Today's imperial banquet is a lunch banquet, and after the banquet ends, these officials will not be delayed in going home for their New Year's Eve dinner.
After getting ready, Mu Zian and Xiao Xiuning set off together for the palace.
The palace was bustling with activity both inside and out today.
As the only princess with an official title, Xiao Xiuning's carriage could naturally drive directly into the palace.
This made the other princes extremely envious, especially Xiao Zi, the second prince.
Since the Third Prince Xiao Zi was exiled, he should have been the most promising candidate to become the Crown Prince.
However, Xiao Yu had absolutely no intention of letting him take over the Eastern Palace.
He didn't even have a title of king, so he had to walk in to attend the royal banquet today.
As the carriage drove past him, a hint of resentment flashed in Xiao Zi's eyes!
"Outrageous! Outrageous!"
Just then, a voice rang in Xiao Zi's ears.
"Why should Your Highness be jealous? No matter how strong the Ninth Princess is, she is just a woman."
"In the end, the Great Li Kingdom will be inherited by men."
"Among all the princes now, who can compare to you in terms of seniority and primogeniture?"
As he spoke, Xiao Zi looked behind him.
Behind Xiao Zi stood a refined-looking man, probably in his early twenties, with delicate features and phoenix eyes that smiled like crescent moons.
Upon seeing this person, Xiao Zi took a deep breath and then smiled.
"I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Mr. Chu."
This person is none other than Chu Fu, the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examination this year and a compiler at the Hanlin Academy. He is now considered the most relied-upon advisor in the residence of the Second Prince Xiao Zi.
Although the compiler of the Hanlin Academy was only a minor official of the seventh rank, his status in the court was not low.
That is why he was able to follow behind Xiao Zi to attend this imperial banquet.
Xiao Zi looked at the carriage that Xiao Xiuning had driven away and spoke.
"I simply don't understand! Why has Father delayed in making me the Crown Prince? And among all the princes, who is stronger than me?"
Upon hearing this, Chu Fu smiled calmly.
"His Majesty must have his own plans. The Crown Prince is the foundation of the nation, and the longer the position of Crown Prince remains vacant, the more stable the successor will be."
"However, Your Highness should also demonstrate your abilities to His Majesty."
"After all, it is only natural to establish the position of Crown Prince based on the legitimate heir and the most virtuous."
Xiao Zi suddenly realized what he meant.
"Thank you for your explanation, Mr. Chu."
Chu Fu smiled slightly upon hearing this.
"It is my honor to serve the Second Prince."
........
This year's Spring Festival banquet was held in the Wenhua Hall, the largest hall in the palace.
The banquets were divided into four levels according to the official rank: upper table, upper middle table, middle table and lower table. Each table had its own unique dishes, and the levels were clearly distinguished.
There were over 1,200 tables arranged from inside the hall all the way outside.
Banquets are always the best occasion to bring people closer together.
The officials who arrived at the banquet early had already started chatting. In such occasions, flattery and pandering are inevitable, a practice that has remained unchanged throughout history.
Mu Zian and Xiao Xiuning were naturally chosen to sit at the table.
However, as a prince, Xiao Xiuning and as a subject, Mu Zian naturally did not sit together but in a separate row.
After Mu Zian took his seat, he looked around and saw many familiar faces in the hall.
The six ministers and the vice ministers of each household would naturally be present.
Those who could enter the inner palace were either of high status or held high positions.
Just as Mu Zian was looking around, Zhang Han, the commander of the Trapped Camp, quickly stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting.
"Greetings, Commander!"
Mu Zian's reputation in the military is soaring, and there are signs that he may be able to reach the level of Mu Zhanying.
The Trapped Camp, which was once built by Mu Zhanying, is undoubtedly the happiest in this situation.
However, Mu Zi'an was indeed irresponsible in his role as the commander of the Trapped Camp.
Even so, Zhang Han's loyalty to Mu Zi'an is beyond doubt.
A hint of embarrassment flashed in Mu Zi'an's eyes when she saw Zhang Han.
After all, he hadn't even been to the Trapped Camp many times since he took over.
"Is everything alright in the camp?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Han scratched his head and laughed.
"Everything is fine. Moreover, thanks to your prestige, my Trapped Camp has also gained a lot of benefits and rewards."
"This year, all the brothers are going to have a prosperous New Year."
Mu Zian smiled upon hearing this.
That's good.
Just as the two were chatting and laughing, Du Yuheng's voice suddenly came.
"The Duke of Zhenguo is truly a rising star, surpassing the previous one."
Zhang Han turned around and saw Du Yuheng, and quickly said...
"Greetings, Your Excellency the Prime Minister."
Du Yuheng laughed.
"No need for formalities at today's imperial banquet."
Upon seeing Du Yuheng arrive, Zhang Han immediately understood that the two had something to say to each other, so he clasped his hands in greeting.
"I have some matters to attend to, so I will not disturb you any further."
After saying that, Zhang Han turned and left.
At this moment, a small vacuum zone had unknowingly formed around Du Yuheng and Mu Zian.
Du Yuheng spoke first.
"The Duke of Zhenguo is truly a man of few words, but when he does speak, he is astonishing. The various battle reports from Liangzhou have truly terrified this old man."
Mu Zian replied calmly.
"If it weren't for the Prime Minister's strategic planning behind the scenes, how could I have achieved such merit?"
Although Mu Zian's words seemed respectful, they did not conceal his coldness in the slightest.
Du Yuheng's eyes, which were originally slightly narrowed, slowly opened, and in an instant, an aura of superiority swept over him.
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