[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-110":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Imperial Cultivation",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1054769,1365,"Chapter 110 - 110 108 The Banquet Starts","imperial-cultivation-chapter-110",110,"\u003Cp>110: Chapter 108: The Banquet Starts 110: Chapter 108: The Banquet Starts “`html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fierce wind howled, and the heavy snow danced wildly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mingyue Tower was brightly lit in the wind and snow, with music and songs playing continuously, bustling with activity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The residence where Chu Zhiyuan was located wasn’t far from Mingyue Tower, and it was also brightly lit at this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the fierce wind, strings of lanterns swayed violently, occasionally being tossed up as if they would be torn into the sky at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan stood at the courtyard gate to welcome guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Chi and his three companions surrounded him, keeping the wind and snow at bay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zou Fang was busy inside and outside, directing the Prince Mansion’s attendants to serve up and down, fulfilling the role of the chief steward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Mingxuan and his group arrived soon, and the Princes and Heirs from the entire Mingwu Hall were all present, suddenly filling the residence with liveliness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the eight Young Dukes, four had already left the capital, and one was injured and couldn’t attend the banquet, leaving only three who accepted Chu Zhiyuan’s invitation to come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan had just sent Chu Mingxuan and his group inside when he was met by three young men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surrounded by guards, the one in the lead was Song Tianhai, accompanied by the Ye brothers, Ye Baichao and Ye Baichuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan furrowed his sword-like brows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These Ye brothers, Ye Baichao and Ye Baichuan, were not Young Dukes, just the second and third sons of the Duke Shou Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke Shou Mansion’s Young Duke was injured and couldn’t come, unexpectedly Ye Baichao and Ye Baichuan arrived instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they came along with Song Tianhai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Tianhai and the three came out of the luxurious carriage, speeding up as they approached, even though they were wearing mink coats and hats, they still hunched up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Chu Zhiyuan standing there calmly and composed, like a tall jade tree, unaffected by the fierce wind and snowstorm, the three of them hummed internally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Duke Song, Brother Ye, welcome.” Chu Zhiyuan clasped his hands with a smile, “Please come inside quickly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We brothers came uninvited, aren’t you displeased?” Ye Baichao said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan laughed, “There’s no reason not to welcome guests.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s good.” Ye Baichao hummed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Baichuan said, “Our elder brother couldn’t come, and we’re sorry, so he sent us brothers to come on behalf of him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded, “Young Lord Ye, you’re too kind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was considered as giving face to himself, the Prince Heir of Prince Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, a carriage stopped in the distance, and out came Guo Huai’an, robust and strong as a bear, striding over with a dignified air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He came near and clasped his hands in a salute, “Young Lord, Second Young Master Ye, Third Young Master Ye, Huai’an greets you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Tianhai waved his hand, frowning, “Why are you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled and nodded to Guo Huai’an, who was clasping his hands in a salute, “I invited Marquis Guo over to join the fun, …\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marquis Guo came to the Prince Mansion today to plead forgiveness, standing outside facing the wind and snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who know understand he’s pleading forgiveness, while those who don’t might think the Prince Mansion is punishing him instead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Tianhai said, “Old Guo is just a rascal, no need to pay attention to him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He frowned secretly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems Chu Zhiyuan guessed that Guo Huai’an’s actions were under his own instructions!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what of it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Please come inside quickly, don’t catch a chill, Marquis Guo, no need to be formal, just be at ease.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, thank you, Your Highness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Tianhai and the three entered the gate together with Guo Huai’an.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Huai’an retreated a step to show respect, and Song Tianhai and the three chatted among themselves, ignoring him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan exchanged a few words with him, not letting him feel neglected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Song Tianhai used Guo Huai’an to do his bidding, he didn’t care much about Guo Huai’an’s feelings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Song Tianhai was destined to inherit the dukedom, whereas Guo Huai’an could never reach such a rank even after several lifetimes, and would never stand equal to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eight Dukes share their nation’s fate, contributions made in the founding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In today’s world, in the current situation, there’s no room for such great contribution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Huai’an appeared indifferent to being ignored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan, however, secretly chuckled in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That Guo Huai’an is an ambitious character, not content with merely being a Marquis; he’d do anything for a promotion and to gain merits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After sending them in, Chu Mingxuan warmly welcomed them, acting as a semi-host, laughing and chatting together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan continued outside to greet guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the wind and snow came a carriage that appeared simple but was in fact luxurious, arriving under the escort of a group of guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Out of the carriage came a refined and cultured young gentleman, as gentle as jade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan instantly recognized it as Bai Yangqing, the Young Duke from the Duke Ren Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward to greet him, clasping his hands with a smile, “Young Lord, traveling in such weather is truly a sin, I’m incredibly grateful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could I refuse the young lord’s kindness?” Bai Yangqing, cultured like a scholar, smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the blizzard blowing fiercely, he remained elegant and graceful, his snow-white mink coat and hat adding an air of nobility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan showed an expression of gratitude, inviting him inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seeing Bai Yangqing inside, when he returned, he saw a purple sandalwood carriage adorned with auspicious clouds approaching slowly, and out came Xiao Ruoyu, the Young Duke from the Duke An Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan immediately smiled and went up to greet him, clapping his hands and saying, “Been waiting for you, come in quickly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoyu became embarrassed, “Am I the last one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Duke Song and his group just arrived too,” Chu Zhiyuan said, “Just in time, let’s go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He accompanied Xiao Ruoyu inside, asking as they walked, “Has your sister left the mansion recently?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My elder sister rarely leaves the mansion, and after hearing your advice, she didn’t go out again and just invited the second miss from the Duke Kang Mansion to come over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have to be wary of that Cheng Tianfeng going crazy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That guy!” Xiao Ruoyu immediately frowned, visibly annoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoyu, while introverted by nature and disliking social engagement, was familiar with the comings and goings between Duke Mansions, so he didn’t feel restrained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon entering, he greeted everyone with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Song Tianhai saw him, his expression changed slightly, squinting his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Xiao Ruoyu greeted him, Song Tianhai couldn’t help but ask, “How is your elder sister?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This made Chu Mingxuan frown and Chu Zhiyao’s expression darken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current Xiao Ruoling was already promised to be Chu Zhiyuan’s Heir’s Wife, just waiting for the day to walk through the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Other men should avoid such matters, no longer expressing admiration or concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoyu also frowned but pretended not to hear, greeting Bai Yangqing beside him instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two were very familiar, chatting and laughing together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Tianhai’s expression darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan chuckled quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s exactly right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xiao Ruoyu, it’s hard to believe Song Tianhai didn’t feel emotional, didn’t become resentful, didn’t drown his sorrows in alcohol, didn’t take the opportunity to get drunk and make a scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he did make a scene, would he unleash all his pent-up resentment on himself?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I also get drunk, could I give him a good beating?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Heir of Prince Qing Mansion, dealing with a Young Duke from a Duke Mansion required such careful maneuvering, rather than acting wantonly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the rule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One must act within the rules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exquisite wine and food were continuously brought in, and everyone sat around a large round table, less than thirty people, but there was enough room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were all young and familiar with each other, speaking casually and drinking heartily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon they were tipsy and warm, the atmosphere lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard that Da Meng’s mission is also arriving soon.” Chu Zhiyuan brought up the topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Mingxuan said, “That’s right, the Da Meng mission will be here in just a few days, it’ll be exciting then!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shouldn’t we send off the Da Zhen mission beforehand?” someone asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Court wants to send them off, but the negotiations weren’t successful, there’s no way, it’s stuck there, so time must be dragged out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What hasn’t been negotiated?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seems to be about marriage diplomacy, isn’t it, Uncle Eighteen?” an Heir asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Mingxuan shook his head, “I don’t know about that, I haven’t been paying much attention to Da Zhen recently; I’ve been busy with my own affairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Eighteen, which camp will you go to?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haven’t decided, it’s something I’ve been considering.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone, everyone, I know where it got stuck.” Guo Huai’an laughed, “In fact, the news has spread, and everyone knows privately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was smug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seated at the farthest end, he had no sense of inferiority, not intimidated by the Princes, Heirs, and Young Dukes, but was chatty and lively instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Guo, let’s hear it.” Ye Baichuan smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, it is about the marriage diplomacy.” Guo Huai’an laughed, “Da Zhen insists on marrying a princess to Heir Zhiyuan, while the Court firmly opposes, wanting the Twenty-third Prince to marry the Da Zhen princess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among those present, there was no Twenty-third Prince.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was still too young to enter Mingwu Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone looked at each other and then turned to Chu Zhiyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Da Zhen bears a grudge against me, knowing I’ve already made a marriage arrangement, they insist on stirring trouble, deliberately trying to ruin things.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, Da Zhen has no good intentions.” Chu Mingxuan hummed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Baichao said, “Actually, even if there’s an engagement, the betrothal isn’t unbreakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as the Emperor issues an Imperial Decree, if it’s for the sake of the country, there’s nothing wrong with it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan looked over with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`\u003C\u002Fp>",1685,"2026-06-03T09:57:58.104Z","2026-06-03T09:58:02.813Z",1,"novelbin.me","8ff0183db2bd435213bc0c28420355f431734aec12716aedd0fe2a1df0e186a8","imperial-cultivation-chapter-111","imperial-cultivation-chapter-109",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]