The Imperial Master had been sitting there listening for a long time, and the more he listened, the more headache he got. The personalities of these princes were actually very difficult to guess.

As a member of the royal family, how can you be what you say you are? I guess it's all just an act.

So even if Gu Yunni memorized them by heart, she couldn't guess what they meant.

"They're not good people anyway. No matter how you guard against them, it's useless. We should just go to the door and greet them."

Sheng Mingyu thought about it and felt that it was indeed the case.

"That's right, then let's go out and take a look. It's a good opportunity to show your identity here, so that they won't be so arrogant in front of you in the future."

He took Gu Yunni with him and stood outside the door to welcome the guests.

When the princes arrived, they saw a woman standing next to Sheng Mingyu.

This woman has skin as white as cream and a face that is the type that is pleasing to the eye. The more you look at her, the more beautiful she becomes, and she is easy to remember.

The second prince and the third prince were just complaining about Sheng Mingyu, but as soon as they met, they became smiling tigers.

"Is this the future Crown Prince's Consort? She's a beauty! I heard you made quite a stir in Kyoto and even begged Father many times. I wonder when you two will get married?"

"Yes, Mingyu, we have been playing together since we were young. I never thought you would pay so much for a woman. But for such a beautiful woman, it's not surprising."

No matter what opinions you have about Sheng Mingyu behind his back, you have to say good things about him on the surface. Today's occasion is not as simple as it seems.

"Thank you for the compliments, Princes!"

Gu Yunni didn't know how to greet him due to the tone of voice, so she could only say thank you.

It was obvious that he was not sincere, so Gu Yunni couldn't express her gratitude sincerely.

"You're so polite, Princess!"

The Second Prince's eyes were filled with dissatisfaction. He thanked the woman so calmly, which really did not give him face.

But for Sheng Mingyu's sake, he couldn't say much.

"Please stop laughing at her. The Crown Prince's Consort is shy and doesn't know how to joke. Let's take a seat first. She has prepared a lot of food." Sheng Mingyu took half a step forward and blocked the way.

Sheng Mingyu stepped forward to help, and the Second Prince just laughed it off and walked away. "Aren't you too protective of your own people? I just said a few words, and you're already hiding someone? Okay, okay, take a seat first."

Only the third prince stood there stupidly.

He didn't think there was anything wrong. They were not familiar with each other. Who would say such a lot of things as soon as they met?

However, his greatest strength was his obedience, following the two into the banquet hall.

Since the second prince doesn’t like Gu Yunni, then I might as well not like her either.

The second prince was very busy. As soon as he sat down, he started asking about Gu Yunni again.

This woman is no ordinary person to be able to stay with Sheng Mingyu.

"When I was in Jiangnan, I heard that the future Crown Prince's consort's greatest skill was the mystical arts. How powerful is that? Can she rival the Imperial Master?"

The Imperial Preceptor also took a seat. Seeing that he was targeting Gu Yunni, he responded in a helpful manner, "The Second Prince is truly well-informed. The Crown Prince's Consort's abilities are indeed comparable to mine, or even slightly better. If you don't believe me, go back to the palace and ask His Majesty. His Majesty also knows."

He was very curious. Gu Yunni probably didn't learn anything in the Changping Marquis Mansion before, and she didn't seem to be used to this situation.

As soon as the Imperial Master spoke, the atmosphere changed.

"Oh? Imperial Master is here too. This prince just heard that you've returned to the capital, and I wanted to go back and visit you. And we unexpectedly met here. What a fate we share."

"Yes, Imperial Master, this prince has brought you a gift. Since you happen to be here, how about I ask a servant to bring it to you first? You can take a look and see if you like it?"

Everyone knows that the current emperor pays the most attention to the mysterious arts, and the national teacher is a hot commodity in their eyes.

The Imperial Master was already accustomed to this kind of scene. Because of his ability and also because of His Majesty's attitude, he had to flatter these princes.

"Third Prince, you are too polite. I was only able to be recalled to Kyoto because of His Majesty's favor. But don't talk about giving me gifts. Isn't that embarrassing for an old minister?"

"Third brother is indeed clever. This prince has never thought of preparing a gift for the Imperial Master. This prince is ignorant of etiquette. When we return to Kyoto, I will immediately have someone find a precious gift in the storehouse and send it to him."

The atmosphere, which was lively just now, became quiet again after the second prince said this.

Everyone knew that the second prince was angry, but the third prince was gloating beside him.

Does this count as flattering the Imperial Master?

He doesn't care what's wrong with his second brother, as long as he is more powerful than his second brother.

Sheng Mingyu was watching the show from the side, and the Imperial Master was also indifferent to it. They just wanted to flatter him anyway, so why should he get involved?

Gu Yunni didn't want the atmosphere to remain silent, so she quickly interrupted the awkward situation.

"My dear princes, please don't just sit there. Come and taste the food. This is all prepared according to the orders of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and tailored to your tastes."

They did give Gu Yunni some face. At the moment, they couldn't afford to offend Sheng Mingyu.

After all, he is the one who can bring down the prince.

The second prince and the third prince were also smart men and did not compete with each other in such an occasion.

"The Crown Prince's Consort is indeed from a marquis's mansion, and she really knows how to be polite. Even those in my mansion can't compare to your preparations."

The Second Prince was the most talkative. He spoke in front, and the Third Prince followed behind. He couldn't think of any useful words, so he just sighed and said, "That's right."

Sheng Mingyu didn't want the topic to always revolve around Gu Yunni, so he started discussing serious matters.

"Why did the two princes come together? I thought you would come at different times, and I was even thinking of meeting directly in Kyoto. It seems that I handled my affairs too late, and delayed you two."

The third prince hurriedly agreed, fearing that he would not be able to make his presence felt in front of him.

"Mingyu, you're too polite. I also wanted to make our brothers feel closer by traveling together, so I wrote a letter to my third brother on the way."

The Third Prince nodded. "Yes, originally I didn't want to go through Anyuan County, it was too far. But after receiving my second brother's letter, I thought I'd come over to take a look. Since you're here, let's go back to the capital together. By the way, I was wondering why the Imperial Master is here?"

The second prince's words were a test.

Even though Sheng Mingyu has made it clear that he will not target them, he is still afraid that he will trip them up behind their backs.

The Imperial Master was not at all pretentious. He answered whatever the Second Prince asked, and he was also truthful in explaining what he had done.

"It's not that the Second Prince is uninformed. Even if you go to Kyoto to inquire now, I'm sure many adults will still think I'm staying in the palace and refusing to go out. I received a secret order from His Majesty to assist His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in resolving the issues in Anyuan County. Only when I return to the capital in the next few days will they know I've come out."

"Then you are too honest, Imperial Master. Since it is a secret order, you should have kept it secret from this prince and my third brother. If this gets to the ears of the Emperor, wouldn't it be considered that we are forcing you?"