In the spectator stands, Lu Yu sat among the crowd, his gaze sweeping quietly over the surroundings. His hands were casually crossed before his chest, and he wore a simple gray-blue robe. Compared to the lavishly dressed spectators around him, he seemed somewhat ordinary, yet his bearing was distinctly different. His eyes eventually settled on the elderly man in luxurious attire seated in the place of honor.
The old man wore a dark purplish-red robe embroidered with exquisite golden cloud patterns. A badge set with an enormous sapphire hung on his chest, while a shimmering dagger rested at his waist. His hair was graying, but his face remained ruddy and radiant, his eyes sharp and lively. Even sitting motionless, he exuded an imposing aura, as though his very presence was enough to suppress the entire venue.
Lu Yu's lips curled slightly as he murmured, "Interesting."
Hearing this, Dai Tianxing turned to him in confusion. "What did you notice?"
Lu Yu shook his head slightly instead of answering directly. "What do you think of that old man?"
Dai Tianxing followed his gaze and quickly noticed the old man. He frowned faintly. "He has an extraordinary bearing. He looks like some powerful noble. Could he be Xue Ye?"
"No." Lu Yu chuckled softly and lowered his voice. "Xue Ye is even older than him. I've seen his portrait—he looks nothing like this. And if I'm not mistaken, this man should be Prince Xue Xing, Xue Ye's younger brother."
"Prince Xue Xing?" Dai Tianxing froze, then said thoughtfully, "So it's him. I've heard that although this prince holds no power at court, his influence is astonishing. Especially within the military—he has considerable real authority. They say he has earned military achievements many times and is even more beloved than the current emperor."
Lu