As night fell, the sound of string and wind instruments filled King Wei’s residence. Not only was the main hall brightly lit, but two rows of glass palace lanterns had also been set up on the plaza in front of the hall, illuminating the entire area as if it were broad daylight.

As the doorman announced in a drawn-out voice, “Lord Wei, Military Commissioner of Western Pacification, has arrived~!” The main hall, which had been bustling with noise and activity until this point, suddenly fell silent, and everyone’s gaze turned toward the entrance.

Wei Yuan had put on a casual outfit for this banquet. He entered the residence while accompanied by Cui Yu and Hsu Yi.

Moments later, Wei Yuan took his seat in front of the hall on the main dais to King Wei’s right as a matter of course. There were five people in total on the main dais. Surprisingly, the Princess of Ning was sitting to King Wei’s left. Sitting upright and dignified, she did not so much as glance at Wei Yuan.

King Wei turned a blind eye to the Princess of Ning’s unusual behavior and, with a smile, introduced each guest at the banquet to Wei Yuan one by one. They were, without exception, either the youngest sons of various kings and the heir apparent of some duke and marquis. A handful or so held official posts, but they were all very young. There probably wasn’t a single guest in the room who was over thirty-five.

As officials holding official ranks, Cui Yu and Hsu Yi were also permitted to take their seats in the hall. However, as they listened to the young nobles and seniors’ illustrious titles, they couldn’t help but feel a hint of disdain. After all, these titles belonged to their grandparents, fathers, and uncles, not themselves.

As the core scions of top-tier distinguished...