Lanqin, having nearly finished understanding and considering the five individuals, decided to personally host a banquet to entertain them. She also wanted to take this opportunity to formally introduce Bechuk to them and observe their reactions.
Before the banquet began, Lanqin specifically instructed Biechuk not to reveal his feelings, and whispered something in Biechuk's ear. Although Biechuk didn't know what Lanqin was up to, he blushed and agreed to Lanqin's request.
The five were invited to the banquet, only to learn that their visit to the Yuanmingyuan was a deliberate arrangement by the Emperor to find a husband for Princess Duoluo.
Knowing that the Emperor favored Consort Xi, Consort Xi's daughter, Princess Duoluo, was naturally also the Emperor's darling.
Since the Emperor went to such great lengths to find a consort for Princess Duoluo, it was clear that he valued her highly.
All five men passed the imperial examination this year. If they could marry Princess Doro at this time, it would not only greatly benefit their own future but also their families.
Sima Bowen secretly observed the group and discovered that he and Gao Feng were the best-born among the five and the most suitable for the princess's status. His confidence soared and he beamed with joy.
Upon arriving, Gao Feng adopted an air of certain victory, deliberately raising his wine glass and asking the others, "Has everyone heard the real reason we came to the Old Summer Palace?"
Lu Changkong casually picked some grapes from the fruit plate, popped them into his mouth, and laughed, "I heard it's for choosing a consort for some Princess Luo..."
Sima Bowen glared at Lu Changkong and earnestly corrected him, "It's Princess Duoluo! The youngest daughter of Consort Xi..."
Gao Feng continued, "I wonder if any of you gentlemen are interested?"
Lu Changkong laughed nonchalantly, "Is this something you can get just by being interested? It all depends on whether the princess takes a liking to one of us. But if the princess likes me, of course I won't refuse. After all, marrying the princess would make me a member of the royal family, which is like a pie falling from the sky..."
Gao Feng glanced at Lu Changkong with disdain and said, "With your carefree and irresponsible manner, how could the princess possibly value you... The princess must prefer a man of refined manners and dashing generals. Young Master Lu, I'm afraid you have no hope..."
Qiu Rui sat down in her chair, looking displeased, and complained, "After all this fuss, it turns out it's just about choosing a consort for the princess. We've even seen the princess, how can we know if they're mutually attracted? I think this princess must be spoiled rotten to use such a method to choose a consort. I'm not interested, I want to find someone I like..."
Upon hearing this, Lu Changkong burst into laughter: "Qiu Rui, I'd say the princess might not even be interested in you, and you're already getting upset... If the princess were blind and determined to have you, would you dare disobey her decree?"
Qiu Rui rolled her eyes at Lu Changkong and ignored them.
Sima Bowen carefully straightened his clothes, watching them laugh and joke, and felt that he was the right person to be worthy of the princess.
Qin Mo remained silent, so Sima Bowen approached him with a smile and asked, "Young Master Qin, why haven't you offered your opinion?"
Qin Mo was taken aback, not expecting anyone to ask him. He chuckled softly, "Since we're here, let's make the best of it. The princess is of noble birth; how could we presume to know her?"
Sima Bowen smiled, thinking that although Qin Mo was taciturn, he was very self-aware.
Of the five, Qin Mo came from the worst background, but he was very knowledgeable and had a good demeanor. Moreover, he was going to a place like the Censorate. It was necessary to make friends with him. So he chatted with Qin Mo for a few minutes and then sat back down in his seat.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
