'Attending the poetry banquet leads directly to one minor and one major misfortune?'
Lu Mingyuan was surprised, but not shocked.
He had gone to great lengths to fade from the public eye, to become an invisible man no one cared about. Showing off his poetic skills at a banquet right now was no different from a death wish.
What did surprise him was the second divination: outwardly refusing the grand banquet, but secretly attending the poetry banquet to anonymously shake the Imperial Capital. That this path could actually win Emperor Yong'an's favor was unexpected.
This suggested his so-called father hadn't completely given up on him yet.
'This won't do at all.'
All four divinations hinted at the same thing: whoever performed exceptionally well at the Imperial Capital's poetry banquet would likely win Emperor Yong'an's favor, thereby increasing their chances in the struggle for the throne.
And if he dared to attend the poetry banquet and steal the spotlight, he would immediately draw the suspicion of his two "dear brothers," the Eldest Prince and the Second Prince.
The factional strife, the fight for the throne, was primarily a contest between those two, as they were the most qualified candidates.
The Eldest Prince, Lu Changfeng, was the son of the Empress. He had a vast number of supporters in the court, including both Civil Servants and Military Generals, making him the most likely candidate for Crown Prince. Unfortunately, he himself lacked presence and came across as rather mediocre.
The other was the Second Prince, Lu Guangjing, son of Noble Consort Xue. He also had no shortage of supporters, mostly senior officials from the previous reign. In Lu Mingyuan's memory, this man had a sterling reputation from a young age. He was sharp and intelligent, his etiquette was impeccable, and he treated everyone with humility and grace. He never let his emotions show and loved making friends, resulting in a large network of allies.
He had many Staff Officers and other capable individuals in his employ, including Qi Cultivators from the Taoist Sect, Gentlemen from the Confucian Temple, and various other people from all walks of life.
An old official who had served three Emperors once remarked that he had the bearing of an Emperor.
'And me? Relying solely on my mother and maternal grandfather... my power base seems far too weak.'
'Forget it. Overthinking won't help.'
Lu Mingyuan shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside.
'The first divination is still the safest bet.'
'An Upper Trigram of Good Fortune indicates a perfect outcome. When that option appears, you have to take it.'
Declining the grand banquet was the best choice for him. Even if the second option could grant him the [Scholar] Fate Grid, the risk was too great. Incurring the jealousy of those two and putting himself in danger just wasn't worth the reward.
"Yun Qing, I won't be attending the grand banquet," Lu Mingyuan said, looking Lu Yunqing straight in the eye with a serious gaze.
"Why not?"
Lu Yunqing froze, his expression full of confusion.
Lu Mingyuan chuckled. "You know your brother. I've never been a man of refined tastes. The red-light districts are more my style. This grand banquet for all the nations is far too formal. I'd feel completely out of place."
"Besides, I'm a disgraced man. I don't have the face to see the Father Emperor again."
Lu Yunqing hadn't expected the refusal. He pleaded earnestly, "Sixth Brother, I've already paved the way for you! Just attend the poetry banquet, and I'll give you a poem I've prepared in advance. You're sure to dazzle everyone. If the Father Emperor is pleased, he might show you leniency. Who knows, he might even let you out of here!"
Huh?
Lu Mingyuan was stunned.
'He'd even do that?'
He couldn't help but give a wry smile, unsure if he should feel touched or exasperated.
Still, his brother was ultimately trying to help him, and that fact moved him deeply.
'Oh, my foolish little brother.'
'Fighting for the throne is a dead end. A quiet life is the only true path.'
Lu Mingyuan sighed. "You said it yourself—it's just a 'what if.' The chances are minuscule. You should keep the poem for yourself. You've loved to read since you were little; you have the talent of a top scholar. It's a shame you were born into the imperial family. Why don't you take this opportunity for yourself? Show these minor foreign states that Great Yan's Fortune is not just built on a flourishing Martial Fortune, but that our literary culture is just as prosperous."
"But..."
Lu Yunqing tried to persuade him further, but Lu Mingyuan cut him off.
"I'm fine. You can see for yourself, I'm living quite comfortably in the Cold Palace. The Cold Palace is permanent, but the Palace Maids come and go. Your brother is living a good life here."
Seeing that he couldn't be persuaded, Lu Yunqing gave up. He looked at Lu Mingyuan with deep admiration and said emotionally, "Seeing you in such high spirits, Sixth Brother, has put my mind at ease."
It was incredible that he could remain so optimistic and open-minded after more than a month in the Cold Palace.
Throughout history, countless royals and Consorts had been thrown into the Cold Palace, only to wither away. It was common for them to grow despondent and depressed, fall gravely ill, and eventually descend into madness.
"I have a lot to attend to as well. I'll go report your decision to the Father Emperor now, so I'll take my leave."
Lu Yunqing bid Lu Mingyuan farewell, a hint of reluctance in his eyes.
"Wait for me, Sixth Brother. I'll get you out of here sooner or later!" he said, looking back with determination before he left.
"Alright."
Lu Mingyuan could only manage a forced smile in reply.
He walked Lu Yunqing to the gates of the Cold Palace and waved him off.
'I wonder when we'll see each other again.'
Lu Mingyuan didn't dwell on it. He just hoped his little brother wouldn't die in the vortex of the succession struggle and become a political sacrifice.
Just as he turned around, he spotted a familiar face among a group of Imperial Guards on patrol.
It was none other than Zhou Pingfu, the man who had been kneeling in the snow a month ago.
It seemed he had survived the seven-day ordeal and successfully taken the fall.
Zhou Pingfu, who was passing by, had clearly seen Lu Mingyuan as well. His eyes filled with surprise, he stopped, bowed slightly to Lu Mingyuan, and gave a military salute.
Lu Mingyuan, who possessed the [Recognizing People] ability, could see the gratitude hidden in the man's expression.
And a deep-seated goodwill.