Night Jingyu saw her, and a gentle light flashed in his distant, indifferent eyes. "The people from the General's Mansion are all here. Why are you so late?"
Su Yunmo pouted. "Don't even mention it. I don't know what Father was thinking. I said I wanted to come along, but he insisted I stay home today and not go anywhere."
It was strange, as Father hadn't been this resistant when she attended Night Jingcheng's enfeoffment ceremony before.
Night Jingyu's eyes flickered, and he curved his lips, beckoning Qianxue. "Take her to the back hall of the main hall later. Don't let the Su family see her."
Qianxue understood and led Su Yunmo around the crowd towards the main hall.
As guests continued to enter the main hall, it gradually became lively.
Su Yunmo sat in the back hall, eating snacks and listening to the conversations of the guests.
"Now, Prince Yu seems to be favored, but it's all by imperial decree. The legitimate imperial prince has been stripped of his title, and His Majesty has only bestowed the title 'Lian'. Prince Yu, however, is still granted the title Prince Yu."
"Comparing the two, it's clear which honor is greater. This shows that His Majesty still remembers what happened with Consort Liang back then and privately harbors reservations about Prince Yu."
Su Yunmo narrowed her eyes and tossed her pastry onto the plate.
Were some people talking too much?
She turned her head to look outside. Night Jingyu was entertaining guests, always wearing a calm smile, but she knew he must have heard what those people were saying.
"Prince Lian arrives!"
A shout echoed from outside, and moments later, Night Jingcheng entered.
He was wearing a light blue robe today, with bamboo leaves embroidered on his chest, exuding a refined yet grand and luxurious aura.
Everyone greeted Night Jingcheng and gathered around him, with few remaining in their seats.
Night Jingyu welcomed guests, with only Qianxue accompanying him.
It seemed as if the protagonist of today's enfeoffment ceremony was Night Jingcheng, not Night Jingyu.
Night Jingcheng clearly noticed this as well, and he curved his lips, turning to Night Jingyu who stood beside him.
"Today is Third Brother's enfeoffment ceremony. All of you are so enthusiastic that it makes it seem like I'm stealing Third Brother's thunder."
Night Jingyu flicked the corner of his robe, nonchalantly.
"How could that be? Imperial Brother's noble character is beyond my reach. Not to mention that the focus of everyone here is on Imperial Brother at this moment, but even throughout the day, I would be willing to defer to Imperial Brother."
Seeing Night Jingyu's humility, the guests flattered Night Jingcheng even more, all stating that respecting the eldest imperial brother was the proper etiquette.
On the contrary, Night Jingcheng frowned, a flicker of an unusual expression crossing his eyes.
Su Yunmo, in the back hall, clicked her tongue. "It seems there will be quite a show today."
Night Jingyu was not one to be humble. Those he praised were often on the verge of a downfall.
Qianxue checked the time and reminded the guests to take their seats.
Two chairs were placed on either side of the main seat. Night Jingyu specifically arranged for Night Jingcheng to sit on the left, as the left side was considered the place of honor.
After Night Jingcheng sat down, he felt a sense of unease.
Among the guests, Chen Guoxing watched quietly, feeling inexplicably nervous.
Today was the tenth day.
"Minister of War, Lord Han, presents a congratulatory gift!"
A voice suddenly announced from outside the hall doors.
Everyone's eyes widened in astonishment.
It wasn't unusual for the Minister of War to attend an enfeoffment ceremony, but the point was that a normal congratulatory gift wouldn't be presented so formally.
Lord Han wasn't here to give a gift; he was here to declare his allegiance!
Night Jingcheng narrowed his eyes, a look of vigilance on his face.
Su Yunmo clicked her tongue, knowing that the show was about to begin.
"Lord Chu, Attendant of the Hanlin Academy, presents a congratulatory gift!"
"Lord Zhu, Councilor of the Directorate of Communications, presents a congratulatory gift!"
"Lord Lü, Grand Academician of the Imperial Academy, presents a congratulatory gift!"
"Lord Liu, Censor-in-Chief, presents a congratulatory gift!"
"Lord He, Grand Commander of the Central Military Commission, presents a congratulatory gift!"
...
The announcements of officials came one after another. From fifth-rank to first-rank officials, at least twenty had arrived, filling the hall to the brim in no time.
Everyone looked at Night Jingyu with expressions of either surprise or shock.
Night Jingyu maintained a faint smile throughout, his expression unchanged.
Night Jingcheng clenched his fists tightly and took a deep breath. He knew that Night Jingyu was declaring war on him now!
"Minister of Revenue, Lord Xie, presents a congratulatory gift!"
This time, not only the people in the hall but also Su Yunmo sat up straight.
Xie Zhengping entered, dressed in a purple robe, exuding a scholarly air mixed with a touch of domineering arrogance. He stood among the crowd like the moon surrounded by stars.
He cupped his hands towards Night Jingyu and said, "Your humble servant congratulates Prince Yu."
Upon hearing this, everyone held their breath.
Others might be swayed, but the newly appointed Minister of Revenue was known for his unwavering integrity.
He had deep friendships with many officials in court and, more importantly, never bowed to power. Yet, even he was showing favor to Prince Yu, indicating that this Prince Yu was truly extraordinary!
With such widespread support from officials, the title of 'Yu' was ultimately unimportant, whether it was just a name or something more!
Because 'Yu' was merely a title, and if so many people considered him a prince, then he was a prince!
Night Jingcheng's expression changed instantly.
Only Su Qingtian, seated in his position, remained unfazed, as if he had anticipated this.
Night Jingyu invited Xie Zhengping and the other officials to take their seats. The hall suddenly became crowded, and the atmosphere turned fervent.
Su Yunmo crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows. "This show has truly exceeded expectations."
As everyone took their seats.
Another announcement came from outside, but this time it wasn't from a ceremonial official.
Instead, a distinguished-looking man in his thirties descended from the sky, accompanied by a group of servants.
"Moonlit Pavilion presents a thank-you gift, to express gratitude for Prince Yu's kindness in saving my daughter!"
The hearts of everyone in the hall surged!
The Moonlit Pavilion was a renowned establishment in the martial world for its trade in medicinal herbs, and many famous medicinal herbs and prepared medicines in the capital came from the Moonlit Pavilion.
Prince Yu had also shown kindness to the pavilion master of the Moonlit Pavilion!
The crowd began to whisper amongst themselves, even starting to anticipate if more people would arrive.
And they did!
Before the pavilion master of the Moonlit Pavilion could even enter, another large group of people emerged from the hall doors.
"Yu Xiang Hall presents a thank-you gift, to express gratitude for Prince Yu's assistance in preventing the annihilation of their sect!"
"Dark Wolf Tower presents a thank-you gift, to express gratitude for Prince Yu's escort of the wolves!"
"Weeping Night Gate presents a thank-you gift, to express gratitude for Prince Yu's protection of the sect master's return!"
...
Over a dozen sects and factions successively presented their congratulatory gifts, each having received favors from Night Jingyu.
Among them were not a few renowned families or powerful organizations.
Everyone in the hall erupted in excitement.
Night Jingyu rose to greet the guests, still maintaining his usual calm demeanor.
Night Jingcheng's face turned so dark it seemed as if water was about to drip from it.
The martial world was everywhere, meaning Night Jingyu's influence was everywhere!
As everyone took their seats again, the people in the hall were divided into four groups.
One group consisted of the initial arrivals, all excitedly discussing something.
Another group, led by Su Qingtian and including Chen Guoxing, were observers.
A third group consisted of the later arrivals, who clearly supported Night Jingyu, led by Xie Zhengping and the many ministers.
The remaining group was composed of the martial arts factions, who sat as if guarding the entrance.
Su Yunmo frowned, suddenly feeling a bit worried.
Night Jingyu was being a bit too ostentatious today.
Prince Yu did not think so; it seemed this was merely an appetizer.
The mansion's servants served the banquet dishes, and everyone conversed, the atmosphere extremely lively.
Just then, Qianxue suddenly stood in the center of the hall.
"Our master has always disliked noise and did not invite musicians to entertain. I, though untalented, am willing to tell a few short stories to entertain you all."