?


    "State Preceptor, the Crown Prince''s carriage has arrived," reported a young servant dressed in cyan attire.


    Observing this, he couldn''t help but furrow his brows.


    The Crown Prince, known formally as His Highness the Crown Prince, had recently stirred up amotion in the capital with his actions involving the crown prince consort. Astonishingly, he disyed aplete disregard for the State Preceptor. The Crown Prince''s carriage arrived without even a moment''s pause, let alone a courteous greeting to the State Preceptor.


    Even in the presence of the State Preceptor, the Emperor would not exhibit such impoliteness. The boy servant seethed with indignation.


    Apanied by the Crown Prince and his entourage, the State Preceptor proceeded unobstructed through Lesheng Gate into the pce grounds. Naturally, no one dared to hinder their passage.


    Crown Prince Mo and Her Excellency Lady Qiaoqiao nned to make their first stop at the Eastern Pce.


    Having spent the entire day covered in dust, the young crown prince consort required a thorough refresh, including changing into clean attire to maintain her dignified appearance.


    Conversely, the State Preceptor made a direct course for the evening''s banquet venue, the hall of Martial Virtue.


    As twilight approached, the main hall of Martial Virtue was aze with light.


    The officials who had arrived early engaged in pleasantries and had now taken their seats at various tables.


    In the center of the hall, several Excellencies and their families conversed with others, and even the women were acquainted with one another.


    The pce banquet scheduled in the hall of Martial Virtue was a dyed wee feast in honor of the Crown Prince and the Crown Prince Consort.


    Attendance was typically extended to officials holding the rank of third or higher, along with their respective family members.


    Additionally, in ordance with the martial culture prevailing in the Divine Province, the six great patrician families and several prominent sects were also invited.


    These influential family ns were undoubtedly the stalwart pirs of their own domains.


    Upon His Majesty''s arrival, a synchronized movement swept through the assembly,pelling everyone to rise and offer their salutations in unison towards the entrance.


    "Salutations to Your Majesty."


    "Please, be at ease." Today, the Emperor was in notably high spirits.


    Word had just arrived that the young couple, who had recently caused a ruckus with the Mu n, had returned to the pce. Quite the twist of fate, indeed.


    "His Excellency the State Preceptor is also present."


    Before seating couldmence, all gazes hastened toward the door, apanied by another round of respectful bows.


    "Greetings to His Excellency the State Preceptor."


    A man entered gracefully from the entrance. His countenance was exceedingly handsome and refined, with a subtle smile gracing his features. He emanated an air of fleeting elegance, akin to a swift wind, yet moved with the agility of a swimming dragon. He seemed to carry an aura as sacred as radiant light, akin to a Supremacy.


    Judging by his appearance, one might assume he was in his early twenties. However, it wasmon knowledge that the State Preceptor had retained this youthful visage for several decades.


    The precise age of His Excellency, the State Preceptor, remained a mystery.


    Nevertheless, his bearing as a cultivator of the divine realmmanded both reverence and fear.


    "There''s no need for such formalities." The State Preceptor''s voice exuded warmth, his smile persisting.


    "Please, all of you, take your seats." The Emperor''s disposition was genuinely buoyant, with even a faint smile touching his lips.


    The officials collectively pondered this shift, their apprehensions reflexively surfacing. They couldn''t discern any particr reason for the Emperor''s tion on this particr day.


    "Family Head Mu."


    Barely had the attendees settled upon their seats when the Emperor broke into a chuckle. "Rumor has it that you had to personally escort Our son back?"


    Mu Jingfeng, who was at the pinnacle of his emotions, involuntarily twitched his lips. He swiftly rose to his feet, stating, "I am filled with trepidation."


    The Emperor''s handsome countenance turned serious. "Is it possible that your grievances toward the Crown Prince and the Crown Prince Consort stem from the dispute over the ownership of the Crown Prince Consort''s mother''s dowry?"


    The patriarch of the renowned pharmaceutical patrician family, known as the Head of the Dou n, and a perpetual rival to the Mu n, couldn''t help but burst into a brazen and uncontrolledughter. "Mu n''s Patriarch, are your actions not excessively trivial?"


    "It is the natural course of events for the Crown Prince Consort to im her rightful dues through imperial decree, adhering to both celestial and terrestrialws. Yet, astonishingly, youpelled the young couple to return to the royal pce? Your actions are nothing short of remarkable."


    A collective brow-twitching silence descended upon the gathering.


    /Could Family Head Dou possibly be more audacious?/


    Mu Jingfeng''s visage darkened. Just as he prepared to counter, a sound from beyond the door caught his attention.


    "The Crown Prince and Crown Prince Consort have arrived!"