Closing

Cui Shifan's subsequent introductions, though varying in rank, were without exception all direct or collateral relatives by marriage to the Cui clan, and each held a position in the imperial court.

Gu Chengyin knew clearly in his heart that Cui Shifan was flexing his muscles, showing him the Cui clan's flourishing branches and deep roots in the court.

The Qinghe Cui clan was not just Cui Shifan alone, but a massive family network intricately rooted and infiltrating every vital department.

Facing these core members of the Cui clan, the smile on Gu Chengyin's face grew even more sincere, leading to another round of highly professional mutual flattery.

No matter what the other party mentioned, he could chime in with a few seemingly expert yet complimentary remarks, praising them without appearing overly sycophantic.

His soothing words and sincere attitude made these Cui clan officials, who had long navigated officialdom, feel a sense of appreciation for this sensible and polite young Marquis of Bingjian.

After this round of introductions and pleasantries, the evening banquet finally officially began.

On the massive circular red sandalwood table, rare delicacies were served in a continuous flow.

Delicacies from the mountains and seas were laid out in full. The exquisite cooking and beautiful plating all showcased the wealth and taste of the Cui residence.

Maidservants dressed in uniform, elegant attire silently served food and poured wine with skillful and graceful movements.

As the most important guest tonight, Gu Chengyin was personally arranged by Cui Shifan to sit on his left.

The importance attached to him and the gesture of goodwill were self-evident.

Meanwhile, the other younger generation, including Cui Ziting, Cui Zilu, and other noble youths, had to settle for the side hall banquet nearby.

Although the dishes were equally abundant and the atmosphere lively, it was ultimately a level below the main hall where the bigwigs were gathered.

Through the partially open carved lattice doors between the side hall and the main hall, the noble youths in the side hall could clearly see the scene at the main table.

They saw Gu Chengyin sitting calmly beside Cui Shifan, cheerfully talking and drinking with a group of important Cui clan figures who could shake the Divine Capital with a mere stomp of their feet.

There was not the slightest stage fright or awkwardness on his face, as if he was born to sit there.

Envy, jealousy, unwillingness, curiosity, admiration... a variety of complex emotions intertwined in the hearts of the noble youths in the side hall.

But they also knew very well that Gu Chengyin could sit there not because he was the Marquis of Bingjian, but because he represented that Highness.

Otherwise, with just a marquis title, he wouldn't even be able to enter the gates of the Cui residence.

They understood the logic, but emotionally it was completely hard to accept.

They were all of the same age, and everyone present even had a much more illustrious background than Gu Chengyin.

On what grounds could he sit as an equal with their fathers' generation, while they could only chat about trivial matters in the side hall?

"Tsk tsk, look at Lord Gu, that demeanor, that conversation, he doesn't fall behind at all when talking to granduncle and the others," a collateral branch youth sighed in a low voice, his tone sour.

"Hmph, he just knows how to pander. Didn't you see his act just now? It was sickeningly sweet," another person curled his lips, clearly disapproving of Gu Chengyin's exaggerated flattery.

"Pander? Why don't you try to pander to them? Who in the main hall is an easy target? Being able to coax them into happiness is a skill in itself," someone else retorted with a bit of realistic clarity.

"Exactly, besides, he dared to fiercely confront the Chief Commander of the Golden Feather Guards right in front of His Majesty. If it were you, would you dare?" Someone brought up the incident from yesterday's morning court, drawing a wave of silence.

No matter how they viewed Gu Chengyin's social skills, this battle record was solid and unquestionable.

Cui Ziting and Cui Zilu were also sitting in the side hall. Cui Zilu's seat was excellent; she could clearly see Gu Chengyin's every move through the gap in the partition.

She hadn't even touched the exquisite dishes in front of her. Her lively big eyes hardly ever left Gu Chengyin.

Watching Gu Chengyin sometimes listen attentively to Cui Shifan, sometimes smile and answer questions from a Cui official, and sometimes raise his glass for a toast, he looked exceptionally elegant and charming.

Cui Zilu's eyes sparkled with growing interest, even mixed with a trace of adoration.

She tugged at Cui Ziting's sleeve beside her, her voice carrying a coquettish tone: "Second Brother, look how lively the main hall is. I want to sit at the big table too."

Cui Ziting was dealing with a toast from a cousin next to him. Hearing this, he scolded in a low, annoyed voice: "Don't even think about it! Is that a place you can go?"

"Father usually spoils you at home, but on occasions like this, rules are rules."

"If you really dare to go over, believe it or not, Father will throw you out on the spot!"

Cui Zilu shrank her neck and stuck out her tongue: "I know that, which is why I didn't really go..."

She was just talking. If she really had to face that group of powerful elders, she would be terrified inside too.

Suddenly, Cui Zilu's eyes rolled around, as if she remembered something. She leaned closer to Cui Ziting and probed, "Second Brother, after the banquet is over, are you going to talk business with him?"

Cui Ziting's hand holding the wine glass paused. He frowned slightly and looked at Cui Zilu in confusion: "How did you know?"

Cui Zilu giggled proudly and whispered, "When Father was talking to you, I happened to be outside the study... um, and heard a little bit." She didn't dare to say she had deliberately eavesdropped.

Cui Ziting's face hardened. He glared at her and said sternly, "You're really getting bolder! You even dare to eavesdrop. If Father finds out, he'll definitely teach you a good lesson!"

"Oh, I'm not stupid!" Cui Zilu quickly defended herself, shaking Cui Ziting's arm: "I know very well what I should and shouldn't hear!"

"Second Brother, you're the best. You definitely won't tell Father, right?"

Looking at his little sister's pleading look, Cui Ziting's heart softened, but he still snorted, "Just this once!"

Seeing that Cui Ziting wasn't angry, Cui Zilu grew bolder again. She grabbed his arm with both hands, shaking it gently, her voice sweet as honey: "Good Second Brother, the absolute best Second Brother... later when you guys chat, can I... listen in from the side?"

"I promise! I swear! I will stay quietly and absolutely not say a single word! I'll even serve you tea and pour water, guaranteeing you're well taken care of!"

Cui Zilu blinked her eyes, her face full of anticipation.

This request left Cui Ziting momentarily conflicted.

Cui Shifan had indeed instructed that after the banquet, he was to step forward and chat with Gu Chengyin in a more private setting.

There were some things that Cui Shifan found inconvenient to say personally, nor were they suitable to be discussed at a formal banquet.

This required a peer like him to lead the way and even make some preliminary promises and trades.

This was also Cui Shifan's test for him. If he couldn't even handle this small matter well, how could he manage the massive Cui clan in the future?

Bring Cui Zilu along? That was obviously against the rules.

How could an unmarried young lady be allowed to listen in on such a conversation involving family interests, which might even be somewhat secretive?

The conflicted look on Cui Ziting's face was entirely taken in by Cui Zilu.

Cui Zilu's mind raced. She knew that acting spoiled might not be enough to get her way, so she rolled her eyes and let out a deliberate sigh, her voice tinged with a hint of regret: "Forget it, forget it. I originally thought about inviting Sister Yunying over for a meal since His Highness has returned."

"Since someone is unwilling, I might as well save myself the trouble of bothering Sister Yunying."

Before she could even finish her sentence, Cui Ziting's voice came through, crisp and decisive:

"Deal."

A radiant smile instantly bloomed on Cui Zilu's face, making her look like a sly little fox who had just stolen a chicken. She said sweetly, "Thank you, Second Brother! Second Brother is the best!"