The crowd's eyes widened in disbelief, staring at the Emperor as if they couldn't believe their ears! The Emperor was forbidding Chu Chen from attending the banquet!
Chu Chen was the Emperor's confidant, and by all rights should have been a guest alongside the civil and military officials. Yet, the Emperor refused to allow him to participate.
Wasn't this a blatant show of favoritism towards the Crown Prince? What was the Emperor's intention?
"Your subject obeys your decree." The Prime Minister immediately changed his tune, lowering his head to conceal the hatred in his eyes.
"Alright, continue eating. The banquet is about to begin." The Emperor waved his hand, signaling everyone to proceed. He picked up his chopsticks and began to eat, appearing relaxed and at ease.
"Yes, Your Majesty." The officials were indignant but dared not show it, forcing themselves to eat.
Meanwhile, Chu Chen and the Qin siblings had arrived at the Imperial Garden and were strolling amidst the scenery.
"Xiao Chen, why do you think His Majesty didn't let you attend the banquet this time?" Qin Hao asked, puzzled.
"Perhaps he finds me an eyesore," Chu Chen replied indifferently, a cold smile playing on his lips.
The Emperor's attitude was clear. His targeting him was likely due to his fear of Chu Chen snatching the Crown Prince's position.
He might be a good-for-nothing, but that didn't mean he was willing to be trampled under the Crown Prince's feet and have his dignity crushed!
"Don't overthink it. His Majesty absolutely doesn't mean that," Qin Hao hastily explained.
"Mm, I understand," Chu Chen said with a smile.
"Chu Chen, today's banquet is quite lively. Aren't you going to join the fun?" Qin Yao couldn't help but ask out of curiosity. She truly didn't understand why Chu Chen wasn't attending.
"If I go, won't I ruin the Crown Prince's wedding to the Crown Princess?" Chu Chen asked with a faint smile.
"Pfft—Haha..." Qin Yao couldn't help but burst into laughter. "You're quite humorous."
"I'm serious," Chu Chen said calmly.
"Alright, stop teasing me and tell me what you're really thinking?" Qin Yao giggled, hugging Chu Chen's arm and acting spoiled.
"No matter what the Emperor intends, I won't let him have his way," Chu Chen gently brushed away Qin Yao's arm from his, his tone calm yet resolute.
His words sent a shiver through Qin Yao. She had a feeling Chu Chen was warning her, telling her to stay away.
"Are you serious?" Qin Yao stared at Chu Chen blankly, as if she couldn't believe these words were coming from him. Chu Chen was actually going to oppose the Crown Prince!
"Mm," Chu Chen nodded slightly. He wasn't a saint. Since the Emperor wanted to push him into a fiery pit.
He might as well jump in and play around for a bit, saving the old Emperor the trouble of constantly being wary of him.
"Then... what should I do?" Qin Yao asked timidly. She knew Chu Chen must have his own plan, otherwise he wouldn't have said such a thing.
Chu Chen patted Qin Yao's small head and smiled slightly. "You don't need to do anything. Just protect yourself and wait for my news."
"Mm-hmm, then you must be careful." Qin Yao nodded solemnly, concern in her eyes.
"Don't worry, there's no danger. I have a way to handle it. As for you two, remember to be cautious," Chu Chen advised. He didn't want the Qin siblings to be implicated because of him.
"Got it. Hurry up and go to the banquet, or you'll be late."
Qin Yao urged him on, a strange sense of anticipation rising in her heart. She was eager to see what the outcome would be when Chu Chen confronted the Crown Prince.
"Mm, I'm leaving." Chu Chen waved to the two and then strode into the main hall.
The moment Chu Chen crossed the threshold of the main hall, a group of people immediately swarmed him, vying to flatter and curry favor.
"Lord Chu, welcome to the banquet. Please sit here." The Prime Minister, with a fawning smile, enthusiastically invited Chu Chen to sit at an empty table on the right.
Chu Chen looked around and noticed that all eyes were fixed on him. Each person wore a hypocritical smile that was sickening to behold!
"Prime Minister, I don't like sitting next to you. You sit further away," Chu Chen said with disdain. He then walked directly to a chair on the left and sat down.
Hearing this, the Prime Minister's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot. He suppressed his anger and forced a stiff smile.
"Lord Chu is joking. We are all officials of the court; we should naturally be united."
"Heh heh, Prime Minister, how can we minor officials compare to your immense power?
Look, with just one word from you, you've gathered us all here. Wouldn't you agree?" one minister said, trying to flatter him.
Although the Emperor was the Emperor, the Prime Minister's power was not insignificant.
Upon hearing these compliments, the Prime Minister's smile widened, and he cast a proud glance at Chu Chen before taking his own seat. He had deliberately intended to embarrass Chu Chen.
Chu Chen couldn't be bothered to deal with the Prime Minister. He picked up his chopsticks and ate leisurely, ignoring everyone else.
"Hmph! Arrogant!" A minister glared at Chu Chen in anger and then picked up his cup, taking several large gulps of water.
"Lord Chu, I'll toast you with this cup of wine." The Prime Minister said sarcastically, draining his cup with a triumphant look in his eyes.
He cast a cold glance at him, picked up the wine pot, poured a cup of wine, and then drank it down in one go.
"Chu Chen, what are you doing? You dare to drink when the Prime Minister toasts you?" the person beside him immediately showed a look of contempt.
He ignored the mocking gazes of the crowd and continued to savor his wine.
"Hmph!" The Prime Minister snorted coldly, inwardly sneering. He didn't believe Chu Chen could last through the banquet. He wondered who would dare speak up for Chu Chen then!
After the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, palace maids began serving delicious dishes on platters. Everyone started eating, drinking, and chatting, and the banquet gradually became more lively.
Chu Chen calmly drank his wine, completely unfazed. The Prime Minister gritted his teeth, wondering how long Chu Chen could maintain his pretense.
After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Chu Chen put down his wine cup, swept a faint glance at the Prime Minister, and slowly said, "Prime Minister, you truly have a great capacity for wine!"
The Prime Minister was stunned, then burst into laughter. "Haha, Lord Chu flatters me."
Chu Chen lightly pursed his ruby-red lips and smiled faintly. "It would be a shame to waste such excellent wine. How about, Prime Minister, you and I drink three bowls?"
As his words fell, the entire banquet fell silent. Everyone stared at Chu Chen, dumbfounded.
The Prime Minister paused for a moment, then sneered, "Lord Chu must be joking. This official is old and can no longer drink three bowls."
Chu Chen narrowed his eyes and sneered, "Is the Prime Minister looking down on this humble servant?"
"Of course not," the Prime Minister quickly waved his hand. "It's just... it's just..."
The Prime Minister stammered for a long time before finally finding an excuse. He pointed to the wine jar in front of Chu Chen.
"Lord Chu, this wine jar contains the nectar of the gods, extremely precious and not suitable for prolonged consumption."
He raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Since the Prime Minister is reluctant, then let's forget about these three bowls."
Chu Chen said this and prepared to put away the wine jar, but the Prime Minister was startled and reached out to stop him.
"Oh dear, how can that be? His Majesty specifically ordered this. This official must finish it. Perhaps Lord Chu would accompany this official in drinking it?"