"Uncle, it's quite surprising that you'd attend such a banquet today," Xiao Mu said calmly.
"I was just bored and came to join in the fun."
"Oh? I thought you came for Miss Nan, since you've been getting quite close to her lately."
"Is that so? Why don't I know this myself? Where did you hear this from, nephew?" Xiao Yi pretended not to know.
"Uncle, there's no need to hide it from your nephew. After all, Miss Nan has the entire General's Mansion behind her. But Uncle, don't forget your place. It would be best to give up this idea sooner rather than later," Xiao Mu said with a cold smile.
"Heh." Xiao Yi snorted softly in Xiao Mu's ear and said, "Nephew, what you say is quite something. I originally thought that your request for the Emperor's bestowal of a marriage was because you and Miss Nan were childhood sweethearts and in love. It turns out that it was all just for the sake of the General's Mansion behind Miss Nan. I wonder if Miss Nan and General Nan know about these things."
"Uncle, please don't misunderstand my meaning," Xiao Mu said through gritted teeth. These words must never be spread.
“Then nephew, you must be careful with your words in the future. After all, if your words are ambiguous, people may not know how they will be understood. You agree, my good nephew.” Xiao Yi mocked Xiao Mu for a while, but then comforted him, “I will not compete with you for Miss Nan. You can rest assured.”
Although Xiao Mu was a little angry after being rebuked by Xiao Yi, he felt much relieved after hearing Xiao Yi's promise. He thought that even if Xiao Yi was blind, he couldn't possibly steal it.
"Greetings, Imperial Uncle and Imperial Brother." At this moment, the Third Prince Xiao Jing also arrived at his seat and took his place, his seat right next to Xiao Yi and Xiao Mu.
"My third brother is here too." A flash of disgust crossed Xiao Mu's eyes. He knew that his third brother was quite ambitious. Ever since their father had shown favor to his third brother, his power had expanded again, and he often provoked him. So Xiao Mu naturally disliked him.
Xiao Mu had even considered eliminating the Third Prince, but ultimately refrained from doing so because he knew his father disliked his younger brother's aggressive behavior. His father didn't want a power struggle between the brothers, so he could only remain patient until he was absolutely certain of success. He would wait until he had enough leverage over his brother before eliminating him in one fell swoop; for now, he would tolerate his brother's continued antics.
"Even the Imperial Uncle is here today, so how could I be left out? Haha." Xiao Jing was here to annoy Xiao Mu, and at the same time, he could also improve his relationship with Nan Tianba. It was a win-win situation, so why not?
After all the guests were seated, Nan Tianba addressed everyone and said, "Today is my wife's birthday, so the main character of this banquet is naturally my beautiful wife. I, Nan Tianba, would like to thank everyone for coming and hope that you will all have a wonderful time today."
Everyone agreed, and the banquet officially began.
"Madam, I wish you good health and longevity!"
"Madam, I raise a glass to you, wishing you eternal youth and beauty."
"Madam, we toast you with a glass of wine, wishing you all the best." During the banquet, officials from all walks of life came to offer wine and flatter Nan Tianba and his wife, and of course, they also flattered Xiao Mu, Xiao Yi and Xiao Jing.
"Madam Nan, your skin is fair and your figure is curvaceous. I am so envious. I wish I could have a figure like Madam Nan's."
"Madam Nan, we would also like to learn some knowledge about clothing from you."
"Madam Nan, it is truly enviable to have such a loving husband as General Nan."
"Madam Nan, you look so mature, elegant, and noble today. You are absolutely stunning. May I ask where you purchased this outfit? Could you tell me?"
"..."
The couple were overwhelmed with flattery tonight, but whenever any of the ladies asked about her outfit, Jiang Zhirou would smile mysteriously and tell them to wait patiently and they would find out soon.
Midway through the banquet, the maids brought a huge tall platter to each table, on which sat a fruit-like object, as big as a football.
Upon seeing this, Nan Tianba introduced it to everyone: "This fruit is called Dragon Scale Fruit. The whole fruit is egg-shaped and covered with a thick, scale-like outer shell. The fruit is white on the tree, but it turns yellow after being picked. It glitters in the sunlight, hence the name Dragon Scale Fruit."
"This fruit was obtained by Nan during his campaign when he passed through a dark forest. Its sweet taste and refreshing aroma are truly rare. Therefore, I take this opportunity to present this Dragon Scale Fruit to you, my lady, wishing you abundant blessings, peace, and good health."
"I'd also like to share this fruit with everyone so you can try it. I hope you'll like it."
After hearing Nan Tianba's words, everyone was eager to try, but they didn't know where to start with this fruit they had never seen before.
Fortunately, each table had a maid who peeled fruit for everyone, which eased the awkward situation for everyone.
The seemingly hard outer shell of the dragon scale fruit was easily peeled off, revealing the snow-white flesh inside. A refreshing fragrance wafted out, and the flesh looked soft, sweet, and delicious.
After the maidservants distributed the fruit to the guests at each table, the guests couldn't wait to taste it, and their faces showed expressions of enjoyment.
"Please, Imperial Uncle and Imperial Brother," the Third Prince said first after receiving his share of the fruit.
Upon seeing such a rare treat, Xiao Mu didn't waste any words and immediately began to taste it. The fruit melted in his mouth, smooth and refreshing—truly a rare delicacy. Xiao Mu enjoyed the texture very much, so after finishing one plate, he ordered another to enjoy.
Xiao Yi didn't really like sweets, so he didn't eat much.
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