Liǔ Wénzhōu had originally intended only to make an appearance. Seeing how things stood, true impatience welled up within him, and before long he took the lead in leaving, leaving only the examiners, headed by Mǎ Zhèngdé, to continue presiding over the banquet.
The departure of the chief examiner once again terrified Wáng Yuántán, who was already like a frightened bird. Convinced that it was his own blunder that had driven Liǔ Wénzhōu away in anger, he became even more restless. His seat felt as though it were stuck with needles, and though every bone in his body ached with discomfort, he forced himself to stay put.
Sitting diagonally across from Zhao Yan was none of Wáng Yuántán, giving Zhao Yan a clear view of his every move. Watching the tearful Wáng Yuántán, Zhao Yan almost laughed out loud with mischievous glee, but fortunately, his facial control held, and the gloating in his heart never reached his face.
Chapter 301