Exile at the start? The princess is no ordinary woman.

It's unpleasant to have your things coveted by others.

Because of this annoyance, the hand resting on Jun Yanchen's right shoulder unconsciously clenched.

This instantly dispelled Jun Yanchen's displeasure, because he sensed Gu Nanzhi's possessiveness and protectiveness towards him.

It has to be said that this made Jun Yanchen extremely happy; he liked the way Gu Nanzhi cared about him.

Thus, the oppressive aura he released diminished, and his attention shifted from everyone else. Instead, he gently raised his hand and grasped Gu Nanzhi's hand, enveloping it in his own.

At the same time, he looked up at Gu Nanzhi, and his expression softened instantly.

That look spoke volumes.

'Nan Nan, I am yours...'

Jun Yanchen's open and aboveboard defense improved Gu Nanzhi's mood a bit, and she was quite satisfied with his performance.

'It's good to know'

These little interactions between the two, especially those who had seen that Jun Yanchen could also have a gentle side, surprised them even more.

They blinked, desperately trying to confirm whether they had seen it wrong, or if it was just a misperception that they hadn't seen each other in a long time.

But the two people's tightly clasped hands told them no.

The man who once inspired fear in everyone and kept everyone at arm's length has now revealed a tender gaze towards a woman...

This moment was even more shocking and impactful than when they had witnessed Jun Yanchen drawing his sword and killing someone.

They could accept seeing Jun Yanchen kill, but seeing his tenderness and secrets towards someone was something they couldn't bear to imagine...

Some things were revealed silently in this quiet atmosphere, and no one took the initiative to break the silence.

In the end, Zhen Jieming, who came in earlier and later, took the initiative to greet a colleague he could usually talk to.

This gradually broke the silence, yet it carried an eerie atmosphere.

Jun Yanchen and Gu Nanzhi, on the other hand, were like outsiders, and no one came forward to greet them. They did not try to be friendly to anyone, and instead had someone lead them to their seats.

It is clear that they had no intention of exchanging ideas or engaging in conversation; they were simply there to participate in the banquet as ordered.

At such a banquet, seating is naturally arranged.

The young servant dared not say anything more and led them toward the pre-arranged location, but he was very uneasy along the way.

why?

Because he feared Jun Yanchen, but he was just a lowly servant, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and lead the man to a position that did not suit Jun Yanchen.

Because ministers were allowed to bring their wives and children, the seating arrangement followed the principle of men on the left and women on the right. Ministers were generally seated on the left, while their wives and daughters were arranged on the right, and younger people were grouped together.

The arrangement is one table for two people.

On an occasion like today, the highest position is undoubtedly occupied by the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, and even the Empress's position is below them.

Following that, the order would be Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and so on, arranged according to official rank...

These things don't need much explanation; Gu Nanzhi can guess the general idea.

But I'm a little curious about where she and Jun Yanchen will be assigned.

However, she soon had no more expectations.

Goodness, it's right by the entrance! What a great spot to enjoy the breeze by the door.

Gu Nanzhi was speechless. If this was the best spot, why not just put him outside the door? That way the view would be better than inside, and the door would also keep out some of the insincere pleasantries from the other guests at the banquet…

I knew it; nothing good ever comes from entering the palace. Being assigned this position is nothing short of an invisible humiliation.

Well, they have no power or influence now, so they'll just have to bear with it for now.

The young servant was filled with trepidation, but Gu Nanzhi and Jun Yanchen accepted the position without batting an eye.

Before they could even sit down, some people actually moved closer to them.

"Royal Uncle, Royal Aunt,"

So it's the Fourth Prince. This is the third time I've met him, including today. Of all the princes, he's the most pleasing to the eye so far.

Jun Yan rarely gave him a look, and Gu Nanzhi politely returned the glance.

"Fourth Prince"

Although everyone present had resumed their original conversation, many people were still paying attention to Jun Yanchen and Gu Nanzhi's movements, intentionally or unintentionally.

None of the officials took the initiative to step forward and greet Jun Yanchen and Gu Nanzhi.

As it turned out, the princes who arrived one after another all greeted the person, from the first, the second prince, to the third prince, the second prince, the crown prince, and so on.

Neither of them paid any attention to the two of them, but they weren't particularly enthusiastic either; they simply exchanged greetings and moved on.

Because of this gesture, several officials still approached the two men, bowed in the same manner, greeted them, and then left.

During this time, Jun Yanchen and Gu Nanzhi both maintained a calm expression, showing neither the slightest enthusiasm nor the slightest avoidance.

Just treat him like an ordinary person, give him a greeting, and move on.

As time went by, the people who had dispersed gradually returned to their seats, and then some more people arrived.

Some people nodded and greeted Jun Yanchen, while others simply ignored him.

They didn't seem particularly noticeable at first glance, but some of them still showed some unusual behavior.

Gu Nanzhi thought, perhaps they knew each other.

Her gaze towards Jun Yanchen received an answer: they knew each other.

Jun Yanchen leaned forward slightly.

"Former subordinates"

Oh, then Gu Nanzhi understands.

Judging from the man's appearance, he was a military officer. However, judging from the small steps he had just taken and the way he looked at Jun Yanchen, Gu Nanzhi guessed that the man must admire Jun Yanchen's path.

As others took their seats, Gu Nanzhi and Jun Yanchen huddled together, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings, and whispered amongst themselves.

"Huaiqing, that person seems to have a lot to say to you,"

"Um"

Jun Yanchen agreed, which means that person shouldn't really be considered an enemy.

"clear"

They chatted quietly for a few moments, but Gu Nanzhi seemed a little bored. It was all just superficial talk, and in this freezing weather...

Looking at the items on the table—small pastries and fruits—

Tsk tsk tsk, it's better to just eat it at home or buy it on the street. It looks so cold, I don't even want to eat it...

"Huaiqing, this is so boring, why haven't we started yet............"

Jun Yanchen gently held Gu Nanzhi's hand.

"I've wronged Nan Nan."

Jun Yanchen genuinely felt that Gu Nanzhi had been wronged by following him, not only having to participate in a boring banquet but also having to deal with those boring people.

And I have to sit here and get the wind on me...