Though he had given the order, how could the attendants dare act?
Li Yunrui laughed. "Chengcheng, you're far too mischievous, teasing your own brother in full view of everyone. If you ask me, you're the 'naughtiest' of all your brothers!"
Far from ashamed, Zhou Cheng grinned. "It's too dull in here. I was only joking!"
He waved a hand, dismissing the attendants.
The attendants all breathed sighs of relief and withdrew to the side, while his unusual behavior drew glances from quite a few people nearby.
Li Yunrui, too, sensed that her nephew was different from before. Just as she was about to find something to discuss with him, a commotion arose beside the hall, followed by the ringing of bells and chimes and the strains of ceremonial music.
Clang-!
A eunuch's announcement pierced the music. "His Majesty arrives-!"
Everyone's expression grew solemn as they rose together and bowed.
Emperor Qing entered at a measured pace with the empress, his black dragon robe lending him imposing majesty.
Emperor Qing wore an amiable expression. Only after he and the empress settled onto their imperial seats did he raise a hand. "Be seated, my ministers!"
Everyone returned to their seats, and the master of ceremonies proclaimed loudly, "Let the celebration begin-!"
The palace maids, who had long been waiting in readiness, fluttered in like colorful butterflies, replacing the dishes with hot food and fresh wine.
Strings and pipes sounded anew, dancing girls whirled gracefully, and the ministers raised their cups in congratulations. The banquet suddenly grew lively.
Zhou Cheng devoted only part of his attention to the constantly changing dishes, his gaze occasionally sweeping toward the imperial seat.
Emperor Qing looked down upon the gathering with a smile, occasionally turning to murmur a few words to the empress. His expression was kindly, his posture relaxed, as though this were merely an ordinary family feast filled with warmth and harmony.
After three rounds of wine, most had set down their cups and chopsticks, and the music in the hall briefly subsided. Emperor Qing spoke:
"My eldest son, Chengru, has reached the age of manhood. He holds lofty ambitions, practices diligently at arms, and keeps the frontier in his heart, ever wishing to bring it peace. Though I am reluctant to part with him, I cannot bear to disappoint his desire to serve his country."
Zhou Cheng looked at the Eldest Prince beside him and found that he was already sitting perfectly upright.
"...I hereby command Li Chengru to assist in the military affairs of the Western Army and take up his post forthwith. He shall be granted a suit of Mingguang Armor, a Longquan Sword, and a Cloud-Piercing Spear."
The Eldest Prince left his seat, knelt on one knee, and accepted the decree with thanks.
Attendants presented the heavy armor and gleaming weapons. Rather than returning to his seat at once, he cupped his fists and declared with fervor:
"Father, you have honored me with your trust, and I have nothing with which to repay it. At this grand gathering, I wish to offer a spear dance to you and your ministers, praying that our Qing's mountains and rivers stand secure forever and its fortunes flourish!"
Emperor Qing looked pleased and raised a hand. "Granted!"
The Eldest Prince stood with the spear in hand. A flick of his wrist made its shaft hum. His opening stance was as steady as a towering mountain and a still, deep pool; when he moved, he was like thunder striking without warning.
The long spear became streaks of silver dragons in his hands, its howling rush filling the hall. Every sweeping thrust and swing carried the chilling murderous force of battlefield campaigns. There was none of a performance's empty flourish, only the most direct display of strength and skill.
Zhou Cheng had long since stopped what he was doing and watched without blinking.
The forceful gusts striking his face, the sharp sound of the spear tip piercing the air, and that concentrated, surging presence let him feel firsthand how different this world was. An irresistible yearning rose from the depths of his heart.
Ah... in the end, it's the system holding me back!
Thinking of the system mission with no solution in sight, and the scholarly path already arranged for him, Zhou Cheng felt utterly helpless.
"Bravo-!"
When the dance ended, thunderous cheers surged through the hall and lingered for a long time.
The Eldest Prince bowed to Emperor Qing and returned to his seat. The armor and weapons were displayed beside his table, gleaming with a cold metallic light.
Just then, Zhou Cheng felt a gaze from above sweep over their side.
Immediately afterward, Emperor Qing's voice rang out again.
"Cen Dansheng, Left Censor-in-Chief of the Overwatch Council, upholds righteousness in his judgments and possesses unyielding integrity. He is a pillar of our nation. Now advanced in years, he has requested retirement, but I find it truly difficult to let him go.
"My second and third sons happen to be growing older, at precisely the age to study the classics and histories. I wish to ask Minister Cen to remain in the capital as tutor to the princes, both preserving his talents for the realm and allowing him to enjoy his remaining years in peace."
Tutor to the princes!
Zhou Cheng's heart jolted. The lingering excitement stirred by the spear dance instantly cooled.
So it had come after all!
An elderly minister with white hair and beard, dressed in plain court robes, stepped out from the ranks of civil officials.
"Your Majesty's great favor leaves this old minister overwhelmed. All I have done was merely my duty; how could I deserve such praise? Your permission to remain in the capital and enjoy my remaining years is already a kindness as deep as the sea. If this worn-out body can still offer the princes a little enlightenment, I shall certainly devote what meager strength I possess."
He paused, then continued, "However, I am old and feeble, and fear I cannot teach both princes at once. I beseech Your Majesty to choose another worthy teacher to shoulder this great responsibility."
Emperor Qing's tone was level, betraying neither pleasure nor anger.
"If your strength is insufficient, choose one to teach. Of the two princes, select whichever you wish. If the choice proves difficult, test them a little and teach the one whose disposition suits you."
The instant he said this, nearly every gaze in the hall swept toward them.
Muted discussion spread rapidly. Many ministers exchanged glances, their expressions subtle.
Unable to decline despite repeated attempts, the elderly minister could only bow toward the imperial seat and then toward the brothers.
"Since this is Your Majesty's will, I shall venture to ask Your Highnesses a few questions."
The Second Prince immediately rose, his manner respectful. "Your student would not presume otherwise. Please ask your questions, sir."
Zhou Cheng wiped his hands on his sleeves and slowly stood.
Alas...
He sighed inwardly.
That's Emperor Qing for you. Nothing he loves more than putting his sons through the wringer!
With one casually spoken sentence, he can sow discord between two brothers and put them both over the fire...
He did not know whether the others had realized this, but most looked over with the anticipation of a good show, apparently finding an examination of princes far more entertaining than music and dancing.
Cen Dansheng paced for a moment, swept his gaze over the two of them, and slowly posed his first question.
"As imperial princes, what ambitions do Your Highnesses hold?"
The Second Prince seemed prepared and replied without a moment's thought.
"Your student aspires to devote himself to learning and explore the principles of governing the world. I wish to contribute my modest efforts to the court's civil administration, ease Father's burdens, and fulfill my duty to the realm."
His clear voice and upright bearing made quite a few ministers nod slightly.
It was Zhou Cheng's turn.
He had not expected this question and secretly rejoiced. Isn't this the perfect opportunity to express my 'ambitions'!
Without giving it much further thought, he said:
"Previously, I had no great ambitions and wanted only to eat, drink, and enjoy myself. But after witnessing my eldest brother's valor today, I suddenly felt that practicing martial arts and defending the frontier, protecting our borders and keeping the people safe, would suit me very well."
When he finished, Cen Dansheng offered no comment. Instead, a voice suddenly spoke from the imperial seat.
Emperor Qing's voice was gentle. "Chengze is eager to learn and thoughtful. His filial devotion is commendable, and it greatly comforts me."
Zhou Cheng raised his eyes and stole a quick glance at Emperor Qing.
Emperor Qing's gaze also turned toward him, his tone remaining calm.
"Chengcheng's wish to follow his elder brother's example is naturally a good thing. However, studying the classics, understanding principles and cultivating oneself, then assisting the sovereign and governing a region in the future, is also an excellent path."
At that, Zhou Cheng's heart sank.
Emperor Qing had phrased it tactfully, but his meaning could not have been clearer.
Low whispers rose in the hall, and many gazes turned toward him, their meaning difficult to discern.
Cen Dansheng raised a hand to stroke his beard and posed his second question at just the right moment.
"During the banquet, I noticed that the Third Prince was particularly fond of fresh fruit, which brought a thought to mind. Suppose His Majesty bestowed a rare foreign fruit upon you, with only one portion available, and you knew your brother also enjoyed it. What would you do?"
The Second Prince looked composed and answered without hesitation. "If my third brother liked it, I would gladly give it to him. Affection from elder brothers and respect from younger brothers are the proper way."
Cen Dansheng nodded, as did many of the ministers around them.
Zhou Cheng's thoughts spun rapidly. Only after hesitating a while did he answer, "I would divide it equally with my second brother."
Cen Dansheng seemed dissatisfied and pressed further. "What if there were only a single fruit and it could not be cut apart? What then?"
Zhou Cheng lowered his head slightly, then quickly raised it again. "I would still divide it equally! I would eat the flesh, and my second brother could eat the pit."
"Pfft..."
An irrepressible laugh first sounded from a corner of the hall, then seemed to spread like an infection, with low laughter rising here and there.
Beside him, the Second Prince's face darkened for an instant before swiftly regaining its composure.
"You third son of mine!" Emperor Qing raised a hand and pointed loosely at him, shaking his head with a laugh. His tone sounded half helpless, half reproachful. "You truly are... a little rogue!"
Once the laughter gradually subsided, Cen Dansheng's expression grew solemn as he asked his final question.
"If someday Your Highness encountered a starving commoner on the verge of death along the road, what would you do?"
The Second Prince frowned slightly, appearing to ponder. After a moment, he answered solemnly:
"Your student would order his attendants to offer immediate aid, feeding the person broth, then giving them money and grain to help them return home. I would also instruct the local officials to attend to the people's hardships."
Zhou Cheng, meanwhile, wore a perfectly measured look of confusion. His voice was not loud, but it carried clearly enough to those in the front rows.
"A starving commoner? If they're hungry, why not eat meat gruel?"
The hall abruptly fell silent, and then-
Roar-!
Laughter suddenly erupted. Many could not contain themselves, rocking back and forth.
The corners of the Second Prince's mouth twitched as he struggled to suppress his laughter, but his eyes already held complete confidence and ease.
Even the Eldest Prince, Li Chengru, who had been sitting perfectly upright throughout, could not help raising a hand to his lips to conceal his smile.
The Eldest Princess laughed so hard she shook like flowering branches in the breeze, even kindly reminding him, "Chengcheng, starving commoners are poor people with nothing to eat. Where would they get meat gruel?"
Zhou Cheng rolled his eyes inwardly. Only when the laughter eased a little did he act as though he had suddenly understood.
"So they have nothing to eat! That must be the most miserable thing in the world. I'm terribly softhearted and cannot bear such sights. If I encountered a starving commoner on the road, I would certainly hurry away and not dare look any longer!"
Another wave of laughter swept through the hall. Most ministers hid their faces as they laughed, but some laughed without restraint, even pointing at him.
Amid the laughter, Zhou Cheng keenly noticed that Emperor Qing had also been smiling upon his imperial seat. Yet when his gaze swept across those pointing so freely, his smile instantly vanished without a trace.
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