Chapter 88

Upon hearing King Wu'an's words, everyone's gaze fell upon the First Prince, their eyes filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred, wishing they could replace First Prince.

This is a Spirit Condensation Pill!

The First Prince, however, remained completely calm. After accepting the pill, he merely cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and casually said:

"Then thank you, Your Highness!"

Faced with the First Prince's arrogance, King Wu'an showed no impatience whatsoever, but instead quickly gave the order:

"Guards, lead the First Prince to his seat!"

Soon, a servant led the First Prince to his seat.

The banquet continued, but the atmosphere remained tense.

People's eyes would often fall on the First Prince.

The original arrangement at the banquet was for the Second Prince and Princess Ziwei to stand side by side as two powerful figures.

But after the First Prince made a strong entrance, the situation suddenly became a three-way power struggle.

Furthermore, the First Prince's impact was even greater than the previous two.

After all, everyone knows that the First Prince is a born cripple who cannot cultivate, but today he has made a strong comeback with extraordinary talent, clearly intending to seize this opportunity to make a name for himself.

At the same time, people were also very curious about how the First Prince had cultivated to such a level all by himself in the harsh and desolate borderlands.

Some people mustered up their courage and stepped forward to offer a toast to the First Prince.

However, the First Prince completely ignored those respectful scions of noble families and high-ranking officials, not even offering a smile, exuding an arrogant air and disdaining to engage in conversation with them.

The First Prince's superior attitude ignited an invisible anger in those people, yet they couldn't vent it.

Everyone couldn't help but sigh at the First Prince's arrogant nature. What good was such a person, even if he had exceptional talent? This was the imperial city, not a place where one could do whatever one wanted just because one was talented.

However, many people were secretly delighted, thinking that if they could befriend the First Prince, their future career prospects would be limitless.

The thought had barely crossed their minds when they themselves nipped it in the bud.

Because the eldest son of the Wang Family, the most prestigious family in the capital, returned defeated.

Countless people sighed inwardly. If the First Prince wouldn't even give face to the Wang Family, then they, as second-rate First Prince families, would be even less worthy of his attention.

However, some believe that the First Prince refused simply because he was unable to express his opinion in front of everyone.

They still harbored the intention to win over the First Prince, but the reason for this remains unknown.

These scenes unfolded before Xiao Minghuang's eyes, and she narrowed her eyes, not understanding what the First Prince's attitude was.

Choosing to return at this time, if it were said that he had no interest in the throne, probably no one would believe it.

If the First Prince truly desires to seize the throne, why would he refuse the advance of so many powerful families eager to befriend him?

Was it to conceal his ambitions from her and the Second Prince?

But if that's the case, why did you make that flamboyant and domineering entrance just now?

Isn't this a contradiction?

However, considering the First Prince's identity as a transmigrator, Xiao Minghuang felt relieved.

If the First Prince was transported to another time recently, then it would be understandable that he would behave in ways unbecoming of his status.

After all, some naive time travelers, after transmigrating, view others as if they were NPCs in a game, wishing they could grow their eyes to the top of their heads.

"Such a temperament is nothing to worry about!"

112. Challenge, marriage

On the high platform.

King Wu'an frowned.

When he first met the First Prince, the man was calm, reserved, humble, and polite.

But this time when we met again, I felt that he acted without any rhyme or reason, had a kind of manic disregard for his status, and was accompanied by unrealistic arrogance, which was utterly disappointing.

He initially recognized the First Prince's talent, believing that his nearly twenty years of seclusion were a prelude to a meteoric rise to fame, but he never expected...

His behavior before and after was completely different!

Before this, he even planned to examine the First Prince's character. If his virtue was acceptable, coupled with such outstanding talent, then becoming his grandson-in-law would not be out of the question.

In retrospect, sending the First Prince to the banquet was a mistake.

A hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

"It seems... Xiu'er's marriage needs to be reconsidered."

King Wu'an was deep in thought. His gaze swept across the entire room, lingering for a moment on several princes.

This banquet, besides being ordered by Emperor Xia to mend the conflict among the imperial heirs, also had its own considerations.

That was to help his granddaughter Xu Xiuer, choose a reliable husband.

Initially, he intended to marry Xiu'er to the Second Prince.

However, the timing, location, and popular support are all against the Second Prince.

If Xiu'er were to marry the Second Prince, it would undoubtedly be pushing her into a fire pit.

As he pondered, his gaze fell upon Xiao Minghuang.

"If Princess Ziwei weren't engaged, she and Xiu'er would be a good match..."

King Wu'an pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the remaining princes.

Of the remaining princes, the Third Prince and fourth princes were too mediocre and unworthy of his granddaughter.

The Fifth Prince, who travels extensively, is upright, chivalrous, and loves to befriend chivalrous heroes. He has never been known to have a woman in his life.

Such a person might be suitable as a brother or friend, but probably not as a husband.

The Sixth Prince was obsessed with swords and had nothing to do but practice them all day long. The Fifth Prince at least kept in touch with his brothers and friends, but the Sixth Prince was a complete lone swordsman.

"These two are too aloof. Xiu'er marries either of them, she'll likely be neglected. They don't seem like good matches..."

Thinking of this, King Wu'an sighed softly and turned his gaze back to Xiao Minghuang.

Sitting upright behind the desk, Xiao Minghuang wore a magnificent and elegant bright yellow dress. Her noble temperament and graceful demeanor made her appear heroic and dashing, like a blooming peony, with every move exuding extraordinary charm.

King Wu'an could see that although Princess Ziwei was a girl with a very beautiful appearance, she exuded a natural and domineering aura.

This inexplicable charm attracts both men and women.

Thinking of this, King Wu'an couldn't help but sigh. He could foresee that if his granddaughter met Princess Ziwei, she would definitely develop a fondness for her.

He couldn't help but feel a little regretful. If Princess Ziwei hadn't married Miss Lin from Beiyang City, he would have swallowed his pride and proposed to Princess Ziwei.

"Xiu'er's marriage must be settled as soon as possible. If it's delayed until after the competition, when everything is settled, it will be meaningless."

King Wu'an knew that his position was crucial while the princes were still undecided; once the outcome was decided, the significance of winning him over would greatly diminish.

Therefore, if it truly comes to the point where there is no other choice...

It was around this time.

The Second Prince, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly stood up. He coughed lightly, attracting the attention of everyone present.

"Gentlemen, today the seven of us brothers are gathered together, a grand occasion that has not been seen for more than a decade. If we do nothing meaningful, wouldn't it be a waste of His Majesty and King Wu'an's good intentions?"

The Second Prince's voice was neither too loud nor too soft, sounding gentle and refined, making it impossible for anyone to refuse.

Upon hearing this...

As if he had received an imperial edict, the Fourth Prince immediately chimed in, echoing:

"Second Brother is right! This is a rare opportunity. Second Brother, please give us your suggestions, we will definitely agree!"

Upon hearing this statement...

Everyone present immediately understood the Fourth Prince's stance; seeing the situation was turning against him, he was already planning to side with the Second Prince.

Although King Wu'an just humbled himself and knelt before Princess Ziwei, it was probably just an act.

After all, King Wu'an was the Second Prince's maternal uncle; there was no reason for him to switch allegiance to Princess Ziwei, an outsider.

The other princes, however, displayed various expressions.

The Fifth Prince was whispering to the burly man beside him.

The Sixth Prince placed his hands on his sword and closed his eyes in deep thought.

The Third Prince gripped his wine cup tightly, staring straight ahead, but his gaze kept shifting between the Second Prince and Princess Ziwei.

The First Prince was already completely drunk, slumped on the table, unconscious.

As for Xiao Minghuang, she watched with amusement as the Second Prince prepared to put on his act.

The Second Prince's gaze swept across the entire room, and he chuckled softly:

"Fourth brother, you're too kind. In that case, why don't the seven of us siblings each display our strengths and have a competition? Consider it a warm-up for the grand competition, what do you say?"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone present changed.

Everyone knows that the royal selection is for choosing the Crown Prince; such an important event doesn't need any pre-event hype.

Furthermore, once a competition begins, shouldn't one showcase their full strength?

With the competition approaching, no one wanted to reveal their true strength prematurely.

As expected.

Even the Fourth Prince looked troubled upon hearing this.

He had just decided to join the Second Prince's faction, and he absolutely could not back down now.

The Fourth Prince, forcing himself to speak, explained:

"Yes, yes! My siblings and I haven't gotten together often. Today is just a friendly spar. Everyone, please don't go all out. Just a little test of your skills, enough to have some fun!"

As they were talking.

He flashed to the center of the hall, a long sword appeared in his hand, and he slashed with it. He glanced at the princes, and finally his gaze settled on Xiao Minghuang.

"Gentlemen, who would like to spar with me?"

Seeing this, the Second Prince nodded secretly, thinking to himself, "My fourth brother is indeed a talented person, worthy of being cultivated."

Sensing the provocative gaze from the Fourth Prince, Xiao Minghuang's lips curled into a faint smile.

She could tell that the Fourth Prince was full of fighting spirit and wanted to challenge her.

What reason would she have to accept this pointless competition?

At this point.

The Second Prince knew this perfectly well.

After the incidents involving the Seventh Prince and Myriad Treasures Pavilion, he discovered that Xiao Minghuang was a person who wouldn't act without self-interest.

If you can't make her feel that there's something to gain, you won't be able to attract Xiao Minghuang.

Even provoking her is difficult.

Therefore, if you want to catch big fish, you must use heavy bait!

The next moment, his gaze shifted, and he transmitted his voice to King Wu'an, saying:

"Uncle, it's your turn to make an appearance!"

Upon hearing this, King Wu'an nodded and said loudly:

"Since Your Highnesses wish to have a competition, how could I not lend a hand?"

113. Daughter's Brew