Lan Tianjiao said with a smile, "We're all family. There's no need for such formalities."
His first impression of Zhao Hongming was quite good.
Because of his poor appearance and unfavorable circumstances, whenever he dealt with strangers, he could always sense their disdain for him.
Yet this time, he had not detected the slightest trace of contempt in Zhao Hongming's eyes. That surprised him greatly.
Just as he finished speaking with Lan Tianjiao, the other princes and banquet guests began arriving one after another.
"Fifth Brother."
Hearing the familiar voice, Zhao Hongming looked up. Zhao Hongguang was approaching from not far away, accompanied by two guards.
Now that he had left the Imperial Palace and could travel about and enjoy the sights, Zhao Hongguang was clearly in high spirits. He happily asked, "Was the journey smooth?"
Zhao Hongming replied with a smile, "Not bad. It's only a few hours from Great Liang City. A short nap, and we were here. The rain along the way was rather bothersome, though—the roads were difficult to travel."
"Fifth Brother couldn't be more right." Eighth Prince Zhao Hongguang agreed wholeheartedly. "Once it rains, the roads turn into a muddy mess. Carriages get stuck at every turn. Just sitting in one makes me irritable."
"Eh? Who's that standing beside Fifth Brother? He's so ugly."
The Eighth Prince was still young and had spent most of his life secluded in the Imperial Palace, with little contact with others.
He had never been one for scheming, and his words were exceptionally blunt.
Zhao Hongming glanced over. Hearing Zhao Hongguang's assessment, Lan Tianjiao's face had already darkened like the bottom of a pot.
"How can you speak to your brother-in-law like that?"
"Ah, Brother-in-law!"
Zhao Hongguang immediately realized that the person he had called ugly was Princess Wu