Celebration Banquet, It Has to Be According to Our Zhanjun's Rules!

In the Eastern Palace, within the Yuqing Palace.

A festive atmosphere filled the air.

Crown Princess Zhang, mother of Zhu Zhanjun and Zhu Zhanji, held her eldest son Zhu Zhanji's hand, beaming with joy.

"Good! Very good! My Ji'er, your contribution during this imperial visit was meritorious, and Father Emperor publicly praised you. Mother is so happy for you!"

Although Zhu Zhanji wore a smile, it was somewhat strained.

He knew that his so-called "merit" was insignificant compared to his second brother's peerless achievement of "sweeping across Mobei."

"Mother, this is what your son should do," Zhu Zhanji said humbly.

"By the way, Mother, where is Zhanjun?"

"How could he not be present at such a grand occasion?"

He finally voiced his inner doubts.

"That imp!"

Mentioning Zhu Zhanjun, the Crown Princess's smile widened, and she said with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

"He dislikes crowds and noise, so he slipped away from the army. He just sent someone to relay a message, saying he's going to take a bath and change his clothes, and will come over directly for dinner later."

"This... this is too preposterous!" Zhu Zhanji frowned.

"Father Emperor and all the officials are waiting, and he..."

"Alright, alright, don't you know his temperament?" The Crown Princess waved her hand, interrupting him.

"Your Father Emperor indulges him, so you don't need to worry about it."

"I've already sent someone to inform your grandfather."

She pulled Zhu Zhanji to sit down and then said to her daughter-in-law, Imperial Grandson's Consort Hu Shanxiang, who was beside her.

"Shanxiang, your grandfather and your father will be coming tonight to welcome Zhanjun. This celebration banquet must be handled properly; we cannot lose face for the Eastern Palace."

Hu Shanxiang quickly got up and replied respectfully, "Yes, Mother, your daughter-in-law understands."

She immediately took out a pre-prepared menu and itinerary and handed it over.

"Mother, please take a look. This is the menu I've drafted according to the highest imperial standard, the 'Longevity Banquet.' It includes one hundred and eight dishes, using only the finest ingredients."

"During the banquet, there will be music and dance performances from the Music and Dance Bureau to entertain, ensuring that both Grandfather and Father Emperor will be satisfied."

Hu Shanxiang's plan was impeccable and followed protocol, perfectly befitting imperial dignity and etiquette.

However, Crown Princess Zhang merely glanced at it before setting it aside.

She said to a supervising eunuch beside her, "Go and fetch the 'banquet plan' that Steward Wang from Zhanjun's residence sent a few days ago."

Soon, a plan on pristine white paper, adorned with various strange drawings, was brought over. The Crown Princess handed the plan to Hu Shanxiang and Zhu Zhanji, smiling.

"Take a look at this."

Zhu Zhanji and Hu Shanxiang took it with curiosity.

After just one look, both of them were completely stunned.

"Outdoor... buffet cold meal?"

"Grand... musical fireworks display?"

"Twelve Zodiac Signs theme... ice sculpture exhibition?"

"French baked snails, Japanese sashimi boat, German pork knuckle... What are these dish names? I've never heard of them!"

The plan not only contained terms they couldn't understand but also included exquisite hand-drawn illustrations. They depicted people holding plates and freely serving themselves in the garden; colorful "fireworks" blooming into various beautiful patterns in the night sky; and crystal-clear ice blocks carved into lifelike animals and figures.

What left them most breathless was the budget attached at the end of the plan.

"Material procurement... thirty thousand taels of gold?"

"Venue decoration and labor... fifty thousand taels of gold?"

"Fireworks... one hundred thousand taels?"

"Total budget... two hundred thousand taels of gold?!"

Zhu Zhanji gasped, and his hand trembled, nearly dropping the plan.

Two hundred thousand taels of gold!

That's enough to equip several garrisons!

His second brother is spending this much money on a family banquet?

This isn't just extravagance, it's outright insane money burning!

"Mother... Mother, this... this is too extravagant and wasteful!"

Zhu Zhanji said quickly.

"My second brother... how can he be so unrestrained!"

"Extravagant?"

The Crown Princess smiled dismissively.

"Your second brother said this money is all his own earnings, not from the Treasury, so he can spend it however he pleases."

"He also said that after fighting for so long, everyone is exhausted and deserves to enjoy themselves."

"Besides," a hint of pride flashed in the Crown Princess's eyes, "my son has achieved unparalleled merit. Forget two hundred thousand taels, even two million taels would be deserved!"

"Proceed with this plan!"

"Let your second brother's Steward Wang be in charge, and everyone from our Eastern Palace will cooperate fully!"

"Yes!"

Hu Shanxiang, standing nearby, was completely speechless.

She looked at the fantastical banquet plan, then at her own meticulously prepared "Longevity Banquet" menu, feeling like an uncultured country bumpkin.

Zhu Zhanji was also lost in thought.

He suddenly realized he might have never truly understood his brother.

How much money did he actually have?

Where did those incredible ideas of his come from?

Just then, a clear voice came from outside the hall, interrupting his thoughts.

"Mother! I'm back!"

Zhu Zhanjun, dressed in a clean sapphire blue brocade robe, his hair still damp, strode in.