"Blockhead. I gave you three parts face, and you still had the nerve to push your luck." Zhu Huan cursed inwardly.
This Zhu Li was as rigid and dull as ever.
He had embarrassed him in public, without giving him the slightest face.
Zhu Huan was a prince, after all, a man of standing in Divine Capital.
To be berated like this at his own banquet—
How could he possibly save face?
Yet he was, after all, Great Shun's Third Prince, a man of profound scheming.
That trace of irritation flashed through his eyes and vanished. The smile on his face immediately returned, even warmer than before.
Zhu Huan lifted his wine cup and rose to his feet. He gave Zhu Li a slight bow, lowering his posture greatly as he said flatteringly, "Cousin, your rebuke is right. Huan did not think things through."
Then Zhu Huan swept his gaze around the room and continued, "Cousin has devoted his heart to martial arts and traveled the world for years. Your cultivation has advanced so greatly; Huan could never compare to such perseverance and resolve."
"Cousin's words just now were like a thunderclap that deafened the ears, and they filled Huan with shame. You are indeed the imperial clan's strongest prodigy, the foremost martial artist among Divine Capital's younger generation. I admire such character beyond measure."
Those words were exceptionally polished. He acknowledged his own shortcomings while fiercely elevating Zhu Li, placing one lofty hat after another upon his head—"devoted to martial arts," "perseverance and resolve," "Divine Capital's foremost." His words brimmed with worship and admiration, leaving no room for criticism.
At this, the chill on Zhu Li's face eased slightly. He nodded faintly.
He rose, lifted the wine cup before him, and took a shallow sip. "Li's tone was overly