Who says the prince is weak and can't take care of himself?

Compared to the "joyful" interactions among the other three princes, Qi Xiao was very silent and gloomy, with almost no expression on his face. No one paid any attention to him anyway. Occasionally, someone would walk past him, pay their respects to the other three princes, and bow to him. Qi Xiao would just respond indifferently, seeming out of place.

While dealing with the ministers of the State of Chen who came to the banquet one after another, Tang Ling glanced at Qi Xiao from time to time. Tang Ling keenly noticed that something was wrong with Qi Xiao. Could it be that he failed to see Concubine Lin?

Before entering the palace, Tang Ling spotted Qi Xiao's carriage at the palace gate. Bai Xiqiao and Zong Sheng were also there. Qi Xiao must have entered the palace first. If he had, how could he not have seen Concubine Lin? Even if he had, why would it have angered Qi Xiao? What had happened?

"Your Majesty has arrived."

Tang Ling's thoughts were interrupted.

The banquet was served. The music paused briefly. The Emperor of Chen offered Tang Ling a token greeting, exchanging a few polite words, giving Zhou the proper respect. However, in his eyes, Zhou, having been defeated, had lost the confidence to challenge the Great Chen. It was unworthy of his attention, and Tang Ling certainly wasn't worthy of his esteem. So, even though rumors swirled in Yuanjing and several memorials were sent from the Capital Protectorate, he brushed them aside, pretending to be oblivious.

Tang Ling naturally understood all this, so he was fearless. How could the Emperor of Dachen compete with him, an "idle man" with no achievements?

Since it's a night banquet, wouldn't it be boring if there were no interesting topics? Tang Ling had just finished her first glass of wine when someone started making a fuss about Miss July's portrait.

"Your Majesty, it's widely rumored in Yuanjing that Young Master Tang is proficient in everything from music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. His painting of a beautiful woman is particularly stunning, commanding a price of nearly a thousand gold coins. Even Mr. Song Xiaosong is full of praise for it."

"Hmm? I've heard a lot about the talent of Marquis Xun'an's son. It seems the rumors are true. Marquis Xun'an is so lucky to have such a son."

"Young Master Tang is a man of great talent. Why not ask him to paint for Your Majesty? This will improve the friendship between our two countries and become a legend passed down through the ages."

"Hmm..." His Majesty murmured and did not comment.

Tang Ling stood up and bowed to the almighty Emperor. "Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your kind words. Although the meaning of this portrait is excellent, I dare not agree to it."

"Mr. Tang is too modest. Mr. Song is a great painter of our dynasty. If he speaks highly of the Crown Prince, he must be right."

The speaker was Lu Yangwei, a doctoral student at the Imperial College. The students who had lost to Tang Ling in recent days were all his students. Lu Yangwei was known for his strict approach to the students, and they were all very afraid of him. However, he was also extremely protective of his students, and he couldn't bear to see them humiliated. He feared that Tang Ling would ruin their careers, and without anyone else's instigation, he already had the urge to teach Tang Ling a lesson.

Painting the Emperor's portrait was no easy task; a single mistake could result in the loss of one's head. As for Tang Ling, His Majesty certainly wouldn't kill him for a painting; that would be too petty. However, Tang Ling prided himself on his talent, and it was well known throughout the Yuan capital that if His Majesty's portrait wasn't good, Tang Ling would be nothing but a name. Furthermore, painters were traditionally held in low esteem, so this was a perfect opportunity to humiliate Tang Ling, killing two birds with one stone.

Tang Ling ignored him and simply said, "Your Majesty, although Tang Ling has a small reputation, she still dares not show her ugliness in front of Your Majesty. Besides, that beauty painting was just a spur of the moment inspiration. Miss July is well-known and has many admirers. The saying that a painting is worth a thousand gold coins is entirely due to Miss July herself."

Lu Yangwei refused to let it go and continued, "Mr. Tang, you are being too self-deprecating. Even if Miss Qiyue is well-known, if it weren't for your brilliant brushwork to capture her beauty and spirit in your paintings, how could she have been so admired by so many people?"

"Since Lord Zhou has said so, Tang Ling's evasion would seem like an attempt to appease Your Majesty. However, Tang Ling begs Your Majesty to give me some time."

"Why is this happening, my prince?"

"Tang Ling injured her arm a while ago, and it's still not fully healed. She starts shaking violently if she holds the pen for even a little while. She can't be careless when painting Your Majesty's portrait; not a single mistake can be made. So, I'd like to ask Your Majesty to give me a few more days."

Lu Yangwei seemed to have achieved his goal, but it wasn't what he'd hoped for. Tang Ling had asked His Majesty for more time, but he hadn't specified how much. Instead, His Majesty was supposed to wait for Tang Ling's arrival. Who in the world would dare to make His Majesty wait?! It was simply outrageous. But Tang Ling's injuries were real, and Lu Yangwei couldn't find a reason to refute them. He seemed mute, his anger boiling over. And as for the assassination... no one in the court dared to speak of it. The Dali Temple had ostensibly sent people to investigate, but everyone knew it was the job of the Xuanji and Tiance Battalions. The final word on what was found and how it would turn out was entirely up to His Majesty.

Now it seemed like Lu Yangwei had given Tang Ling a reason to exploit the issue and investigate the assassination.

"Your Highness is injured. You need to consult a royal physician before you can rest assured. As for the assassin, your Highness, don't worry. Anyone who assassinates a distinguished guest of ours within our territory will not be tolerated lightly. The Dali Temple will soon give an explanation to your Highness, Marquis Xun'an, and the State of Zhou."

Tang Ling's journey to Yuanjing was extremely perilous, and she remained in shackles the entire time. If the matter were to be investigated, the entire Great Chen court would be humiliated. Perhaps His Majesty was certain that Tang Ling endured all for the sake of peace negotiations between Zhou and Chen, or perhaps, even if Tang Ling and the Zhou Kingdom pursued the matter, it would be enough to deal with Su Qin without any consequences.

Tang Ling bowed again: "Thank you, Your Majesty." He had no intention of saying much, and wanted to see what kind of explanation the Dali Temple and the State of Chen could give him in the end.

Qi Xiao watched the not-so-exciting farce come to an end, and his heart was not much moved. Tang Ling was a thoughtful person and would not be easily trapped. Moreover, Lu Yangwei was good at learning, but was much worse at setting up schemes. Now the emperor's attitude towards Zhou was unclear, and no one dared to speculate on the emperor's intentions, let alone be the first to do so. Tang Ling was naturally in no danger.

Qi Xiao seemed a little absent-minded, holding the wine cup in his hand but not drinking much. The dance and music started again, and Tang Ling's gaze passed through the dancer's fluttering clothes and fell on Qi Xiao's face, but he didn't notice it at all, as if he was an old monk in meditation.

Qi Xiao felt like he was in a dream during the banquet. It was not until the banquet was over and he walked out of the Qingxiang Hall that he slowly breathed a sigh of relief.

Qi Xiao followed the palace servants and left the palace with a group of court officials. They hadn't gone far when they were suddenly stopped: "Ninth Prince, please stay."

Qi Xiao stopped and looked back, and the emperor's attendants hurriedly caught up with him.

"Your Majesty, please stay. His Majesty has summoned you to speak."

Qi Xiao didn't understand why and could only turn back. On the way, he passed by Lao Wu and Lao Qi, which attracted sidelong glances.