Ren Tianqing's expression remained as still as an ancient well. He smiled. "That gift was meant for Your Highness in the first place. Having given it away, how could this humble subject take it back?"
Zhou Ruiyuan and Wen Chenghuan were both utterly bewildered. As veterans who had spent years immersed in court politics, however, they already understood that they were certainly not the principal guests tonight. Their role was merely to keep the others company.
After three rounds of wine, Qiqi said, "I invited you here for another purpose as well: to discuss affairs of state. You have all seen the current situation. The Fragrant Kingdom has risen unexpectedly, and its power continues to grow, threatening Great Kang's security. In your opinion, how should we respond?"
Hong Beimo and Ren Tianqing exchanged a glance. Neither of them often spoke on political matters.
Zhou Ruiyuan said, "Before a flood arrives, we must first build dikes. As long as those dikes are sturdy enough, they can hold back the flood even when muddy waves rise to the heavens."
Grand Tutor Wen Chenghuan said, "An excellent insight, Lord Zhou. To repel threats from without, we must first secure peace within. This old subject agrees. We must first stabilize the country internally and eliminate its traitors as soon as possible. Only then can we unite our strength more effectively."
That was clearly not what Zhou Ruiyuan had meant, and Wen Chenghuan knew it perfectly well. He had merely seized the opportunity to deliberately misinterpret Zhou Ruiyuan's words.
Zhou Ruiyuan was about to refute him when Qiqi said, "Who exactly are these traitors Grand Tutor Wen speaks of?"
Wen Chenghuan said, "Naturally, the Prince of Suppressing the Sea, who relies on his troops to defy the throne..."
Zhou Ruiyuan interrupted him with a burst