This made Li Shimin anxious, and he wanted to trade one for one with me.

On his way to Linde Hall, Cheng Jun pondered how to deal with Zhao Shida.

His initial plan was to get Zhao Shida dismissed from his post, but after meeting Zhang Xingcheng, he found that Zhang Xingcheng's approach was much more sophisticated.

Therefore, he decided to change his approach and make Zhao Shida's life even worse than death!

When his thoughts cleared, Cheng Jun found himself outside the Linde Hall.

Inside and outside the Linde Hall, tables and cushions are arranged neatly and orderly.

Cheng Jun noticed that in the Linde Hall, there was a handsome young man wearing a black gauze hat and a red robe, looking around with his hands behind his back.

At this moment, the other party heard footsteps, turned around and saw Cheng Jun, noticing the xiezhi crown on his head and the light green official robe he wore. He then said loudly:

"Is the visitor Cheng Jun?"

Cheng Jun was stunned. "You know me?"

The strikingly handsome young man smiled, strode out, came to his side, looked him up and down, and said, "I haven't seen you before, but I recognize you."

"Among the Imperial Censors, you are the only one as tall and robust as yourself."

Seeing that he was tall and strong, and also so thoughtful, Cheng Jun asked, "How should I address you, sir?"

The young man clasped his hands in a fist and smiled, saying:

"Liu Heng, Junior Secretary of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices."

It was him... Cheng Jun's heart skipped a beat as he recalled the historical records about him.

Princess Xiangyang, daughter of Li Yuan, has a daughter with Dou Dan, who is currently serving as Minister of the Imperial Clan Court.

During the Wude era, when Li Yuan was still in power, he saw that Liu Heng was tall and handsome and talented, so he married his granddaughter to him and made him the Baron of Shouling County.

Cheng Jun remembered that historical records stated Liu Heng was a great lover of hunting. As he pondered this, he heard Liu Heng's voice in his ear:

"Did Vice-Duan Cheng come here to supervise whether we have done things properly?"

Cheng Jun snapped out of his daze and nodded, "Yes."

Liu Heng smiled and spread his hands, saying:

"Let me explain to you how these seats are arranged."

He led Cheng Jun into the hall, saying as they walked, "These seats outside the hall are reserved for officials of the ninth, eighth, seventh, and sixth ranks. Those of higher rank will sit closer to the front."

“These seats at the entrance of the hall are for fifth-rank officials, forward to the fourth-rank officials, and further forward to the third-rank officials.”

"Among the third-rank officials, there is a prime minister who is in charge of political affairs. Therefore, the seats before that are not determined by official rank, but by whether they have made contributions to the country and whether they are highly respected."

Liu Heng pointed to the first few cushions and said, "This seat is for Master Fang, and that one is for Master Du."

"The seats over there are reserved for those who hold the title of Duke. For example, that seat is where your father will be sitting today, with Minister Li Jing sitting next to him."

"Next to the side are the seats of Li Daozong, Minister of Justice, and Yuchi Jingde, Duke of Wu."

After Liu Heng finished speaking, he looked at Cheng Jun with a smile and said, "Please give me some pointers, Vice President Cheng."

Cheng Jun nodded in acknowledgment and walked into the hall with him. He looked around and, finding no flaws, praised, "Young Master Liu is truly meticulous."

Liu Heng smiled broadly and said proudly, "You flatter me."

Cheng Jun asked, "I've heard my father mention you, saying you enjoy hunting?"

Liu Heng asked in surprise, "Did Master Cheng actually mention me to you?"

Cheng Jun said, "Yes."

Liu Heng sighed and said, "That was all in the past. Ever since His Majesty said that I had too many friends and should keep my life simple and quiet, and granted me the position of Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, I have put aside my former hobbies and done my job properly."

Cheng Jun smiled and said, "In the court, only the most trusted confidants can receive such guidance from His Majesty."

Liu Heng laughed and said, "Deputy Cheng's way of speaking is truly exceptional; it's very pleasant to listen to."

Cheng Jun smiled, looked at the table and cushions again, and pondered, "Did you arrange all of this dinner party?"

"Correct."

Upon hearing his answer, Cheng Jun shook his head and said, "The seating arrangement you arranged is good, but it's just a little lacking."

Upon hearing this, Liu Heng looked at the seating arrangement he had made. Every table and cushion was neatly and orderly arranged. He asked in confusion, "What's wrong with it?"

Cheng Jun pointed to the empty table above and said, "It lacks a sense of ritual."

Liu Heng asked with interest, "How so?"

Cheng Jun patiently asked, "When the banquet begins, will the civil and military officials be arranged to enter?"

Liu Heng nodded, "Yes, someone will announce the names outside, and then people from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices will lead the way in."

"Changji" means roll call.

Cheng Jun pointed to the tables and cushions and said, "Who knows which of these tables and cushions is which?"

"Can you remember the names of all the civil and military officials?"

Liu Heng asked curiously, "I can't remember it, and I don't think it's necessary to remember it."

Cheng Jun solemnly said, "However, among the officials, there are quite a few who hope that those of higher rank will remember them."

“You could put up a sign with the names and positions of those who attend the court banquet. That way, those who are less experienced will have a chance to be remembered.”

"His Majesty will see it and recognize who it is at a glance."

Liu Heng pondered his words and found his suggestion to be exceptionally good, but after thinking for a moment, he hesitated and said, "I've never done this before."

Cheng Jun said earnestly, "Young people should be bold and innovative. If you follow the established procedures at every banquet, how can His Majesty remember your good deeds? His Majesty will only think that this is what you should do."

"But once you innovate, it's different. His Majesty will see it and be deeply impressed, and will naturally remember you immediately."

Liu Heng's eyes lit up. "That makes sense."

Cheng Jun continued, "It's not enough to just make your superiors remember you and appreciate you; you also have to share the benefits with your subordinates."

Liu Heng hurriedly asked, "How will the benefits be distributed to the subordinates?"

Cheng Jun suggested, "You can arrange for a few people to be specifically responsible for serving wine, tea, and water to officials of the fifth rank and above."

"In addition, you should make them wear a small tag on their chests, with the name of the person who poured the wine, tea, and water written on it."

"Especially those who are assigned to the side of the Minister and Vice Minister, they can take this opportunity to become familiar to the Minister and Vice Minister."

Cheng Jun said with a smile, "Do you think they'll be grateful to you?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Heng couldn't help but pat Cheng Jun's arm excitedly, saying, "Deputy Cheng, you're really something! You really have a way with things! Someone come here!"

He turned around and shouted, and immediately a subordinate official from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices walked in. He said to the official, "Go back to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices immediately and have someone get some signs."

"Remember, the signs must clearly state the names and official titles of those attending the banquet."

"In addition, make some smaller signs, just enough to hang around your neck and be easily visible. Don't write anything on these signs. Bring them over, I'll write them myself!"

The subordinate official quickly replied, "Yes, sir!"

After the officials left, Liu Heng looked at Cheng Jun with a broad smile and cupped his hands in greeting:

"Deputy Cheng, I'll remember your favor. If you ever need my help in the future, just let me know."

Cheng Jun said earnestly, "Since that's the case, I won't refuse. I'll speak now."