Zhou Wuji stood at the entrance of the courtyard, his well-defined features adorned with a gentle smile. He raised his hand and spoke in a clear, resonant voice, "There's no need for formalities, everyone. Today, consider yourselves at home."
Zhou Wuji strode down the steps with a hearty laugh, not even glancing at Zhou Yuan, who was bowing by the side. He walked with long strides on the red carpet, officials lining the sides with expressions of deference. Zhou Wuji was in high spirits. He was unsure of his father the Emperor's true feelings, but the ministers attending his banquet today were all very respectful towards him. With Zhou Yuan before him, unable to raise his head, it brought him immense pleasure!
In a corner of the courtyard, a servant tasked with clearing refuse saw this and exclaimed with shining eyes, "His Highness has guarded the border for six years. This mansion hasn't been this lively in a long time."
Another servant nodded in agreement, "Indeed. Before His Highness returned, even the Empress's birthday didn't see so many people celebrating. Everyone went to the Third Prince and Fourth Prince. Who cared about us? It's His Highness who is wise and mighty!"
Zhou Wuji reached the main seat on the raised platform, listening to the discussions of his subordinates below, his pride evident. "Let the banquet begin!"
On the platform, a robust soldier dressed as a steward struck gongs and drums. Then, from the archways on all four sides of the courtyard, countless graceful women in light gauze emerged like a flowing river, holding dishes. They placed the food onto the tables in the courtyard in an orderly fashion.
Zhou Wuji sat at the main seat, smiling at everyone. "Time was tight, and we couldn't prepare much. I hope all your excellencies enjoy yourselves today."
Li Zao walked to the very back of the courtyard and casually found a spot to sit. She certainly wouldn't choose a central seat, as those were limited. Two long tables could accommodate at most forty people. Those seated would undoubtedly be high-ranking officials or noblemen of significant status, and their positions would have been arranged beforehand. The remaining seats were less formal, with no strict hierarchy, located in the corners of the courtyard, suitable for those representing a minister in celebration or minor officials of lower rank.
Zhou Yuan stood alone at the entrance of the courtyard, gazing at the area above the red carpet, near the main seat. After a moment of hesitation, he walked over with a smile. "Elder brother."
Zhou Yuan cupped his fists and took his seat calmly. Zhou Wuji, picking up a dish, did not acknowledge Zhou Yuan. Zhou Yuan, as if not noticing, picked up his chopsticks and began to eat. He sampled delicacies, poultry, fish, meat, cabbage, and tofu, finishing a large bowl of rice in a short time, eating with gusto.
The other ministers, watching Zhou Yuan continuously picking up food and finishing a large bowl of rice in a short time, exchanged glances of bewilderment.
"You've really made yourself at home, haven't you?" Zhou Wuji's eyes darkened with dissatisfaction, but he maintained a smile, saying, "It seems my esteemed brother has been in seclusion, with no time to eat." This was a jab implying Zhou Yuan hadn't eaten properly.
Zhou Yuan put down his chopsticks, elegantly picked up a palm-sized piece of tender, succulent fish, and popped it into his mouth, swallowing it whole. "Delicious!" he exclaimed. "As expected of the ingredients used by the Crown Prince's mansion. It's even more authentic than the perch I ate by the Huai River!" Zhou Yuan continued to chew and smile, completely ignoring Zhou Wuji's question.
With his provocations deflected, Zhou Wuji couldn't say much more, as it would be too obvious. He also picked up a piece of perch and put it in his mouth. "My esteemed brother indeed has good taste."
"My elder brother flatters me," Zhou Yuan replied indifferently, and continued to eat.
In fact, he could have easily found an excuse to skip today's banquet, like the Fourth Prince or other princes, and then offer a perfunctory apology later. But he, Zhou Yuan, could not. The Fourth Prince could do so because he had already cultivated his own faction in court through his mother's family, and only needed to manage his own affairs without concerning himself with others. But Zhou Yuan could not. His maternal family offered no help, and in his early years, he had kept a low profile. Except for the Imperial Tutor Yuan Pu, no one knew of his talent. Therefore, despite earning merit and favor over the years, his foundation remained weak.
Some of the ministers seated below, to whom he had extended olive branches, rarely responded. This was likely because they were unwilling to enter the fray too early and were weighing their options, waiting to see. Thus, he had to seize every opportunity to showcase himself and prompt these ministers to make their decisions sooner.
In terms of foundation, the First Prince shared some similarities with him. The latter had been away from the capital for six years. Although he was now immensely popular, everyone knew that these ministers were only offering him superficial respect. It was still a long way from winning them over as loyal followers. Therefore, Zhou Yuan could not afford to miss this chance.
Outside the main courtyard, Xu Mu sat in the storage room, meditating silently. He had heard that only Zhou Yuan had come today. The reason for others not coming was simple, but Zhou Yuan's attendance required a moment's thought. This mansion belonged to the First Prince, and other princes dared not come. His daring to do so had already earned the respect of the ministers present. If Zhou Yuan could navigate the First Prince's various challenges, or even make the First Prince appear foolish, then today's royal birthday banquet would become his optimal opportunity to display his wisdom and tactics, and to win over the officials.
Zhou Wuji had also considered this, but he was incredibly confident because, in his memory, Zhou Yuan was still that immature, absent-minded, foolish younger brother.
"The Three Flavors Blue Crab prepared at His Highness's mansion is truly exquisite. It tastes exactly like the one served in the restaurants in my hometown," a civil official of considerable rank in court remarked with a smile, standing by the red carpet. He then stood up, took a scroll from his sleeve, and presented it to the First Prince on the platform, saying, "This is a painting of a tiger captured in ink that I collected years ago. It's an authentic work by the great scholar Tang. The style is bold and the ink strokes are unrestrained. As the saying goes, 'a carved bow shoots the tiger, coconut groves slay the dragon.' Such a majestic painting, I believe, is most fitting for Your Highness, who has returned triumphantly from the border."
A steward took the painting from the official and quickly presented it to Zhou Wuji on the platform. "Hahahaha, excellent! I will treasure this painting from Lord Li dearly!" Zhou Wuji laughed uncontrollably, his cheeks even flushing slightly. He unrolled the ink painting of the tiger and admired it repeatedly, laughing heartily several more times before carefully putting it away.
Seeing this, the other officials exchanged glances, knowing it was time, and began to present their gifts one after another.
"This is the inner core of a Domain Lord stage Arctic Snow Bear, brought back from the far north by my men. It has the miraculous effect of calming the mind and warding off evil spirits. I present it to Your Highness."
"Excellent, excellent! I have marched for many years and often see fallen soldiers in my dreams. Sleep has become difficult. This gift of yours is truly thoughtful!"
"Your Highness, this spirit stone is an ancient fossil unearthed in the Hainan region. The Grand Academicians of the court estimate its age to be at least 3.2 million years."
"Excellent, excellent! This is a good item. I am fondest of collecting rare and ancient artifacts. Lord Lin has taken great pains."
"Your Highness, this spiritual artifact is named 'Thousand Faces.' Once you wear it, it will automatically display the expression you wish to convey based on the fluctuations of your spirit. It is very convenient."
"Excellent, excellent! This is a good item."
"Your Highness..."
"Excellent, excellent..."
"..."
A long gift-giving session commenced. Over a hundred guests, each had prepared thoughtful birthday presents, ranging from ancient paintings and cultural relics to rare stones, weapons, and talismans, covering all aspects. During this time, Zhou Yuan silently observed, noting which of the ministers presenting gifts were merely being polite and which were sincere.
After a considerable time, the dishes on the table had gone cold. The last person finally finished presenting their gift. "Excellent, excellent! This is a good item. I like this the most," Zhou Wuji said, his voice hoarse, with a stiff smile, though he hadn't even looked at the item before putting it into his spatial storage bag.
Li Zao, seated below, watched all this, and for the first time, found it amusing. Everyone present was a person of standing, and each presented their gift sequentially. Zhou Wuji was naturally overwhelmed.
"Your Highness, the Third Prince has not yet presented his gift."