A concubine? You're more like a joke. I'd rather send you to your death.

Prime Minister Liu glanced at Lord Zhang, then turned and left.

Lord Zhang didn't take it seriously, straightened his clothes, and slowly walked out.

The Second Prince, Gu Yanche, said in a low voice, "When the Fifth Prince returns, he can truly stir up a storm."

"He shouldn't have come back."

Gu Yanjin's tone was cold.

"Third brother, be careful what you say. The fifth prince is a big shot now, holding military power and having the support of the people."

These words instantly ignited Gu Yanjin's anger.

That position belongs to him; anyone who dares to covet it will surely die.

"Second brother is wrong. Father would not like someone whose mother is impure."

An illegitimate child born of adultery can never become the crown prince.

"Even if Father doesn't like the fifth prince, now that he holds military power, Father will surely reconsider."

Gu Yanche, son of Consort De, is a harmless and unassuming person who has been close friends with Gu Yanjin since childhood.

To outsiders, he seemed to be wholeheartedly helping Gu Yanjin with his plans, but in reality, he was a man of deep thoughts, and no one would want that position.

"Does Second Brother mean that Fifth Prince will be named Crown Prince by Father?"

At this moment, Gu Yanjin was extremely agitated, which prevented him from calming down to face the sudden change.

"The fifth prince is not ready for the position of crown prince yet. What the third prince needs to do is to observe the situation and find an opportunity to befriend the fifth prince. Do not break off relations."

In terms of wisdom and composure, Gu Yanche is far more composed than Gu Yanjin.

"The fifth prince is a freak, with a cold and aloof demeanor. Even if I wanted to get close to him, I would be kept at arm's length. Didn't the second prince see that he was also indifferent to the emperor? It's just annoying to look at."

Gu Yanjin disdained associating with Gu Yanchi.

After all, he was the legitimate son of the Empress.

Gu Yanchi had been confined to the cold palace since childhood and had hardly ever seen his brothers, so there was no brotherly affection between them.

"In that case, let's see how Father Emperor bestows the title."

Gu Yanche's eyes held an enigmatic smile.

"I'd like to see what kind of reward he can offer!"

Gu Yanjin was in a bad mood and strode away, flicking his sleeves.

"With such a temperament, one is not fit for great responsibilities."

Watching his departing figure, Gu Yanche's lips curled into a mocking smile.

.........

The God of War's Mansion.

"Your Majesty, this palace banquet is unlikely to be simple."

The man, dressed in white, had delicate features and a scholarly air about him.

"The palace is a place that devours people, but who dares to disrespect this prince at this palace banquet?"

Gu Yanchi sat upright in his chair, toying with a jade thumb ring in his hand.

“What you say is true, but it’s hard to guarantee that someone isn’t doing this behind the scenes. Our people are monitoring the Third Prince and have discovered that he has been in contact with people from the Netherworld Palace. It’s likely that the multiple assassination attempts were orchestrated by Gu Yanjin.”

The man in white had a serious expression.

"It's alright, he's just a clown. He's only doing this because he's the legitimate son and he's afraid of being surpassed by me and not getting that position."

"I have learned that Gu Yanjin values ​​General Bai Hao's eldest daughter highly and intends to take Bai Luoluo as a concubine."

"Oh?" Gu Yanchi's lips curled into a cold smile. "Bai Luoluo is ugly and can't even read a few words. Gu Yanjin is really impatient."

“Bai Luoluo has a special status. If she marries Gu Yanjin, it will be very disadvantageous for our master.”

"General Bai Hao will not agree to this, so it seems that Gu Yanjin will not get his wish."

"hope so."

"Has any woman recently been seen carrying a jade pendant at the Phoenix Restaurant?"

Gu Yanchi thought of Bai Luoluo, a gentle look in his eyes.

"Never."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yanchi was clearly disappointed.

Wasn't it a pre-arranged agreement? Could something have happened to her?

"Don't come to the War God's Mansion in person unless there's a reason. All the forces are stirring up trouble right now. Just send someone to inform them."

“What you say is very true, Master.”

This man is Baili Han, the apparent owner of Phoenix Restaurant.

..........

The General's Mansion received an imperial decree from the Empress, ordering all noble ladies of the capital to attend.

"Mother, what does Her Majesty the Empress mean by this? She actually had the eunuch secretly pass on a message, insisting that Bai Luoluo go there."

At this moment, Bai Qianqian looked furious.

In the past, Bai Luoluo would never attend such occasions.

The main reason was that she was insecure and afraid of being ridiculed by some noble ladies and gentlemen.

"This matter is strange, but since the Empress has sent someone to deliver the message, Bai Luoluo must go."

Zhang Yuyao's face was somewhat gloomy, because Bai Luoluo had already escaped her control.

“But Her Majesty the Empress has never valued Bai Luoluo so much in the past. Now that my daughter is unhappy, why should Bai Luoluo be valued?”

Jealousy can distort a person's character, and Bai Qianqian is a prime example of this now.

"Don't be angry. Bai Luoluo doesn't know many characters. She'll only embarrass herself if she goes. Why should Qianqian care about these things?"

Zhang Yuyao hit the nail on the head.

Upon hearing this, Bai Qianqian's expression indeed softened considerably.

“Mother is right. This palace banquet is not simple. I heard that the Fifth Prince Gu Yanchi is returning to the capital. The banquet is to welcome him back.”

"Qianqian, you must perform well. This Fifth Prince is no ordinary man. He holds military power and is currently enjoying great influence."

Zhang Yuyao stroked Bai Qianqian's hair and helped her get dressed.

"No matter how good this fifth prince is, he has no mother. He's just a lowly child from the cold palace."

Bai Qianqian looked disgusted; she was destined to be the Crown Princess.

"Don't talk nonsense. This fifth prince holds military power and is more powerful than any other prince in the capital. Qianqian must not offend him."

"My daughter knows."

...........

The butler arrived at Snowfall Courtyard.

Is the young lady here?

He didn't step into the Snowfall Courtyard, but stood at the gate and spoke.

Bai Luoluo was sitting on the swing reading a book.

"What's the matter?"

"A decree has arrived from the palace, ordering you and the second young lady to attend a palace banquet. Aunt Zhang has instructed the eldest young lady to freshen up and make sure she is not late."

The butler's eyes were full of sarcasm, and his tone carried a hint of arrogance.

"You are dismissed."

Bai Luoluo could naturally tell that the butler had no respect for her and was full of hostility.

Upon hearing this, the butler's face darkened, and he turned and left.

"The palace banquet is attended by high-ranking officials and nobles. Miss, you must be careful when you go."

Xiao Tao's face was rosy, and her eyes showed worry.

"This is an essential part of the plot; how can the play be performed if I don't go?"

Bai Luoluo put down the book in her hand and gazed at the vast sky.

Same sky, different world.

Being a cannon fodder female supporting character is her fate; let's see if this palace banquet can defy it.

Xiao Tao looked like she didn't understand.

"This servant is dull-witted and did not understand what the young lady was saying."

"It's okay if you don't understand. Just remember to live your own life and never bow down to evil forces."

Bai Luoluo turned around and looked at Xiao Tao with a serious expression.

"This servant understands, and will never let anyone bully me again."

"Yes, your life is your own, don't take risks lightly."

Bai Luoluo got up and walked into the house.

"This servant will help you with your grooming and dressing."

"Thank you, Xiaotao."

Inside the room, Bai Luoluo removed her veil, revealing snow-white skin and a flawless face with exquisite features that could be described as a peerless beauty.