"Hmph, that's just an act. Everyone here knows perfectly well that he's a snob who only cares about the value of the gift."

As these words were spoken, people turned to look and discovered that the speaker was none other than Mei Wenhua, the high-ranking official who held the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

These words were like a thunderclap that exploded across the entire venue, instantly silencing the previously faint sounds.

Everyone was stunned by these sudden words, and the atmosphere became extremely tense for a moment.

However, Qin Yichen did not show the slightest anger in the face of such merciless accusations and ridicule.

His expression remained calm as he slowly spoke, "You are not a fish, how can you know the joy of a fish?"

A simple sentence, yet it seemed to contain endless profound meaning. After speaking, his resolute and steady gaze, like a sharp sword, firmly swept across the faces of everyone in the room.

Under that sharp gaze, everyone felt a sudden panic, and a hint of shame involuntarily appeared on their faces.

They realized that perhaps they really shouldn't make unfounded assumptions and judgments about others based solely on appearances.

Even so, Mei Wenhua still refused to give up, saying, "Your Highness Prince Jin, please do not try to confuse the public with your sophistry! Everyone knows the truth perfectly well."

Just then, Lin Ruoxi, who had been silent all along, finally stepped forward.

She widened her beautiful eyes slightly and looked at Mei Wenhua with a coquettish expression, "You will all gradually understand the character of my Prince Jin in the future. I hope some people will stop spouting nonsense here!"

"I have faith in Your Highness's character!"

Jun Moxie couldn't help but speak up, "Minister Mei, I thought you were devoted to the country, but I never expected you to be so narrow-minded. It's truly disappointing."

Mei Wenhua stood in the crowd, surrounded by many people who pointed at him and made accusations.

Mei Wenhua felt as if his face had been roasted by fire, quickly turning bright red.

He opened his mouth, wanting to explain something, but his throat seemed to be blocked, and he could only stammer, "I... I was just saying what everyone was thinking."

However, this feeble explanation did not soften the attitude of those around him; instead, it drew more ridicule and criticism.

Just as Mei Wenhua felt caught in a dilemma and didn't know what to do, a clear voice suddenly rang out: "Since Your Majesty said, 'A gift of a feather from a thousand miles away is a small gift but carries great meaning,' then I, your younger brother, will send a feather as a housewarming gift. Your Majesty shouldn't mind, right?"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw that the speaker was none other than the current sixth prince, Qin Muchen!

At this moment, he was dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, his clothes fluttering in the wind. Anyone who saw him would say that he was an unparalleled gentleman.

A faint smile graced his handsome face, as warm and gentle as the spring sun.

His long, narrow phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, gleaming with a cunning light, revealing a hint of liveliness and smugness.

He walked slowly and calmly from outside the bustling crowd.

In an instant, all the guests' eyes were drawn to Qin Muchen and Qin Yichen as if by a magnet.

"I don't mind, of course I don't mind!"

Qin Yichen's lips curled into a barely perceptible sneer as he retorted without any politeness, "Who in Xianyang City doesn't know about the shocking scandal of the royal family having a real and a fake prince? If it were you, the imposter, who were to send such a lavish gift to my housewarming banquet, people would probably find it utterly unbelievable and incredibly strange!"

Upon hearing Qin Yichen's words, Qin Muchen's smile froze instantly, a hint of annoyance flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and said with a forced smile, "Your Majesty, you are mistaken. Although my identity is questionable, my respect for Your Majesty is genuine!"

At this moment, his heart was in turmoil, a mixture of anger, surprise, and fear that made it almost impossible for him to remain calm.

He never expected that Qin Yichen would openly bring up the matter of the real and fake princes in such a setting.

It's important to understand that this matter has always been a sensitive and taboo topic; everyone tacitly agrees but no one dares to mention it lightly.

But now, Qin Yichen has put it on the table without any regard for the consequences, which has undoubtedly put Qin Muchen in an extremely awkward and passive situation.

At that moment, he felt like a lamb being roasted over a fire, caught in a dilemma.

If, as he had previously stated, a feather were indeed presented as a housewarming gift to Qin Yichen, the consequences would be unimaginable.

It doesn't take much thought to guess that by tomorrow morning, the whole of Xianyang will probably be filled with news about the discord between the real and fake princes of the royal family.

At that time, not only will he become the subject of gossip, but the royal family's reputation will also be damaged.

"Be bold!"

Qin Yichen suddenly roared, his voice like a thunderclap, making everyone present tremble.

His eyes widened as he stared intently at Qin Muchen, and he said sternly, "How dare you spout such nonsense, claiming that your own identity is questionable? Are you trying to question the Emperor's golden words?"

Qin Muchen harbored resentment in his heart, but on the surface he became even more respectful, "Your Majesty, you misunderstand. I had no such intention. I was just ashamed of my own shortcomings and felt that I had many deficiencies, so I subconsciously uttered such presumptuous words."

[Ding! It has been detected that Qin Muchen, the Chosen One of Destiny, harbors resentment, resulting in a loss of 5000 points of destiny. Congratulations, host, you have gained 5000 villain points!]

Qin Yichen sneered, "Hmph, don't try to be clever. What are your true intentions in saying these words today?"

Qin Muchen gritted his teeth, about to argue again.

At this moment, Mei Limou, the Minister of Rites who had been silent, stepped forward to smooth things over: "Your Highnesses, please don't let this cause a rift in your relationship. Today is a joyous occasion, so please don't let a small misunderstanding lead to a quarrel."

Qin Yichen glanced at Mei Limao, frowning slightly, as if he was somewhat wary.

Taking the opportunity, Qin Muchen said, "Brother, shall we just drop this matter? Let's not give outsiders something to laugh at."

Qin Yichen snorted coldly, "I'll let you off the hook for now, but you must be careful what you say in the future."

Qin Muchen nodded hurriedly, secretly relieved.

However, his gaze toward Qin Yichen now held a deep resentment and malice.

Ultimately, the farce ended with Qin Muchen presenting a generous congratulatory gift.

……

After the noisy crowd gradually dispersed, Zhou Yunjin quietly approached Qin Yichen's side.

With a slight upturn of her lips and a playful smile, she said, "Your Highness was so majestic just now."

In fact, Qin Yichen had noticed Zhou Yunjin's arrival long ago, but he had been troubled by the many people around him and could not find a suitable opportunity to talk to her.

Seeing that only the two of them were left, he raised an eyebrow and replied with a half-smile, "No matter how powerful I am, how can I be more powerful than on your soft, fragrant bed?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yunjin's fair and jade-like face instantly turned as red as a ripe apple.

Her beautiful eyes widened, and she glared at Qin Yichen reproachfully, saying coquettishly, "Oh dear, Your Highness, what are you saying! We're in public here..."

As she spoke, Zhou Yunjin gently stomped her foot, her shy yet adorable appearance melting Qin Yichen's heart.

However, although she said that, Zhou Yunjin was secretly delighted.

After all, for Qin Yichen to say such a thing meant that he still had special feelings for her.

Think of this.

Zhou Yunjin couldn't help but steal a glance at Qin Yichen, only to see him looking at her with a mischievous grin, his eyes seeming to see right through her.

Zhou Yunjin felt a little flustered by the gaze and quickly changed the subject, saying, "Your Highness, today's matter is over. I wonder what your plans are for the future?"

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