Zhang Tie had no great ambitions for the Western Continent. But since he already possessed a territory in Fadilan, it was only proper to make preparations for the future. It was like a farmer gathering firewood from the mountain and storing it in his own courtyard for later use—gathering firewood did not mean he wanted to claim the entire green mountain for himself.
And so, as Zhang Tie pondered the maps of the Fadilan territory, the Barbarian Alliance, the Ressa Republic, and the Noxinghan Commercial Alliance, while considering Jerome and Colin's futures, the vehicle unknowingly entered Imperial Emperor City and returned to Thousand Mechanism Manor.
Upon returning to Thousand Mechanism Manor, Zhang Tie was surprised to find that an inner-court official from the imperial palace, sent by His Highness the Crown Prince, was already waiting for him.
After sending Bai Suxian and Yan Feiqing back to the annex residence, Zhang Tie met the eunuch official in one of the manor's reception rooms.
At the sight of Zhang Tie, the eunuch official immediately handed him a violet-gold invitation.
Zhang Tie took the invitation and looked it over, his expression turning strange. "His Highness the Crown Prince is holding a dinner banquet in the imperial palace?"
"Yes!" The eunuch official was exceptionally proper. Even as he spoke to Zhang Tie, he kept his eyes lowered, looking below Zhang Tie's knees rather than meeting his gaze, displaying the utmost respect. "Since the Devil Race invaded Great Xia, the Crown Prince has been occupied with affairs of state, and no banquets have been held in the imperial palace. Now that the General has awakened and the Western Theater has won a great victory, His Highness is delighted and has decided to hold a dinner banquet. First, to celebrate the General's recovery and the theater's