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Yan Xiaobao morized everyone’s nas, their families, and their factions as he moved through the room. He made every effort to learn about each individual and their allegiances. Recalling one person after another, Yan Xiaobao’s thoughts explored the knowledge he had obtained from the mory Stone. Greeting everyone served several purposes. First, he hoped to leave a favorable impression, as most people were highly wary of him, likely due to the rumors surrounding him. Second, he wanted to discern who had chosen to attend his banquet. Finally, he sought to see and interact with the Royal Family. Yan Xiaobao was searching for any Princes, Princesses, or their aristocratic supporters who might have already arrived.
So far, Yan Xiaobao was disappointed. Quite a number of nobles supporting the Royal Family had arrived, but everywhere he looked, he found only nobility and rchants—there was no sign of the Royal Family. This left Yan Xiaobao feeling sowhat disheartened. He wanted to et the man he had sworn to kill for his friend; he hoped to see the one who had cold-bloodedly sentenced two families to death, sparing neither their young nor old, neither their won nor n.
Though Yan Xiaobao’s dissatisfaction simred internally, no one could perceive his true feelings, as he buried them deep within. The only visible emotions he displayed were gratitude and joy. Despite so disappointnt, Yan Xiaobao reasoned that even if he longed to see the Prince, Deng Wu would prefer viewing his detestable foes rather than death itself.
After circling the banquet hall to greet and thank all attendees, Yan Xiaobao finally returned to his group of friends. The atmosphere among his friends contrasted starkly with the rest of the room. There was no relaxation, indulgence, or drunkenness; instead, they were sharp, focused, and vigilant, observing the crowd for any signs of sudden hostility or plotting against their friend Yan Xiaobao. While an attack at this ti seed highly unlikely, Yan Xiaobao and his friends were unwilling to take any risks. Though Yan Xiaobao outwardly appeared cheerful and carefree as he greeted nobles he had never t before, he was no less alert than his companions.
There was currently no animosity between Yan Xiaobao and the nobility, but relations with rchants were another matter. Zhan Weisheng did not attend his banquet, but many of his supporters did. Knowing that the Ma family had chosen to support Yan Xiaobao implied their withdrawal of support for Zhan Weisheng, which easily sowed discord between the two. Thus, Yan Xiaobao sought to improve his relationship with the City Lord, as that could indirectly smooth relations with the rchants. He had no intention of crossing soone like Zhan Weisheng. If the two were to clash, Yan Xiaobao would be unable to focus entirely on the Third Prince.
Just as Yan Xiaobao returned to his group, his servant appeared again and cleared his throat. Everyone in the banquet hall turned their curious gaze toward the man. The arrival of soone this late suggested a guest of considerable status. Only those with significance dared to arrive late, as the later their entry, the greater attention their presence commanded. Even Yan Xiaobao had arrived late; as the mansion’s owner and a newcor, he naturally wasn’t the evening’s host. The host was the Ma Family, who customarily beca the final arrival.
Yan Xiaobao’s face montarily froze before becoming more authentic. His dark eyes flickered, and if observed carefully, one might notice his blue pupils dimd. His expression was inscrutable, but it was evident the young man was contemplating sothing critical. The two individuals appeared to be around twenty to twenty-four years old, their features no longer carrying the youthful aura seen in Yan Xiaobao and Cai Jie. Their deanor clearly exhibited the stature of nobility, commanding a certain level of respect. Watching these two brothers — despite being the elder ones — gave the impression of them being nearly the sa age. This was unmistakably due to their arduous training to rapidly achieve the King-level, rendering age inconsequential. Observing Yan Xiaobao and Cai Jie’s youthful appearances, it was clear to all that they had achieved the King-level even faster than the Third Prince, who was famously hailed as a royal prodigy.
"Well, there’s still ti to greet the Royal Family," Yan Xiaobao muttered to himself and began moving toward the two individuals of royal blood. Both were scanning the nurous guests present at the banquet, and nothing they saw seed to impress them. "Your Highnesses, I can hardly believe that such esteed figures would grace us with your presence!" Yan Xiaobao bowed deeply in salute to the two princes. As his gaze landed on Shiu Ye, his heart raced. Yan Xiaobao’s suppressed anger roared inwardly, but with the aid of Blue Cloud, he smothered it and managed to keep it under control. He ensured that no matter how much he currently wished to kill the prince, he could restrain himself. He locked his inner fury away while maintaining a polite exterior. He was courteous, friendly, supportive. "Please enjoy your ti in my mansion. I hope the cuisine we’ve prepared suits your tastes. Feel free to mingle with the crowd, and if you have any complaints, do not hesitate to voice your concerns. The Ma family will do everything possible to rectify any issues." Both princes offered their usual distracted nods of acknowledgnt before moving toward two groups of nobles, each consisting of their own supporters. Though they had arrived late, they were highly curious about the events that had transpired prior to their arrival. Their trust extended solely to those who had sworn loyalty through a Blood Oath. Only their pillars of support were deed sufficient.
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