As they approached the black-lacquered gate on the east side of Rongguo Mansion, Zhang Cheng gently reined in the horses and slowed the carriage.
Just as he was about to pull up beside the Dismounting Stone, Zhou Rui hurried over with a broad smile, gesturing westward. "The banquet has been moved to Rongxi Hall today. Please go on a little farther."
Zhang Cheng sensed nothing amiss and, following Zhou Rui's instructions, drove the carriage toward the main courtyard of Rongguo Mansion.
But inside the carriage, Sun Shaozong frowned.
Rongxi Hall bore an imperial plaque and had once been where the Old Duke received guests. It subtly represented the legitimacy of the main branch.
Back when Granny Jia favored her younger son, Jia Zheng, and insisted on having him reside in Rongxi Hall, it had stirred no small amount of criticism—though Jia She was so thoroughly unpresentable that it never sparked a greater backlash.
Now Jia Zheng was absent from the capital, yet Jia Lian had insisted on holding the banquet in Rongxi Hall...
Could he be trying to seize power?
If that was truly the case, Sun Shaozong absolutely could not get involved. He had to find some excuse and decline this banquet at once.
But on second thought, Jia Yuanchun was currently flourishing in the palace. Even if Jia Lian truly intended to contend for the main line, this was not the time for him to make a move.
"Steward Zhou."
With that thought, Sun Shaozong lifted the carriage curtain and asked casually, "Has Second Master returned to the capital?"
"Nothing can be hidden from you!"
Zhou Rui hastened a few steps to the carriage window, leaning in with a fawning smile. "Second Master only returned this afternoon. The moment he heard you were coming tonight, he ordered a