That evening at the banquet, the 8th prince bought with him his trophy from the war. And as the people looked in awe of the magnificent bird, the bird never left the prince's shoulder. Many young ladies flocked around him, trying to woo him to take them as his consort. But he never showed interest even to the crown princess in training.
"Such a magnificent bird, Your Highness," Fang commented. Although it was pathetic, she was quite jealous of the bird since he treats the bird very well.
"Your Highness," the ladies greeted.
"Your Highness, we did not get a chance to congratulate you in become the crown princess in place of your sister. However, the Family of Wu would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to the 8th prince for winning the war against the enemies," Lady Wu smiled.
"The Xuan family also offers our congratulations to the 8th prince," Lady Xuan said.
"Your success will surely gain the Emperor's trust." Lady Xie commented. "That bird is the proof of His Majesty's trust."
Hearing these, Xuefeng knew he needed to stop them from praising the prince because it will only stir up trouble in the court and for the prince. After all, the prince's are still vying for the throne in the eyes of the ministers and the Emperor.
"I don't deserve such praises," the prince laughed. But as he was starting to enjoy the party, some ministers approached him.
"A beautiful trophy, Your Highness," the minister of finances commented as he tried to touch the bird. But Yue was quite hostile towards other people as she almost pecked his hand making the minister jerk his hand away. "Your bird is quite hostile, your Highness. I suggest you put it away in case it hurts you."
The 8th prince laughed in mockery. He knew why the minister approached him. He and his brothers knew that he has the most advantage of becoming the crown prince because of him winning the war earlier than anyone has ever anticipated.
But the moment his brothers found out that Yue was alive, almost all of them gave up on competing against each other. They were already good enough with whoever she chooses since they believed that a celestial being should be on the throne, meaning that they already accepted Yue as their Empress and whoever becomes the Emperor, they will respect it and they will support both of them.
"My bird doesn't like to be touched, Minister Xie. She doesn't like it when someone tries to touch her without her permission," the prince said.
"Is that so? Please forgive me, Your Highness," the minister said as he glanced at the majestic bird on the prince's shoulder. "Ahh... Your Highness, I heard you have been searching for a wife."
The prince almost sighed in frustration. He is already taking the first step.
"Your Highness, my daughter is well-versed in literature and is a great cook. She is also very wise. I believe my daughter is fit to assist the 8th prince in the future," the minister said as he presented his daughter.
But Jiahao only smiled at the minister.
"It is Father Emperor who should decide on whom I should wed, Minister Xie," the Prince said as he respectfully declined the offer.
Xuefeng tried to pull the prince away from the party but one came after another as ladies and officials flocked over him. The 1st and 3rd prince silently watched their brother drown in the crowd.
"Ahh, should we help him?" Yuhan asked.
"We should help Yue," Xuiying said as he munched on his food.
"Yue wouldn't leave him alone," Yuhan replied.
"Then let him stay in that situation for the meantime. It's for him not telling us about Yue when he was still at the battleground," Xuiying said as silently sipped from his cup. "This alcohol is quite good. I should ask Father Emperor to send some of this to my palace."
"He's quite pitiful," Yuhan added.
"Well, that's what he gets for winning the war earlier than anyone has anticipated. In fact, this was the only war in history that was won in just a few weeks. For the ministers, this is a big achievement worthy for a big reward. In their eyes, he is the fittest to become the next Emperor," Xuiying said as he poured himself another cup of alcohol.
"Well, that is right. They'll take this opportunity to push him to become the crown prince," Yuhan said. "The only problem will arise if Father Emperor will push Princess Fang into him if he ever gets chosen."
"It is not Father that will choose. Yue is the Moon Goddess. Whoever she chooses will become the Emperor," Xuiying said. "We will support whoever she chooses. But first, we will clear her path of becoming the Empress. Speaking of that, is there any development with what I asked from you?"
Yuhan smiled and quickly poured his older brother's cup with more alcohol.
"Of course brother. There is. All we have to do is wait for them to expose themselves from the traps that I've set up," Yuhan smiled.
That's great, Xuiying thought. It was right for him to trust Yuhan. Although Yuhan was the laziest among his little brothers. He was the most cunning one. And he was the perfect one to handle the corrupt officials.
He smiled and offered a cup to his mischievous little brother.