Cui Mansion

The fingers hidden beneath the sleeves curled slightly, but her face revealed nothing, only instructing in a calm tone:

"Mhm, you must be careful of these so-called noble daughters of aristocratic families."

"Within the aristocratic families, other than the direct descendants, everyone else is merely a tool used to win over people's hearts."

"During the banquet, you must be attentive. Do not easily fall into a trap, make promises you shouldn't, or let someone catch a slip of the tongue."

These words were spoken straightforwardly and coldly, stripping away the tender facade of aristocratic socializing to reveal the naked calculations of interest underneath.

Hearing this, Gu Chengyin revealed an understanding smile, cupping his hands in a salute. "Rest assured, Your Highness. I know what to do."

Seeing Gu Chengyin's clear expression, without the slightest hint of eagerness to try.

Only then did the displeasure at the bottom of Luo Zhao's heart dissipate.

She nodded and said simply, "Go."

"I shall take my leave." Gu Chengyin bowed and turned to leave.

He strode out of the brightly lit Wenli Hall.

His figure quickly disappeared around the corner of the stairs.

Arriving outside the gates of the Crown Princess's palace, a carriage was already waiting.

The evening breeze brushed past the palace walls with a chill, fluttering Gu Chengyin's robes.

The last trace of rosy clouds in the sky completely faded away, and the dark blue night sky began to be dotted with sparse stars.

The myriad lights of the Divine Capital lit up one after another, outlining a silhouette vastly different from its daytime solemnity.

Gu Chengyin did not immediately board the carriage. Instead, he stood by the shafts and looked up at the towering imperial city gradually illuminated by lights.

He then looked toward the direction of the Cui Residence, located in the gathering area of the Divine Capital's nobles.

It was brightly lit with candles, and the sound of string and bamboo instruments could be faintly heard—another scene where power and prosperity intertwined.

"To the Cui Residence."

Gu Chengyin withdrew his gaze, lifted his robes to board the carriage, and ordered in a flat voice.

"Yes, Marquis."

The driver acknowledged and lightly shook the reins.

The carriage started smoothly, rolling over the even bluestone path in front of the palace gates, heading toward the brightly lit noble district.

Inside the carriage, Gu Chengyin closed his eyes to rest, the true qi within his body naturally flowing slowly.

In his mind, he quickly reviewed the known information about the Cui family, the backgrounds of the aristocratic youths who might attend the banquet, and Luo Zhao's final reminder.

The front of the Cui Residence was brightly lit.

Two tall stone lions were bathed in the soft glow of silk lanterns. The vermilion gates were wide open, and servants stood solemnly on both sides, looking extraordinarily imposing.

Gu Chengyin's carriage had just come to a stop, the rolling sound of the wheels not yet completely settled, when a middle-aged steward dressed in a decent silk shirt hurriedly came forward to greet him, bowing respectfully:

"Marquis Gu! You have finally arrived! I am Cui Fu, and I have been waiting here for a long time on the master's orders!" His attitude was respectful but not fawning, striking the perfect balance.

Gu Chengyin lifted the carriage curtain and slowly stepped down.

He had changed into a more formal dark brocade robe with hidden cloud patterns, a jade belt cinched around his waist.

Though still low-profile, under the illumination of the Cui Residence's brilliant gate lights, it accentuated his tall and straight posture, his facial features appearing even more sharply defined in the interplay of light and shadow.

Gu Chengyin's gaze swept over and found that besides the steward Cui Fu, there was also a young master in splendid clothes.

This person was in his early twenties, with a face like flawless jade and handsome features, wearing a lake-blue Suzhou silk long gown embroidered with silver bamboo patterns.

A beautiful jade sachet hung at his waist, and he held an ivory-ribbed folding fan. Standing there, he naturally exuded the noble demeanor of an aristocratic descendant.

Seeing Gu Chengyin's gaze fall upon him, the young master did not wait for the steward to introduce him. He took a step forward, elegantly snapped his fan shut, cupped his hands, and said in a clear voice, "I am Cui Ziting, the second son of the family."

"I have long admired the great name of Marquis Gu. Seeing you today, you are indeed handsome and spirited, even better than the rumors. My father specially ordered me to welcome you here. Marquis Gu, please."

Cui Ziting's manners were elegant, and his speech was appropriate. He spoke pleasantries naturally and sincerely, as if from the bottom of his heart, showing excellent upbringing and social skills.

Gu Chengyin immediately formed a preliminary impression of the second young master of the Cui Residence: a typical aristocratic descendant, glamorous on the outside and skilled at socializing.

He was likely one of the figureheads Cui Shifan used for external relations to display the family's elegance.

He returned the salute just as politely, his tone humble:

"Young Master Cui overpraises me. My meager contributions were merely fortunate enough to receive Her Highness's favor. How could I dare claim a great name?"

"It is you, Young Master, who is like a jade tree, exuding an imposing aura. One look and it is clear you are a dragon among men, making me quite envious."

"I did not expect Pavilion Elder Cui to be so polite as to have you personally welcome me. It makes me feel somewhat apprehensive."

Gu Chengyin paused slightly, a look of shame appearing on his face. "Today in the Grand Secretariat, my words may have offended the Pavilion Elder. I have been feeling uneasy about it."

"Later, when I see Pavilion Elder Cui, I will certainly apologize first and penalize myself with three cups of wine to express my regret."

Seeing Gu Chengyin's attitude so humble and polite, a flash of surprise crossed Cui Ziting's eyes.

"Marquis Gu, your words are too heavy!"

Cui Ziting's smile grew wider as he turned sideways to lead the way. "My father often says that discussing matters in court and expressing one's own views is a sign of loyalty to the country. How could there be any talk of offense?"

"Marquis Gu arguing strongly for Her Highness is exactly the duty of a loyal subject. My father has even privately praised you for your courage and insight!"

As the two exchanged pleasantries, they stepped through the gates of the Cui Residence under Cui Fu's guidance.

Upon entering the gates, Gu Chengyin's vision broadened. Even though he was mentally prepared, he couldn't help but secretly marvel at the grandeur of the Cui Residence.

It was indeed the residence of a family of high officials for generations and a current Pavilion Elder. Its heritage and imposing manner were far beyond what ordinary wealthy families could compare with.

Facing them was a massive white marble spirit screen, carved with a relief of pines and cranes symbolizing longevity, giving off a warm luster under the lights.

Bypassing the spirit screen, a wide bluestone main path capable of accommodating several carriages side by side appeared before them. Towering ancient trees of precious varieties lined the path, their branches and leaves casting dancing shadows under the illumination of carefully arranged corridor lights.

A stream of running water was channeled alongside the path, murmuring as it flowed. A delicate stone bridge spanned it, with exquisitely carved railings.

In the distance, stacked rockeries with jagged stones could be seen. Pavilions and towers were faintly visible among them, with flying eaves and upturned corners dotted with lights, making it look like a fairyland.

What was even more striking was that the entire Cui Residence seemed to be celebrating a festival, adorned with lanterns and colored decorations everywhere.

Exquisitely styled silk lanterns hung beneath the eaves of the corridors, and brilliantly glowing strings of glazed lamps were wrapped around the trees. Even the stream beside the path had little lotus lanterns floating and rippling with the current.

The sound of string and bamboo music faintly wafted from deep within the residence, and the rich scents of wine, flowers, and premium incense drifted in the air.

Servants and maids, dressed in uniform brand-new attire, walked briskly back and forth, all wearing respectful smiles on their faces.

How did this look like an ordinary family banquet?

It was clearly the setup of a grand celebration!

Cui Ziting walked by Gu Chengyin's side, gesturing vaguely at the surroundings with his folding fan, and said in a brisk tone:

"What does Marquis Gu think of the scenery? When my father learned that you were willing to grace our banquet, he was overjoyed. He immediately gave orders to prepare thoroughly, ensuring you would not be slighted."

"Speaking of which, it has been a long time since the residence was this lively. Are these arrangements pleasing to Marquis Gu's eyes?"