The palace banquet, even before the delicacies arrived, was already enhanced by the aroma of wine. Xin Yi felt a little dizzy from the mix of wine and perfume scents. Following the attendant's call, they entered the main hall, where crimson curtains hung everywhere, connected in sections to the beams and pillars. The seating was strictly arranged, with officials' positions set out in layers, civil and military officials facing each other. They were quite late, and almost everyone was there except for those at the very top. Hearing the call, many turned to look, their conversations not ceasing, but their eyes moved from Bai Jiu to Xin Yi, and then scanned everyone.

Xin Yi first looked at Zhang Taiyan, the old man was on his seat, squinting and listening to someone next to him. Seeing Xin Yi look over, he waved his hand as a greeting. Xin Yi smiled, then turned to He Anchang. This person truly stood out among the officials, emanating a frosty chill, and not conversing with his colleagues. He nodded slightly at Xin Yi. Xin Yi was about to return a smile when Bai Jiu turned to him and said, "Although you hold no official post, you are the sole person from Beiyang. Even if His Majesty doesn't wish it, your seat cannot be placed too low. It will likely be close to Xie Jingsheng's. Should anything happen, he will look after you." With that, he raised a hand to Xin Yi's shoulder, his fingertips subtly squeezing his shoulder bone.

Xin Yi understood that Bai Jiu was reminding him not to speak, and immediately nodded in agreement.

The two separated and took their seats. Just as Xin Yi settled down, a hand reached over and lightly tapped the edge of his table. He looked, and it was Xie Jingsheng, dressed in official robes. Xie Jingsheng was an important official from an outer prefecture, and being recalled to Jingdu for a palace banquet showed his significance in court. Xie Jingsheng raised his wine cup and smiled at Xin Yi. This man was actually born proper and handsome, but he always lacked a certain seriousness. Xin Yi also smiled, and Xie Jingsheng said, "Although this seat isn't far back, it doesn't quite attract His Majesty's attention. Young Master doesn't need to be too formal; just eat."

Xin Yi wanted to laugh at this, when he heard the faint clinking of wine cups beside Xie Jingsheng. Xin Yi looked, and it was He Anchang, whom he had just seen. Xie Jingsheng raised his wine cup to He Anchang and said, "Isn't this Ru Xu? Long time no see, long time no see."

He Anchang didn't even spare him a glance, only raised his cup to Xin Yi and drained it. As Xie Jingsheng set down his cup, he lightly pressed his fingertips on it, then poured half of the wine from his own cup into He Anchang's, smiling, "Don't be shy at all, I'll pour first as a sign of respect. Ru Xu, this is concern from a senior, you must drink every last drop."

Xin Yi knew that Bai Jiu's faction and the Left Faction didn't get along, but he truly hadn't expected Xie Jingsheng to be so brazen towards He Anchang. The bad blood between these two was probably not as simple as one or two incidents.

He Anchang's cold, thin eyes glanced sideways at him. Xie Jingsheng simply propped his head up and looked back, "What's wrong? Haven't seen me in a few months and don't recognize me?"

"It genuinely took some effort to recall," He Anchang raised his wine cup and, with a flick of his wrist, poured it onto Xie Jingsheng's leg, which was stretched to his table, stating lightly, 'My hand just happened to slip.'

Xie Jingsheng casually wiped himself with the corner of his robe, then looked up and smiled at him. He Anchang could clearly see that this man obviously harbored some ruthlessness, but he hadn't spoken out because Xin Yi was nearby.

They had been at odds since the first glance. In his early years, Xie Jingsheng had spent many years with Bai Jiu in the Brocade Uniform Guards. He had learned eight-tenths, if not all ten-tenths, of Bai Jiu's ruthlessness, but this man's scoundrel nature was evident on his face. Later, as Bai Jiu gradually rose to prominence before His Majesty by becoming the Brocade Uniform Guards Commander, Xie Jingsheng unexpectedly climbed up step by step following Bai Jiu. He Anchang was precisely the opposite. Although his He Family hadn't been very prominent in Jingdu in recent years, they were still a prestigious household capable of making Jingdu tremble with their presence. He was the legitimate heir of the He Family's main branch and currently the most noticed figure in the family. To be mentored by Zhang Taiyan and, at such a young age, serve as a Vice Minister of the Grand Council alongside the Left Chancellor, would be impossible without extraordinary talent. Coincidentally, both of them embodied the background and temperament that the other found most disdainful, so whenever they met, it was like swords drawn.

Now that they were seated together, the head of seating arrangements for tonight would probably not last long in his post.

When Bai Jiu turned to look, both Xie Jingsheng and He Anchang appeared as usual. He had expected Xie Jingsheng not to be peaceful, but also knew he had his limits, so he didn't pay much attention. He only glanced at Xin Yi, who, by Bai Jiu's gaze, vaguely recalled last night's dream. He immediately lowered his eyes to stare at the patterns on the table, his ear tips unable to hide their flush. Bai Jiu's gaze seemed to linger on his ear tips for a moment before turning back. Xin Yi slowly relaxed.

They hadn't been seated for too long before the Emperor arrived.

As the eunuch's chant rang out, everyone at the banquet rose and knelt in submission. A yellow robe with twelve imperial insignias at the edge of the hall moved, and a person stepped in. Xin Yi quickly scanned, and in an instant, a look of surprise unexpectedly appeared on his face. Fortunately, he swiftly bit the tip of his tongue to regain his composure and lowered his eyes, otherwise he would have met the Emperor's gaze head-on. In that split second, a thousand thoughts raced through his mind.

The Emperor took his seat and said, "All my officials, rise." Then, he seemed to steady his voice before continuing, "Today, we gather on this auspicious festival and feast in the palace. It is a time for monarch and ministers to speak freely, so there is no need for excessive formality." Below, everyone respectfully acknowledged him in unison, and he smiled, "Let the feast begin." Only then did the Duanwu palace banquet truly commence.

Below the Emperor, Bai Jiu and Zhang Taiyan were seated side by side. Although Bai Jiu now wielded immense power in court, Zhang Taiyan was an elder of two dynasties, and additionally, as one of the Three Dukes and Three Solitary Ministers, he was revered as the sole tutor to the Crown Prince. The term "highly virtuous and respected" was truly deserved by Zhang Taiyan. If one were to truly calculate, Bai Jiu, as a newly appointed prince of a different surname, might not even be worthy of Zhang Taiyan's regard. These two were now seated together in the highest positions below His Majesty, and no one dared to utter a word of dissent. Even the Prince of Qin's seat had to be moved back by three steps to create distance.

The Emperor was in good spirits today. He first exchanged a few pleasantries with Zhang Taiyan, then called out the Prince of Qin's name. The Prince of Qin's skill in discerning moods was remarkable; in no time, he gradually warmed up the atmosphere. Many took the opportunity to interject during this time, but Bai Jiu rarely spoke. Xin Yi's gaze involuntarily drifted over again, seeing Bai Jiu's fingertips sliding on the side of his wine cup, a smile playing on his lips, his narrow eyes fixed on the wine in the cup. He seemed engrossed in listening to everyone's laughter and chatter, yet his posture exuded a certain nonchalance. Xin Yi thought of Bai Jiu's phrase 'acting like a human but being a dog', and couldn't help but lower his head and smile.

Once the banquet atmosphere opened up, the people below naturally became more relaxed. Although Xin Yi couldn't speak, Xie Jingsheng poured wine and told him amusing anecdotes, recounting all sorts of stories about the officials at the feast, big and small. Xin Yi peeled a sweet tangerine, dimples constantly swirling with a smile.

Since the Emperor didn't mention Xin Yi, naturally no one would bother seeking trouble. Although Xin Yi was now the sole successor to Beiyang's military power, that was only after he could return to Beiyang alive. Xin Yi wasn't anxious; his purpose in coming to the palace today wasn't about the Emperor. With no one else engaging him, he was happy not to have to socialize.

However, Xie Jingsheng poured plenty of wine for He Anchang, and the two unknowingly drank a lot while bickering. Surprisingly, the more Xie Jingsheng drank, the more upright and solemn he became, while He Anchang, conversely, became flushed, gradually revealing a different kind of charm. Once his cool, clear eyes began to move, it was a sight that ordinary seductive gazes couldn't compare to. He Anchang's posture was a bit off, and when Xie Jingsheng pushed him, he leaned back into Xie Jingsheng's arm, spraying warm breath into Xie Jingsheng's ear as he said, "Excuse me, lend a hand to the latrine."

Xie Jingsheng stood up, pulling the person along, and gestured to Xin Yi. Xin Yi nodded, and they went to use the privy.

As this seat emptied, Xin Yi became more noticeable. Not long after, a man stumbled out, drunkenly bumping into Xin Yi's table, making the plates and cups clatter. The man quickly mumbled apologies, then looked up with blurry, drunken eyes, staring at Xin Yi again and again. He hummed, then asked, "May I, may I ask, which, which department is Brother from?"

Xin Yi only smiled and said nothing.

Seeing that he didn't speak, the man asked again. Receiving no response, he frowned, then leaned over the table, wanting to get a closer look. Xin Yi subtly leaned back, avoiding his outstretched hand. Unexpectedly, the man lunged forward with a roll and tumbled down, instantly assaulting Xin Yi with the smell of wine, creating a chaotic mess. The table was knocked over, and gasps of surprise erupted all around. In the chaos, Xin Yi clearly felt the man's hand roughly fondle and squeeze his thigh. Xin Yi's gentle eyes lowered, meeting the man's gaze directly.

'What's going on here? Lord Guan is drunk!' Xin Wen burst out laughing first. He waved away the palace attendants who were about to help, staring at Xin Yi and saying, "Everyone get out of the way. Lord Guan will be supported by Young Master Yi. Young Master, make sure to support him steadily. If you do it well, Lord Guan will surely thank you profusely."

Scattered laughter rippled through the banquet. Xin Yi's collar and sleeves were a mess. He smiled magnanimously and truly helped Lord Guan up. Over there, both the Emperor and Zhang Taiyan looked over. The Emperor asked, "What's happened?"

Xin Wen stood up and laughed, "Lord Guan drank too much. Young Master Yi and I were just about to help him change his clothes." The Emperor's gaze swept heavily over Xin Yi, merely saying 'Hurry,' before turning his attention back to Zhang Taiyan to resume their interrupted conversation. Xin Wen said "Eh" and walked over, taking half of the person's weight, and smiled at Xin Yi, "Let's go."

The palace maid led the three to a side hall. It was dim in front of the hall. Xin Wen waved his hand, dismissing the attendants. After they had walked away, Lord Guan, who had been feigning drunkenness, suddenly grabbed Xin Yi's hand. Xin Wen turned and kicked him in the lower abdomen. Xin Yi immediately grunted and bent over. Xin Wen then rained kicks and punches on his back, cursing, "You good-for-nothing mute dog from Beiyang! How dare you kick this young master! And glare at me! I'll beat you so badly today you won't be able to stand up!" Lord Guan twisted Xin Yi's wrist tightly, and he and Xin Wen together pressed him to the ground. Xin Wen had already prepared something; he pulled out the ruler he had specifically carried today from his sleeve and whipped it hard across Xin Yi's back.

Xin Yi remained silent. After a while, Lord Guan turned his face to look and saw that he had already passed out. He couldn't help but sneer, "They say he's the Prince of Yan's son, but he can't take much of a beating."

"The Prince of Yan has only raised him for a few years," Xin Wen tucked the ruler back into his sleeve, pointed to the small lake beside the hall corridor, and said, "That mute dog kicked this young master into the pond that day. Tonight, I'll make him taste some of his own medicine too." He then sneered, "He usually hides in the King of Hell's manor, but tonight he finally falls into this young master's hands. You just go ahead and be ruthless. Other things in this palace might be uncertain, but for him, His Majesty won't show an ounce of mercy. Even if he drowns in the lake today, His Majesty will never investigate."

Lord Guan's thumb harshly rubbed Xin Yi's cheek, making it red. He said, "If he hadn't provoked you, he would surely die tonight. I wanted to keep him for a few days, to properly 'educate' him a bit; that would be interesting. If I could just make him utterly infatuated with me, why would he ever disobey?"

Xin Wen frowned and reprimanded, "Although he deserves to die, he's not someone you can toy with as you please! He's a royal noble, after all; how can he end up like that!"

Lord Guan knew that Xin Wen always prided himself on his royal bloodline and tolerated no challenge on that point, so he fell silent and dared not go overtly overboard with his hands. The two dragged Xin Yi to the edge of the small lake. Xin Wen first splashed him with water a few times. Seeing that he still hadn't woken up, he finally felt relieved. Xin Wen said, "Just strip his clothes off, tie his hands and feet, and throw him in. When we return to the banquet, someone will naturally be on watch to report when the time is right."

Lord Guan hesitated at this point and asked, "Since he's lived in the King of Hell's manor for so long, what if the King of Hell investigates tonight's incident?"

Xin Wen snorted, "Do you think the King of Hell has truly changed his nature and become a Buddha? He keeps that mute dog only for the power over Beiyang's three hundred thousand soldiers. Without that military inheritance, that mute dog couldn't even crawl through Jingdu's city gates. Moreover, everyone can see how His Majesty treats the mute dog and his ilk; anyone with sense wouldn't try to get close." As he spoke, he patted Xin Yi's back of the head and said, "If I don't take his life tonight, what he'll suffer in the future won't be just a small beating like this. Jingdu is dangerous, and there are plenty of insidious tricks."

As Lord Guan listened, his hand already moved towards Xin Yi's waistband. Xin Wen was deeply engrossed in his words, his gaze scanning the lake. Unexpectedly, in that instant, Xin Yi suddenly flipped over, kicking Xin Wen into a patch of grass. With a flick of his hand, he brutally dislocated Lord Guan's wrist. Before Lord Guan could cry out in pain, Xin Yi had already pressed down on the back of his head, forcing his face into the lake water. Lord Guan struggled violently at the lakeside, but Xin Yi's hand on his head didn't loosen; instead, it pressed down harder, submerging his entire head in the water.

'Let, let go—' Xin Wen suddenly recoiled, watching Lord Guan struggle. Xin Yi's lips were pressed tightly together, the red mark from Lord Guan's earlier touch still on his cheek. He looked up, staring at Xin Wen. Xin Wen's scalp tingled under his gaze, and he retreated further, not daring to speak.

Xin Yi's eyes conveyed that if he dared to speak, he would be next.

Lord Guan's struggles gradually weakened, and the ripples on the disturbed lake surface became calmer, appearing as if he was about to give out. Xin Yi grabbed his hair and lifted his head. Lord Guan choked on water, gasping for air. Xin Yi lightly patted his face with the back of his hand and smiled at him. This smile sent a chilling sensation up Lord Guan's spine, and his teeth began to chatter. He didn't know if it was from cold or fear, but he actually started trembling at Xin Yi's gentle face. Xin Yi released his hand, and he collapsed onto the lakeside, gasping. The wrist he had used to touch Xin Yi earlier throbbed with excruciating pain from the dislocation, but he dared not make a sound.

It wasn't until Xin Yi left that their taut nerves finally relaxed. Xin Wen took a few steps and dragged Lord Guan up, his voice low and fierce, "How could you let him fight back!"

Lord Guan was still trembling, unable to answer. Xin Wen hadn't been stared at so closely by Xin Yi, nor had he been held underwater by Xin Yi, so Xin Wen wouldn't understand the stiffness in his limbs and the coldness of his hands at that moment. After this incident, he wasn't just afraid of Xin Yi; he was scared to death! Scared to death!

He understood today: this was a Little King of Hell. If Xin Wen hadn't been there just now, he himself would probably be the corpse floating in the lake tonight. Xin Yi truly wanted to kill him just now; the force in his fingers screamed nothing less.

Xin Wen furiously spat, "Useless! I won't let him off for what happened tonight either!"

Lord Guan felt a chill run down his spine. Enduring the excruciating pain in his wrist, he shook his head and said, "Dogs that don't bark bite people to death. I'm afraid... this isn't over yet."