Heldan laughed heartily. "Competition is competition, but the choice isn't in our hands. We all want to become the prince consort, but of course the princess is free to choose whoever she likes. How could real men let a woman spoil their friendship..." Before he could finish, Mengya jabbed him from beside him. His remark had indeed been rather discourteous.
Yang Longyue smiled faintly, inwardly cursing the barbarian's lack of manners. Still, in his view, a man who aspired to great things could not place too much importance on women. Heldan's words were crude, but his reasoning was sound.
Xu Mubai said, "For all of us to gather here in Fragrant City is already a remarkable twist of fate. Whoever the princess ultimately chooses, it won't harm our friendship."
"My cousin is absolutely right!" Hu Xiaotian said with a smile. He remained wary of Xu Mubai. Despite disguising himself as an innocent little white rabbit who knew nothing of the world, Xu Mubai concealed unfathomable schemes beneath his elegant, gentlemanly exterior. At the Moon-Gazing Tower, he had deliberately tried to poison Hu Xiaotian. If Ji Feihua had not stopped him in time, Hu Xiaotian might have fallen into his trap.
Mengya said, "It's best if you can all be that broad-minded. Men should be able to take things up and let them go. Otherwise, I'll look down on you."
Prince Fu, Yang Longyue, said, "I agree with Princess Mengya. In your opinion, Princess, which of these gentlemen has the best chance of becoming the prince consort?"
"Do you even need to ask?" Mengya said. "My brother, of course!"
A trace of a smile appeared at the corner of Zhao Wusheng's mouth. Though they stood far apart, Mengya unexpectedly noticed it. She glared fiercely at him. "What are you laughing at?