won the highest honor.

Gu Nan Yuan unconsciously tightened his grip on the bronze medal. He brooded, “Why? Out of so many, I alone am ranked lower. Fu Chen stumbled, Wan Qi Shu is no better…” For a brief moment, intense resentment flashed across his flushed face.

Gu Nan Yuan felt unwilling, angry, and deeply humiliated, but he had learned his lesson, restraining his impatience and retreating as the others did, moving forward briskly and stepping back slowly.

Supported by the woman, the elderly man made his way onto the platform. The crowd below, whether out of reverence for the old man, admiration for Princess Suhua, or appreciation for the Yan Sisters, instinctively gave way, leaving a wide path.

They bowed their heads, not daring to look directly at the four.

Only after the four ascended the platform did the five princes dare to approach.

Gu Nan Yuan kept his head down, completely oblivious to the fact that the Emperor of Baixi was glaring at him.