As soon as they entered the banquet hall, waves of fragrance drifted over. Roast suckling pig, braised bear paw, crystal shrimp dumplings, and all manner of fine wines and delicacies filled the long tables. Beautiful maidservants stood nearby with wine pots in hand, ready to refill cups at any moment.
Quite a few people had already arrived in the hall, gathered in small groups and chatting. The atmosphere was lively.
"Education Committee Member Zhi Lin, you're finally here!" The moment their group entered the hall, a middle-aged man in embroidered robes came forward with a broad smile. After exchanging a few words with Zhi Lin, he looked toward Chen Chu and praised him. "This must be young friend Chen Chu, correct? I've heard much about you. His Majesty has been eager to meet you. I am Li Qian, Minister of Rites."
Zhi Lin smiled and cupped his hands. "Minister Li, you flatter us. This is Chen Chu. I'll have to trouble you to look after him in the future."
Chen Chu followed suit and cupped his hands. "Minister Li."
Li Qian's Soul Power was not particularly high, only at the level of a Soul Ancestor. If he could serve as a minister within the imperial family, he likely relied on his brains and literary talent.
After a few simple exchanges, Li Qian led Zhi Lin away to greet the other officials. Chen Chu found a seat in a corner, picked up a glass of juice, and took a few sips.
Before long, notable figures from every circle gradually arrived at the palace. Ning Fengzhi's arrival caused an even greater stir. Many people held wine cups and put on aristocratic airs as they went over to flatter him.
"Chen Chu, come with me. His Majesty and Your Highness the Crown Prince wish to meet you in advance."
Zhi Lin came over to him as he spoke. Chen Chu set down his glass of juice and followed Zhi Lin toward a side hall.
As they passed through the center of the banquet hall, he happened to glimpse Ning Fengzhi surrounded by a crowd. He waved a folding fan in his hand, a perfectly measured smile on his face as he chatted freely with the great nobles.
The little girl beside him, meanwhile, had her lips pursed. She was clearly uninterested in such socializing. She was probably Ning Rongrong, the little devil of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
The side hall was smaller than the banquet hall, yet more refined and imposing. Landscapes and calligraphy hung on the walls, while celadon tea sets rested on the tables.
Heaven Dou Emperor Xue Ye sat in the seat of honor. Beside him sat a young man dressed in the robes of a crown prince, whose brows and eyes somewhat resembled Xue Ye's. He was likely Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. Prince Xue Xing stood nearby, and when he saw Zhi Lin, he gave him a slight nod.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness the Prince, Chen Chu has arrived." Zhi Lin bowed respectfully.
Chen Chu bowed as well. "Chen Chu greets Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince, and Your Highness the Prince!"
Xue Ye raised his head and looked at Chen Chu. Not only had he become a Soul Emperor at such a young age, but he was also a fine-looking young man. Xue Ye was quite pleased with him. "No need for formalities. Sit, quickly.
"I heard Zhi Lin and Meng Shenji mention you long ago. They said that despite your young age, you already possessed the cultivation of a Soul Emperor, and that you were modest and courteous as well. Now that I see you in person, you truly are an outstanding talent with exceptional gifts!"
"Your Majesty praises me too highly. I was merely fortunate, and my cultivation progressed a little faster than usual." After Chen Chu sat down, a maidservant immediately poured him a cup of tea. Its fragrance curled through the air. One whiff was enough to tell it was excellent tea, far more refreshing than the juice from the banquet hall.
Crown Prince Xue Qinghe looked at Chen Chu and spoke gently. "Brother Chen, you look unfamiliar. I haven't seen you in Heaven Dou City before, nor have I heard much about you. Have you only recently come here from elsewhere?"
Hearing Xue Qinghe's question, Chen Chu finally turned his gaze to the elegant young man before him. So this was that dim-witted Qian Renxue. This disguise really was impressive—there wasn't a single flaw to be seen.
"Reporting to Your Highness the Crown Prince, I am from Fasnuo Province. I once studied at Exotic Beast Academy, and this is also my first time coming to the imperial capital!"
When Xue Qinghe heard that Chen Chu came from Fasnuo Province and had studied at Exotic Beast Academy, a little understanding appeared in his eyes. "So you are an outstanding talent from Fasnuo. Though Exotic Beast Academy is not particularly famous, it has produced quite a few dependable Soul Masters. For Brother Chen to become a Soul Emperor there, both your talent and diligence must be exceptional."
Prince Xue Xing joined in from the side, his tone carrying a hint of something unusual. "Fasnuo is not close to Heaven Dou City. Has little brother Chen come to the imperial capital intending to settle here permanently, or do you have other plans?"
As soon as those words fell, the gazes of everyone present turned toward Chen Chu. Although Chen Chu was now a teacher at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, he was not yet one of the imperial family. They did not want such a genius, who was almost certain to become a Titled Douluo, to slip away for others to recruit.
Chen Chu lifted his teacup and took a light sip before smiling. "For now, I do intend to stay for the long term. The imperial capital has abundant resources for Soul Masters, and I would like to gain more experience here. If a suitable opportunity arises to serve the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, that would be my honor as well."
Those words neither shut the door completely nor failed to state his position, offending no one. He had already considered it last night. Since he had chosen to enter the game, he might as well join the Heaven Dou Imperial Family. Xue Ye did not have many years left to live anyway, and Qian Renxue valued talented people. She would most likely try to recruit him. With an official identity, planning certain things would be easier. It was worth trying.
Sure enough, Emperor Xue Ye's smile deepened upon hearing this. "Good! It is good that you have such aspirations. The empire is currently in need of young Soul Master talents. If you are willing, I can grant you the title of count and reward you with a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone. What do you think?"
That offer was hardly a small one. Chen Chu had not expected Xue Ye to be so generous. Moreover, the title of count carried no real authority or duties, yet had official recognition. For Chen Chu, who had only just arrived in the imperial capital, it was a decent starting point.
But Chen Chu did not agree immediately. Instead, he pondered for a moment and said, "I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's favor. However, I have only just arrived and am unfamiliar with many matters. I fear I may bring trouble to Your Majesty."
After hearing that, the corners of Xue Ye's mouth rose even further. He felt that this young man was steady and not rash.
Xue Ye waved a hand with a domineering smile. "What is there to fear about trouble? Who would dare oppose my words? With Zhi Lin and the others here, ask about anything you do not understand. Even if you cause trouble, it does not matter. Could I possibly make a young man like you bear it all alone?"
Zhi Lin immediately added, "His Majesty is right. Xiao Chu, rest assured. With us old fellows here, I can explain the rules of the imperial capital and the imperial family's duties to you in detail. No one would dare provoke you."
Xue Qinghe also chimed in, though his tone was even more amiable. "Brother Chen, there is no need to decline. This is His Majesty's appreciation for you. It would not be good to refuse again."
"If Brother Chen does not mind, you may visit the Eastern Palace whenever you have free time. If anything happens, I will support you."
The attempt at recruitment was obvious in those words. The Eastern Palace was the crown prince's domain. Inviting Chen Chu there as a guest was, in plain terms, an attempt to draw him to his side.
Chen Chu understood perfectly well, but he put on an overwhelmed expression. "Thank you for Your Highness's favor. If I have the time, I will certainly come and trouble you."
Prince Xue Xing glanced at Xue Qinghe but said nothing. Still, the meaning in his gaze was somewhat complicated. He had always been at odds with the crown prince, and seeing Xue Qinghe recruit Chen Chu naturally left him somewhat displeased. However, he did not openly undermine him.
The atmosphere in the side hall remained fairly harmonious. Xue Ye asked Chen Chu about some of his past experiences, and Chen Chu only mentioned unimportant matters, avoiding anything that might arouse suspicion.
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