Terra Su smiled, finding it quite interesting that the Mu Family had set up a banquet to entertain the Crown Prince, yet the old man, the highest authority in the Mu Family, did not make an appearance.
However, upon closer thought, it seemed reasonable. Given the old man's status, he didn't need to attend such events.
After all, according to Eighth Master Mu, even the sons of Marquis Anyang had to show respect and courtesy to the old man, which highlighted his esteemed position.
Therefore, when it was discovered that Marquis Anyang might be involved in poisoning the old man, he was extremely shocked and incredulous. This was because, in Marquis Anyang's household, the old man had always been treated with respect and honor.
Terra Su and Eighth Master Mu exchanged a few more words before someone came to announce the arrival of the Crown Prince.
From the entrance of the Mu Family's banquet hall, a man in a red and purple brocade robe strode in. He was nearly thirty years old, quite handsome, and exuded a kingly aura with every step.
Many people in the hall immediately stood up and cupped their hands in salute, "Greetings, Crown Prince."
"Haha, no need for formalities, everyone. Please, sit down," the Crown Prince waved his hand with a slight smile, appearing very genteel and amiable.
Among the high-ranking members of the Mu Family, a man in his forties wearing a green robe stepped forward with a beaming smile to welcome the Crown Prince and invited him to the main seat.
"The man in the green robe is my second brother, Mu Zheng, one of the current managers of the Mu Family. People usually call him Second Master Mu," Eighth Master Mu whispered to Terra Su.
The current manager, second only to the old man, wielded significant power, almost akin to the deputy patriarch of the Mu Family.
Second Master Mu spoke with a sharp and capable demeanor.
Beside Second Master Mu was a heavily made-up woman who, along with him, engaged in a warm conversation with the Crown Prince. Both seemed very familiar and close with the Crown Prince.
This woman was Mu San Niang.
Once the Crown Prince was seated, the banquet began.
Since it was a family banquet, there were no elaborate rituals. Once the dishes were served, the guests began to toast each other.
Naturally, the Crown Prince was the center of attention at the banquet. Many people held their wine cups and approached him to toast and find topics to converse with him.
However, finding topics to discuss was challenging, so everyone's attention shifted to the talented individuals the Crown Prince had brought with him, praising these geniuses.
"The young men around the Crown Prince are all exceptional talents."
"Indeed, take for example Sun Yaozu. At just twenty years old, he's already a genius in the Transforming Realm. His talent is truly terrifying."
Everyone knew that praising the Crown Prince's subordinates was akin to praising the Crown Prince himself. After all, if the Crown Prince weren't wise and powerful, how could he attract such outstanding talents to follow him willingly?
The person they were praising was the most talented young man among the Crown Prince's entourage at the banquet. This young man, wrapped in a black cloak, exuded a cold and distant aura.
"Is he from the Sun Family?"
Terra Su noticed Sun Yaozu.
He hadn't expected to encounter someone from the Sun Family in such a setting.
Reaching the Transforming Realm at twenty was considered top-tier talent in Anyang City, comparable to Owen Situ from the Situ Family.
"Alright, everyone."
The Crown Prince smiled, interrupting the flattery, "Yaozu is quite shy. If you keep praising him, he'll get embarrassed."
"Hahaha."
Everyone laughed heartily.
Second Master Mu also smiled slightly, "The Crown Prince is a born leader, capable of gathering such outstanding talents."
The Crown Prince clearly enjoyed the compliments, his face full of smiles.
The conversation then shifted to other topics.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the Crown Prince put down his wine cup and said to Second Master Mu, "Second Master, the main reason I came today is to discuss something with you."
Second Master Mu also put down his wine cup and sat up straight, "What is it?"
"Next month is Father's birthday. I've prepared a gift but I'm not sure if it's suitable, so I wanted to ask for your opinion."
Although the Crown Prince was not Marquis Anyang's biological son, he and the other chosen sons were listed in the family registry, giving them the right to call Marquis Anyang "Father."
After speaking, the Crown Prince clapped his hands, and someone brought over a scroll.
When the scroll was unfurled, it revealed a painting with bold and grand strokes that brought a sense of tranquility to those who viewed it.
"This scroll, called 'Cloud Dragon Watching the Sea,' is something I found after traveling through Anyang County and several surrounding counties. It's said to be the work of Grandmaster Mu Lan. Regular contemplation of it not only calms the mind and improves cultivation speed but also prolongs life."
The Crown Prince's words caused a stir.
"Heavens, it's a work by Grandmaster Mu Lan! Isn't it said that Mu Lan has long since stopped painting? His works rarely appear on the market. The Crown Prince actually managed to find one. Truly impressive."
"Indeed, if the Prince knows that the Crown Prince has put so much thought into preparing a birthday gift for him, he will surely be pleased."
"Grandmaster Mu Lan's works are priceless. This painting is probably worth at least half a million, and it's not something you can easily buy."
"The fact that this painting can prolong life makes it an absolute treasure. The Crown Prince's grand gesture in preparing such a gift for the Prince shows his filial piety."
Everyone spoke up, praising the Crown Prince's 'Cloud Dragon Watching the Sea' painting.
From a distance, Terra Su glanced at the painting and frowned slightly.
Second Master Mu put on gloves, picked up the 'Cloud Dragon Watching the Sea' painting, and examined it carefully for a moment before nodding, "In my opinion, this is indeed an authentic work by Grandmaster Mu Lan. If presented as a birthday gift to the Prince, I'm sure he will be very pleased, and the Crown Prince's filial piety will be conveyed."
The Crown Prince's face lit up with joy, "Since even Second Master Mu says so, I will present this painting as a birthday gift to Father at the banquet."
Eighth Master Mu, sitting at another table, strained his neck to get a better look at the painting, muttering under his breath, "It looks like an ordinary painting to me. How can they speak so highly of it?"
Terra Su chuckled softly, "Eighth Master Mu, there's no need to look. It's indeed just an ordinary painting, not even worth fifty taels of silver."
"What? Not even worth fifty taels of silver?"
Eighth Master Mu exclaimed in surprise, forgetting to lower his voice.
Instantly, everyone present turned to look at him in astonishment.
Leave a Reply