The banquet commenced at noon, with the Eldest Prince, Crown Prince, Ye Qiu, and both Seventh and Ten seated at the same table. Since Ten was still young and had little involvement in court affairs, the rest of the guests were mostly scions of aristocratic families, most of whom were young peers, giving rise to a rather lively atmosphere.
Even the Eldest Prince and the Crown Prince appeared harmonious, showing no signs of rivalry.
It was understandable, though. As soon as the Eldest Prince had returned to the capital, the Holy Emperor deprived him of his military power, the message was quite clear. If the Eldest Prince still couldn't read the room, who knew what would happen!
