Song Chongjin held the official contract, carefully putting it into his chest pocket, and bowed deeply to thank the clerks present.
"Thank you all. I've booked a modest banquet at the restaurant at noon. Please honor me with your presence."
The clerks seemed very willing, just about to agree when a guard outside brought in a public document.
The lead clerk opened it and his face tensed: "Fellows, work has come in!"
He waved at Song Chongjin: "Thank you for your kind invitation, Scholar Song. But today it's impossible, we just received a document from above, and I'm afraid we'll have to eat and live in the Yamen for the next few days."
Seeing the clerks had official business, Song Chongjin didn't bother them and bid farewell.
The clerks continued their work, grumbling: "If only this document came in the afternoon, it wouldn't have interrupted our lunch banquet."
One cautious clerk spoke up: "Alright, stop complaining and get to work!"
