How could I possibly be confined in a cage?

"Oh dear, my good brother, you're really good at playing dumb."

Guo Zixing turned to look at him, giving him a rare proper look, and scoffed, "You're not much different."

After saying that, she turned back, straightened her collar, and said casually, "Anything else? If not, I'll be going now... Oh, right! It's Grandma's birthday today. I'll teach you a lesson, don't push your luck."

Guo Ziyou's face darkened immediately. If it weren't for the fact that Commander Guo was still present, he would have definitely given Guo Zixing a hard time. At this moment, Commander Guo was entertaining guests at the banquet. Tonight's guests were all prominent figures in Sifang City, and several forces had also taken the opportunity to send gifts, which Commander Guo accepted without hesitation and kept them all.

According to his age, Commander Guo is in his prime, but even the fiercest lion grows old. Therefore, most of the attention and focus is on the position of the "young commander" of the Guo family.

The eldest son of the first wife and the second son of the most favored second wife are both getting on in years, and it's hard to say who will be the successor.

It's unclear what Commander Guo was thinking, as he's been delaying in deciding on a successor. Although Guo Zixing is the rightful heir, he's been raised in his hometown and isn't familiar with the territory Commander Guo controls.

Guo Ziyou was always kept by Marshal Guo's side, but firstly, he was younger, and secondly, he was born to the second wife, so he was considered a son of a concubine.

Therefore, no one in Sifang City knew how to place bets, but who could guarantee that the Guo family would have a peaceful and stable life for the next ten or eight years?

Therefore, today's banquet is very important. As the eldest son of the Marshal's Mansion, Guo Zixing naturally has to appear in front of everyone and make a name for himself, while his younger brother Guo Ziyou, who follows closely behind, will not lag behind. However, these two men have vastly different personalities. One is arrogant and unrestrained, while the other is cold and reserved, hiding his true strength.

Anyone who has witnessed the way the brothers get along will know that tonight's banquet is likely to be quite a show.

"Zixing, what's wrong?" Zheng Peilan walked over with a smile.

Guo Zixing resumed his usual gentle and mild manner, speaking kindly to Zheng Peilan, "It's nothing, just teaching my brother a lesson in manners."

Zheng Peilan then looked over, and Guo Ziyou immediately stood up and became serious. "Oh, Sister Zheng, I've wanted to go to that banquet you held when you came back last time, but unfortunately I had classes at school, and my dad wouldn't let me take leave no matter what. Otherwise, you would have seen me first."

Zheng Peilan chuckled, "So what if I saw you first? You've seen me now, haven't you?"

"If you see me first, you definitely won't be able to see anyone else," Guo Ziyou said playfully. He had the unique vigor of a young man, and it was hard to dislike him for saying such a thing.

Zheng Peilan smiled and shook her head, looking at Guo Zixing, "Your younger brother is really interesting, and handsome too."

Guo Zixing glanced at Guo Ziyou and said unhurriedly, "Well, let's go. My mother still wants to see you."

Zheng Peilan patted Guo Zixing's arm shyly, their gesture revealing their intimacy.

The two walked side by side, and Guo Ziyou's slightly immature eyes revealed a moment of sinister intent. Huang Qian, who had not been seen in public for a long time, crept over like a ghost, "Second Young Master is promising at a young age, how is he inferior to First Young Master Guo?"

Guo Ziyou raised an eyebrow and glanced at him. "You think I'm no worse than him?"

"Of course!" Huang Qian said indignantly. "You are smarter, more capable, and more competent than him! I bet you will inherit everything in the Guo family in the future!"

Guo Ziyou narrowed his eyes slightly, staring at Huang Qian for a long while, "So, I need your help now, are you willing to help me?"

Upon hearing this, Huang Qian was immediately filled with excitement. "Second Young Master, please speak!"

“My father has always disliked people who lack ability. Guo Zixing has only just become the deputy director. I don’t know if he can achieve anything,” Guo Ziyou said casually, his voice very low.

Upon hearing this, Huang Qian's expression shifted. "What does the Second Young Master want me to do?"

"Do I need to teach you?"

Huang Qian quickly shook his head, "No, no, but please point me in the right direction."

Guo Ziyou smiled slightly, his tone revealing a hint of coldness, "It's not that simple to achieve something great, especially when some people aren't willing to cooperate."

Huang Qian was stunned for a moment after hearing this, then realized what he meant, "Second Young Master, you mean?"

"What, you don't dare? You've already offended him, so what if you offend him a few more times? As long as he doesn't become the commander-in-chief, you'll be safe." Guo Ziyou said insincerely.

Huang Qian immediately nodded, "Of course, thank you for showing me the way, Second Young Master."

Guo Ziyou smiled but didn't speak, crushing the pastry he was playing with into tiny pieces. He clapped his hands and left, Huang Qian respectfully watching him go before quietly disappearing into the crowd.

In the banquet hall, the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely.

General Guo, enjoying his drink, stood up and walked to the center.

He was tall and strong, with a ruddy complexion and a rather dignified appearance.

He looked around and said loudly, "Thank you all for gracing my mother's birthday celebration today. Please enjoy yourselves tonight. If there is anything that may be lacking in our hospitality, please forgive me."

As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted all around, with everyone praising Commander Guo for his generosity and righteousness.

Commander Guo waved for everyone to sit down. “I only have one mother in my life. If I am not filial to her, who will? These children are all doing well and are all outstanding. I am very gratified!”

As he spoke, General Guo looked at his mother, who was sitting at the head table, with a look of affection in his eyes. "In the early years, my mother and I, an orphan and a widow, depended on each other for survival. If it weren't for my mother raising me with tears in her eyes, I wouldn't be where I am today. Back then, I vowed to make sure my mother had a good life. Now, I can finally repay her even a fraction of what she owes me. Mother, tell me, have I been a dutiful son all these years?"

With tears welling up in her eyes, Madam Guo raised a glass of wine and said, "I never imagined I would have such a promising son like you. Now I only pray to God that my son is healthy, and that will bring me great comfort in my old age."

Everyone urged, "On such a joyous day, Madam, please don't shed tears. You are blessed with good fortune, having such an accomplished son as Commander Guo, and such outstanding children and grandchildren as the eldest, second, and third young masters. Your future is full of good fortune."

Madam Guo wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and said with a kind smile, "I'm old enough to have lived enough."

"What nonsense are you talking about? You must live to be a hundred years old, and only when all your grandchildren are married, have children, and hold their great-grandchildren will your life be complete."

Madam Guo's smile grew even gentler. "Just because of what you said, I must live to be a hundred years old, otherwise how can I enjoy my retirement?"

This remark drew laughter from everyone.

The banquet was lively, but Guo Zixing seemed somewhat distracted. Qingru had returned without warning, and their informant, Zhang Yan, was with his second brother; he wondered how much of the information had been obtained. If…

Wouldn't that be dangerous?