At the banquet.
Chu Kuangren noticed Gu Changge sitting nearby. He had originally been the Crown Prince, so by all rights, he should have been the one ascending the throne.
Now, however, Princess Linglong was the one about to ascend.
Chu Kuangren would not have been surprised if Gu Changge felt resentment or anger. Yet he was chatting and laughing with the princes beside him, showing none of the frustration and fury one would expect after losing the throne.
Chu Kuangren was inwardly surprised.
Could his heart have grown so broad in the few years since we last met?
He considered it for a moment, then gave it no further thought.
The Qingyun Ruler must have spoken to Gu Changge beforehand about Linglong's accession and probably persuaded him to accept it.
Soon, the banquet ended.
The imperial relatives left the palace one after another.
"What a pity. He was a perfectly good Crown Prince, and the throne should have been his. Who would have thought Linglong would come charging out halfway?"
"Indeed, but Linglong is extraordinary too. Her methods are brilliant. Otherwise, she couldn't have won Father's regard."
"Most importantly, her Imperial Son-in-Law is Chu Kuangren. He's her greatest support. No wonder Father chose her."
"Tsk, tsk, what a shame. The Crown Prince might look unbothered on the surface, but who knows how stifled he feels inside?"
Two princes walked out of the palace with their arms around each other's shoulders, looking slightly tipsy.
Suddenly, they bumped into someone.
They looked up and found Gu Changge standing before them.
Their expressions turned solemn, and they hurriedly bowed.
"Greetings, Crown Prince. Our apologies. We couldn't quite hold our liquor and bumped into you. Please forgive our offense."
"It's all right."
Gu Changge smiled faintly.
"If there's nothing else, we'll take our