Chapter 102
On the high platform.
Prince Wu’an frowned.
When he first met the First Prince, the man was steady, reserved, modest, and courteous.
But upon seeing him again this time, he felt that the First Prince acted without any sense of order, displaying a kind of reckless arrogance that disregarded his status, coupled with unrealistic pride. It was truly disappointing.
Back then, he had valued the First Prince’s talent, thinking that after lying low for nearly twenty years, he was ready to make a stunning debut. But he never expected…
The difference in his behavior before and after was like night and day!
Before this, he had even considered evaluating the First Prince’s character. If his virtues were acceptable, combined with such outstanding talent, then having him as his grandson-in-law wouldn’t be a bad idea.
But.
Now it seemed that inviting the First Prince to the banquet was a mistake.
A look of disappointment flashed in his eyes.
“It seems… Xiu’er’s marriage will have to be reconsidered.”
Prince Wu’an pondered silently, his gaze sweeping across the room, lingering briefly on several of the princes.
This banquet, besides being ordered by the Emperor to reconcile the conflicts among the royal heirs, he also had his own considerations.
That was to help his granddaughter, Xu Xiu’er, choose a reliable husband.
Initially, he had planned to marry Xiu’er to the Second Prince.
But now, the timing, location, and circumstances were not in the Second Prince’s favor.
If he were to have Xiu’er married to the Second Prince now, it would undoubtedly be pushing her into a pit of fire.
As he thought this, his gaze fell upon Xiao Minghuang.
“If Princess Ziwei were not already engaged, she and Xiu’er would make a fine match…”
Prince Wu’an mused in his heart, his eyes shifting to glance over the remaining princes.
Among the other princes, the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince were too mediocre, unworthy of his granddaughter.
The Fifth Prince, who had been traveling abroad for years, was upright and righteous, with a strong sense of loyalty, and loved to associate with knights. There had never been any rumors of women around him.
Such a person might be suitable as a brother or friend, but as a husband, it would likely be inappropriate.
The Sixth Prince was devoted to the sword, spending his days doing nothing but practicing. At least the Fifth Prince still interacted with his brothers and friends regularly, but the Sixth Prince was a complete lone swordsman.
“These two are too reclusive. If Xiu’er were to marry either of them, she would likely be neglected. It doesn’t seem like a good match either…”
Thinking this, Prince Wu’an sighed softly and turned his gaze back to Xiao Minghuang.
Seated behind the table, Xiao Minghuang was dressed in a luxurious and elegant bright yellow gown, exuding a noble and graceful demeanor, appearing heroic and radiant, like a blooming peony of unparalleled beauty. Every movement she made was full of grace and charm.
Prince Wu’an could see that although Princess Ziwei was a girl with a very delicate appearance, there was an innate aura of dominance emanating from her.
This inexplicable charm would attract anyone, regardless of gender.
Thinking this, Prince Wu’an couldn’t help but sigh. He could foresee that if his granddaughter were to meet Princess Ziwei, she would surely develop a fondness for her.
He couldn’t help but feel a bit regretful. If Princess Ziwei had not been engaged to Miss Lin of Beiyang City, he would have swallowed his pride and proposed to Princess Ziwei himself.
“Xiu’er’s marriage must be settled as soon as possible. If it drags on until after the grand competition, when everything is already decided, it will be meaningless.”
Prince Wu’an was well aware that his stance was particularly crucial while the princes were still vying for supremacy. Once a clear winner emerged, the significance of winning him over would diminish greatly.
Thus, if it truly came to a point where there was no choice…
It was almost that time.
The long-silent Second Prince suddenly stood up. With a light cough, he drew the attention of everyone present.
“Gentlemen, today we, seven brothers, have gathered together. This is a rare event that hasn’t happened in over a decade. If we don’t do something meaningful, wouldn’t it be a waste of His Majesty and Prince Wu’an’s efforts?”
The Second Prince’s voice was neither too loud nor too soft, exuding a warm and jade-like quality that made it hard for anyone to refuse.
Hearing this.
The Fourth Prince, as if he had received an imperial decree, immediately chimed in:
“Second Brother is absolutely right! This is a rare opportunity. Second Brother, if you have any suggestions, please share them. We will surely agree!”
With these words.
Everyone present immediately understood the Fourth Prince’s stance. Seeing the situation turn unfavorable, he had already decided to side with the Second Prince.
Although Prince Wu’an had humbled himself earlier by kneeling before Princess Ziwei, it was likely just an act.
After all, Prince Wu’an was the Second Prince’s maternal uncle. There was no reason for him to switch allegiance to an outsider like Princess Ziwei.
The other princes, however, had varied expressions.
The Fifth Prince was whispering to a burly man beside him.
The Sixth Prince had his hands on his sword, eyes closed in deep thought.
The Third Prince tightly gripped his wine cup, staring ahead, but his gaze kept shifting between the Second Prince and Princess Ziwei.
The First Prince was already heavily drunk, slumped over the table, unconscious.
As for Xiao Minghuang, she wore an expression of mild amusement, quietly watching to see how the Second Prince would perform.
The Second Prince scanned the room and chuckled lightly:
“Fourth Brother, you’re too kind. Since that’s the case, why don’t we, seven siblings, each showcase our talents and have a friendly competition? Let’s consider it a warm-up for the grand contest. What do you think?”
Hearing this, the expressions of those present shifted.
Everyone knew that the royal contest was to select the crown prince. Such an important event hardly needed a warm-up.
Moreover, if they were to compete, wouldn’t they have to reveal their true strength?
With the grand contest approaching, no one wanted to expose their capabilities prematurely.
Sure enough.
Even the Fourth Prince looked uneasy upon hearing this.
But having just decided to align himself with the Second Prince, he couldn’t back down now.
The Fourth Prince forced himself to explain:
“Yes, yes! We siblings haven’t gathered like this in a long time. Today is just a friendly spar. Everyone doesn’t need to go all out. A light test of skills will suffice!”
As he spoke.
He flashed to the center of the hall, a long sword appearing in his hand. With a flourish, he swept his gaze over the princes, finally resting his eyes on Xiao Minghuang.
“Who among you is willing to spar with me?”
Seeing this, the Second Prince nodded subtly, thinking to himself, “Fourth Brother is indeed a talent, worthy of cultivation.”
Feeling the Fourth Prince’s challenging gaze, Xiao Minghuang’s lips curled into a faint smile.
She could see that the Fourth Prince was filled with fighting spirit, eager to challenge her.
But what reason did she have to accept such a meaningless contest?
This point.
The Second Prince understood very well.
After the incidents involving the Seventh Prince and the Treasure Pavilion, he had come to realize that Xiao Minghuang was someone who wouldn’t act without benefit.
If she didn’t see any advantage, it would be impossible to attract her.
Even provoking her was a difficult task.
Therefore, to catch a big fish, one must use a heavy bait!
In the next moment, his gaze shifted, and he transmitted a message to Prince Wu’an:
“Uncle, it’s your turn to step in!”
Hearing this, Prince Wu’an nodded and declared loudly:
“Since all the esteemed princes wish to engage in a friendly competition, how could I not lend a hand?”
Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu
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