The inner hall was raucous with merriment.
Outside was equally lively, with more than a few who had taken to reciting poetry boisterously as the wine took hold.
Yet one man, clad in a dark robe, sat alone in a corner, downing one cup of wine after another.
It was Hao Ren.
Just now, he had seen the Grand Tutor Qin.
The elderly man with hoary hair had entered his seventies but still emanated a vigorous spirit. Surrounded by his children and grandchildren, with monarchs from two countries personally attending to congratulate him on his longevity, he had all that everyone could aspire for in a lifetime.
Qin Jun had achieved it.
In the crowd, he stared straight at the old man, successfully catching his gaze.
But Qin Jun merely glanced at him lightly and immediately averted his gaze.
Hao Ren had even shaved his beard specially before going out today, now looking almost exactly as his father had in his youth.
Yet it was as if Qin Jun hadn't recognized him at all.
