Wine and Madness

It took generations to build up a clan's reputation but only a year to tear it down. Wu Shengqi could feel the difference keenly. In just one year, he had been investigated for the cheating incident regarding the imperial examinations. His job had been threatened more than once and even though he was eventually allowed to attend morning court again, he could tell that the emperor no longer held him in any regard. Naturally, his wily colleagues and subordinates, all experts at guessing and second-guessing the dragon's hidden sentiments, started shifting their attitudes towards him as well. No longer did look up to him with respect or treat him with kindness.