The following day, at the Crown Prince's birthday banquet
I had two older brothers with me. I really wanted to sit in a corner, but my third brother, Xie Qinglan, grabbed my wrist and stopped me.
He said somewhat helplessly, "Actually, the corner seats are all reserved in advance. You're late; they've already been booked."
"Then why could I sit anywhere I wanted before?"
"That's because your second brother booked it for you. You came with a mission this year, so you can't sit in the corner."
I am shocked and incredulous. It turns out that your entire Hou family is mute!
The young master was too lazy to ask, and you were too lazy to explain.
Forget it, I already knew that, so why dwell on it? I'll just get used to it...
I sat between my second and third brothers, thinking that since no one else knew me, it didn't matter.
But I was wrong; it turns out everyone knows me.
I could hear a lot of people talking around me.
"I heard he's the young master who came back from the dead; he's absolutely stunning."
"He's been dead for seven days! How could he come back to life?!"
"Could it be that the person who came back wasn't the young master himself?"
"Keep your voice down, or his brothers will beat you up."
I was somewhat surprised; they had actually guessed correctly! I glanced at the gossiping young masters and ladies of the nobility, a sinister smile creeping onto my lips, intending to scare them.
Then those people said, "Yes, they made eye contact! That young master's smile is so captivating..."
"..."
In short, I originally planned to quietly admire the handsome men, but now that I look around, there are hardly any!
The best-looking ones were actually their brothers from the Marquis's mansion! How could that be!
My eyes went from sparkling brightly to lifeless and dull in an instant.
My second brother noticed my change in expression. He didn't say anything, but simply pushed the delicious food in front of me and whispered in my ear, "My eldest brother told me you don't like things too sweet, but this white fungus soup isn't very sweet. Try it."
" Xiexie, Second Brother." I said, feeling bored as I drank.
"The Crown Prince will be out soon, don't be nervous."
"I'm not nervous." Anyway, I wasn't even thinking about completing the mission. What, getting married within two months? Are you kidding me? I don't believe it. What kind of marriage can happen in two months? These people aren't even as handsome as my older brother.
In her past life, she didn't even think she'd be able to fall in love with a handsome mixed-race guy like Qin Fang. So what difference would it make if she met another handsome guy?
Lost in thought, I suddenly saw the Crown Prince up close for the first time. Although his appearance was as bright as the moon and stars, his handsome features revealed a ruthless aura.
Ah, it's this one again. It's somewhat similar to Ling Zhenyang. I'm not really interested.
Luckily, I've seen this type before, otherwise I would definitely go back tonight and instigate the Marquis to rebel, making the Crown Prince my pet.
What a pity, it seems I didn't get this script.
The next two princes to appear... I felt nothing for any of them. Although they were all handsome, I just didn't feel any attraction to them.
My second brother was observing my every move, as if he was worried that I might fall for royalty.
I was a little speechless. "Second brother, why are you looking at me like that?"
"You have no designs on any of the princes?"
I frowned slightly, shook my head, and whispered in my second brother's ear, "They're not as good-looking as you two, brothers."
Xie Qingzhi chuckled softly, "When did you become so sweet-talking?"
"To tell the truth." I don't really like classical Chinese phrases; they're too convoluted. No wonder the ancients spoke so politely—they had to think before they spoke, forming words and sentences. If I were swearing, I could have gone through several rounds of swearing in that time.
Once the banquet officially began, I casually glanced around and discovered that these so-called prestigious families, while appearing calm on the surface, were actually rife with undercurrents.
The power struggles and infighting among the princes seem to have infiltrated this seemingly peaceful banquet.
Perhaps because it didn't concern me, my calm gaze appeared quite indifferent. Coupled with my already handsome face, it still attracted quite a few men and women who secretly glanced at me.
Since there weren't many handsome men to admire, I started to drift off into daydreams, thinking about what to eat for lunch tomorrow, and whether I'd ever be able to write to my older brother again...
My older brother has only been gone for two days, and I already miss him!
To be honest, apart from the servant, my elder brother is actually the person I spend the most time with and have the closest contact with in private. It's inevitable that I'll develop some dependence on him.
Another half hour passed, and as I was resting my head on my hand and lamenting my boredom, the Third Prince, who was closest to the Crown Prince, suddenly vomited black blood and collapsed on the table.
The banquet instantly descended into chaos, with screams erupting everywhere and palace maids and eunuchs in a state of panic.
I remained seated, my brow furrowed slightly, thinking to myself: Sure enough, court banquets are never short of this kind of drama.
My second brother quickly stood up, shielding me behind him, and whispered, "Don't move." His voice was calm and steady, as if he had already anticipated what would happen.
The third brother looked disdainful, coldly scanning his surroundings as if searching for some clue. "Third brother, don't make any rash moves," the second brother warned in a low voice, a hint of tension in his tone.
I looked at the Third Prince lying slumped on the table, feeling little emotion. After all, this kind of court intrigue was none of my business, and I didn't want to get involved. However, the murmurs around me forced me to pay attention to how things were developing.
"I've heard that the Third Prince and the Crown Prince are currently at odds..."
"Could it be that the Crown Prince did this?"
"Shh, keep your voice down, don't let anyone hear you."
My second brother seemed worried that I was feeling uneasy, and gently comforted me, "Don't worry, you'll get used to it."
I:"..."
"There were originally eighteen princes, but now there are only eight left," my third brother told me.
"Oh..."
Aren't you surprised?
"I'm adjusting, and didn't I encounter the same thing the time before last?" Back then, the young master was hiding in a corner watching the show, almost eating sunflower seeds. Actually, the young master has a certain level of resilience.
My second brother was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, then patted me on the back to comfort me.
I looked up at him, thinking to myself that my brothers were being far too flustered.
They simply moved from the back row to the front to watch the palace intrigue drama up close.
The third prince died before he could be carried far.
After the banquet was checked, my brothers and I left the palace without incident. Xie Qinglan was also paying close attention to my mood. He wrapped a fluffy cloak around me and, seeing that I didn't resist his touch, gave me a warm hot water bottle.
The warmth traveled through my palm, as if flowing into my blood; I was stunned for a moment.
Early the next morning
I was summoned to the palace by the Emperor, and the entire Marquis's residence was on high alert.
I guessed it; they probably wanted the Third Prince to be brought back to life like me.
I thought I would be going to the banquet alone, but it turned out that the Marquis accompanied me.
Sitting in the carriage, looking at the Marquis's serious expression, I couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. Although I was a time traveler, I still felt somewhat powerless in the face of such court intrigue. The Marquis seemed to sense my unease and gently comforted me, "Don't be afraid, with your father here, no one dares to touch you."
"I'm not afraid, Dad's the best." I encouraged my worried father in return.
Upon hearing this, the Marquis couldn't help but cough a few times, then suddenly declared with imposing authority, "You're right! Whoever bullies you, Father will beat them up!"
What if the Emperor hits me?
"Then pretend Dad didn't say anything."
"..."