The guard’s mouth twitched violently.

He had been present at the scene where the Eldest Prince was sparring with Mr. Su from Daqi.

The shoe that broke its seam at the chest was practically the Eldest Prince’s nightmare.

However, there were no Nanliang people at the welcoming banquet that day, so could Young Master Zhao’s brother be a Daqi person?

It’s known that Young Master Zhao is the cousin of the Heir of Prince Zhenbei of Daqi.

Young Master Zhao has many brothers in Daqi.

"I’ll report to the Eldest Prince," the guard said.

The guard made a gesture, then turned and left.

Prince NanAn sat on horseback, feeling quite impatient.

It really took time to relay messages back and forth.

The four of them wearing masks standing in front of the Beimo Palace were certainly eye-catching.

Luckily, they didn’t have to wait long this time. The Eldest Prince of Beimo rode over shortly.

The Eldest Prince of Beimo could choose not to give face to Zhao Xu, but he couldn’t refuse to give face to Xie Jingchen.

If it weren’t for Xie Jingchen discovering the kidnapping of Princess Jing Shan and asking Zhao Xu to rescue her, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

The favor couldn’t even find a chance to be repaid, so how could the Eldest Prince of Beimo afford to be pretentious?

During the days in Daqi, due to King Beimo being captured, the relationship between Beimo and Daqi wasn’t good, and the Eldest Prince of Beimo didn’t have much contact with Daqi people.

On the contrary, Princess Jing Shan had more interactions with Su Jin.

The Eldest Prince of Beimo had been to the military camp several times and had met with Prince NanAn and others a few times, enough to be considered acquaintances.

Just hearing the voice, they knew who was coming.

Mobilizing the four of them shows that Young Master Zhao truly wants to marry his Imperial Sister.

However, considering Zhao Xu’s current situation, it’s clear that successfully marrying her would greatly benefit him.

Chu Shun and the others dismounted and greeted the Eldest Prince of Beimo, saying, "Brother Zhao had initially entrusted Brother Jingchen to personally come to Beimo to help him propose to Princess Jing Shan."

"However, the sister-in-law is about to give birth and is unavailable, so we hope the Eldest Prince understands."

The Eldest Prince of Beimo chuckled, "Setting aside the matter of you coming to help Young Master Zhao propose, I am actually delighted to see you guys."

That one sentence set the tone that the proposal was destined not to go smoothly.

It speaks of Brother Zhao’s impressive ability, choosing to hit his brother-in-law; why not directly go for the father-in-law, honoring him as a bold man.

Guests are guests, and the Eldest Prince of Beimo invited Prince NanAn and the others to dine at the largest restaurant in Beimo.

To hurry on their journey, the group had rushed, not having properly enjoyed Beimo’s cuisine.

With the Eldest Prince of Beimo treating, they happily agreed to go.

First, they sorted out Brother Zhao’s brother-in-law before persuading his father-in-law.

De Yue Building, much like Daqi’s Drunken Immortal Pavilion, was grand, situated in the busiest street of Beiyue Capital.

Since everyone was familiar, Prince NanAn and the others wouldn’t be reserved with the Eldest Prince of Beimo. After a few drinks, they brought up the old story of Xie Jingchen mistakenly hitting Su Chong.

They stopped halfway, leaving the Eldest Prince of Beimo itching with curiosity, asking, "What happened after the punch?"

Got it.

Hooked.

Fortunately, there’s a precedent to follow.

Prince NanAn picked some food, laughing, "The Eldest Prince doesn’t yet know Brother Su’s temper; a punch wouldn’t simply end things."

The Eldest Prince of Beimo really wanted to hit someone.

He certainly knew Su Chong’s temper, always returning scores; everyone in Dongxiang Marquis Mansion shared this trait.

What he wanted to know was how Su Chong got back at them, and why not just say the main point?

Prince NanAn intentionally strung him along, taking a sip of wine before responding, "Brother Su tricked Brother Jingchen into treating him to a meal right there; before leaving, he punched Brother Jingchen, hitting whichever eye deserved it."

"Did he really hit him?" asked the Eldest Prince of Beimo.

"That couldn’t be fake," responded Prince NanAn.

Patting the Eldest Prince of Beimo’s shoulder, he remarked, "Brother Zhao only hit you twice, just pay it back."

"If two meals aren’t enough relief, hit them three or four times, how much trouble could it be?"

"..."

With such a nonchalant tone, the Eldest Prince of Beimo was dumbfounded.

He did want to smack Young Master Zhao once.

However, being a prince meant he habitually weighed the pros and cons, thoughtfully acting; besides, Zhao Xu had indeed rescued his Imperial Sister, earning favor earlier.

The Eldest Prince of Beimo envied Mr. Su’s carefree life.

Maybe directly hitting Young Master Zhao would be more effective after all.

The Eldest Prince of Beimo raised his glass to drink, and Chu Shun also advised him, "Brother Zhao, before heading to Daqi, was quite steady, but it’s we four who led him astray."

Then—

The four of them started to disagree.

"What do you mean we led Brother Zhao astray?" Prince NanAn protested.

"Brother Zhao was jealous, and that’s why he hit the Eldest Prince."

The Heir of Marquis Beining agreed with Prince NanAn’s words.

Why didn’t Brother Zhao hit others and only hit the Eldest Prince of Beimo, indicating he was indeed somewhat deserving of it.

The Eldest Prince of Beimo, "..."

The Eldest Young Master of Duke Dingguo Mansion rubbed his forehead.

With the Eldest Prince of Beimo still sitting right here, saying he was deserving of a beating, it showed they were the ones who were asking for it.

They came to help Brother Zhao propose; don’t end up being chased out of Beimo themselves.

With a look of frustration, the Eldest Prince of Beimo watched as the brothers suddenly turned from united to fighting among themselves, flipping their attitude unexpectedly fast.

Being a prince, even between brothers, there was much calculation, let alone among these brothers without blood ties.

A few people surrounded him, but the Eldest Prince of Beimo understood well; those with him were only seeking the opportunity for personal gain.

Should the day come when he lost power, barely anyone would remain by his side.

Eyes reflecting envy, heart filled with admiration.

He wished dearly to have such brothers to horseplay, scheme, yet stand together unwaveringly.

As the Eldest Prince of Beimo’s curiosity piqued at their argument’s extent, Prince NanAn and the group suddenly realized the task at hand and reconciled.

Four pairs of eyes stared at him, asking what it would take to forgive his brother-in-law.

The Eldest Prince of Beimo, "..."

What brother-in-law?!

He hadn’t agreed to his Imperial Sister’s marriage yet!

The Eldest Prince of Beimo said, "Young Master Zhao saved my Imperial Sister; I’m very grateful to him, but as for marrying my Imperial Sister, it’s better to forget about it."

"How could that be forgotten?" replied Prince NanAn.

"It’s better to dismantle a temple than a marriage; Brother Zhao is a rare individual of both courage and integrity."

"If the Eldest Prince wouldn’t trust us, shouldn’t he at least trust Princess Jing Shan’s judgment?"

The Eldest Prince of Beimo’s brow tightened, "My Imperial Sister’s judgment has always been poor."

Chu Shun, "..."

Prince NanAn, "..."

The Heir of Marquis Beining, "..."

The Eldest Young Master of Duke Dingguo, "..."

No doubt, a real brother.

Prince NanAn called toward the door, "Princess Jing Shan, your Imperial Brother says your judgment is bad, aren’t you coming in to hit him?"

At that moment, the door creaked open.

The Eldest Prince of Beimo’s face changed, "Imperial Sister, Imperial Brother was just joking... "

The waiter pushed the door open, only to see the Eldest Prince of Beimo speaking to him.

The waiter was a bit bewildered.

The Eldest Prince of Beimo turned, glaring at Prince NanAn.

He knew his Imperial Sister hadn’t left the palace, and it was all a prank.

Prince NanAn grinned, "It’s perfectly normal for a brother to be afraid of his sister."

"Princess Jing Shan is mutually affectionate with Brother Zhao; being her brother, you can’t resist your own sister’s wishes."