The three princes of Azure Sea Lake gathered at the Longze Marquis Residence.
Gu Rui and Gu Feng stood among the guests, both wearing warm, modest smiles and looking every inch the generous elder brothers.
You strolled into the hall and took your seat, your posture loose and relaxed.
Liu Sui and Du Ziqian stood silently behind you, one on either side.
Du Ziqian also noticed the elderly Confucian scholar among the guests.
Gu Rui spoke first. "Little brother, while you were cultivating in seclusion, several of your personal maids entered my residence. I didn't discuss it with you beforehand. Your second brother was presumptuous."
Before his words had faded, Gu Feng said coolly, "Second brother, your residence is full of concubines, with beauties by the thousand. You've never lacked attendants. Why take Third Brother's personal servants too? That hardly befits an elder brother."
Gu Rui chuckled. "Those concubines of mine are ordinary beauties with not a trace of spiritual grace. How could they compare to Third Brother's gifted, pure-spirited attendants?"
You picked up a lustrous spirit fruit from the table and took a small bite. Its crisp fragrance flowed down your throat.
"It's only a few maids," you said idly. "If Second Brother likes them, he can keep them."
Gu Rui's smile deepened.
Marquis Changze, Gu Changze, looked delighted. He glanced around the hall and said warmly, "It's rare to have all my nephews together at my residence. Stay and share a meal."
"You're too kind, Uncle," you said. "I have to go home and play cuju, so I'll skip the meal."
"I came today to ask you to return command of the Spirit-Commanding Army."
The entire hall fell silent.
Gu Feng's brows drew tight.
Gu Rui's fingers stilled, his jade cup suspended in midair.
The Spirit-Commanding Army was