The struggle for the throne among nine princes—I really don't want to be the crown prince.

Chapter 11 I really just came here for a meal.

From now on, I'll have to make a living under this guy's command?

Although somewhat unwilling, Shen Ye knew that the situation was difficult to change at the moment, so he could only swallow his anger and bear it.

However, since he insists on bowing, let's accept it for now.

Consider it as a way to collect some interest later.

So after the Fourth Prince bowed, Shen Ye gently helped him up, saying, "Fourth Brother, there's no need for such formalities. We are brothers; too much formality would make us seem distant!"

The moment the Fourth Prince Yunzhen was helped up, a sense of surprise arose in his heart.

Although he and the Crown Prince were brothers, and only two or three years apart in age, he was very clear about his second brother's personality.

Although this second brother is quite capable, he is very arrogant.

Apart from their father, the emperor basically didn't take his brothers seriously.

When I met them, I would first talk about the relationship between ruler and subject, and then about brothers.

Why did he come here this time?
Could it be that his father killed several of his close attendants, which affected him?
"Your Highness, there is a distinction between ruler and subject; propriety must not be disregarded." Although a thousand thoughts raced through his mind, Yunzhen still spoke solemnly.

Looking at Yunzhen's serious and unsmiling expression, Shen Ye felt a pang of emotion.

Who would have thought that this was the most patient and tolerant of the former crown prince's brothers!
It can be big or small, flexible or resilient; this is what makes it truly formidable!
Although he really wanted to test how much this person could endure, Shen Ye smiled and said, "Fourth brother, at our age, it's better for us to smile more."

"Look at you, you're so happy about this, yet you still have such a long face. Anyone who didn't know better would think you're unhappy with your son."

Upon hearing this, Yunzhen could only manage a forced smile.

However, because his action was a bit forced, his smile didn't look much better than crying.

Seeing this, Shen Ye said helplessly, "Fourth brother, you should do as you please."

The fourth prince also felt that his smile was a bit forced, so he quickly changed the subject and said, "Your Highness, Third Brother and Sixth Brother have already arrived. Let's go to the living room to talk first."

As for Shi Jingrong, she was naturally invited by the Fourth Imperial Concubine to a place where the female members of the household could talk.

The prince's residence was not large; it was only a few steps away, and Shen Ye had already arrived at the living room.

At this time, there were already seven or eight guests in the living room, the oldest being in their twenties and the youngest only seven or eight years old. Judging from their attire, they should all be sons of Emperor Qianxi.

Upon seeing Shen Ye approach, these people quickly bowed and said, "Your subject pays respects to Your Highness!"

Seeing his brothers about to kneel, Shen Ye quickly said, "Third brother, all of you, get up quickly."

"We've come to our fourth brother's place this time to celebrate as a family."

"Get up, all of you!"

As they spoke, they helped up the Third Prince, who was kneeling at the front.

The moment the Third Prince was helped up, he could hardly believe his ears.

He was only one year older than the Crown Prince, and he had spent a lot of time with the Crown Prince in the past.

Therefore, he knew the Crown Prince's personality very well, and knew that his second brother, whom he was filled with jealousy, loved nothing more than showing off his status as the Crown Prince.

When greeting them, the usual greeting is to bow and then casually say "No need for formalities."

This is truly the first time I've ever been helped like this.

what happened to him?
While looking on in surprise, the Third Prince looked at Shen Ye.

"Your Highness, why...why are you dressed like this?" The Third Prince, who usually prided himself on being both scholarly and martial, couldn't help but ask in surprise.

As he spoke, everyone present looked at Shen Ye.

Only then did they notice that Shen Ye was wearing a light blue robe. Although it was embroidered with golden dragon patterns, it was much more understated than the apricot-yellow robes he usually wore.

The fourth prince, Yunzhen, also turned his attention to the crown prince.

He was so focused on bowing that he didn't even notice the Crown Prince's attire.

In the past, the crown prince always wore an apricot-yellow robe personally ordered by Emperor Qianxi. From a distance, it was impossible to tell whether it was the crown prince or Emperor Qianxi. Shen Ye smiled casually and said, "Why dress so formally when we brothers are having a family dinner?"

At this point, Shen Ye's gaze fell on several young princes.

The Eighth Prince is eighteen years old this year, and his handsome face always seems to have a kind smile on it.

When he noticed Shen Ye's gaze, the Eighth Prince's smile became even more radiant.

As for the Ninth Prince, who was a year younger than the Eighth Prince, he looked at him with a playful gaze.

Compared to the Eighth Prince, this kid is far inferior in every aspect.

As for the tenth prince, he stood aside with a smile, acting as if it had nothing to do with him.

As for the thirteenth and fourteenth princes, they are not yet adults and are just standing in a corner, whispering something.

As he took his seat in the superior position, he asked, "What were you all talking about just now?"

No one spoke; they all turned their gazes toward the Third Prince.

The third prince was a little embarrassed at this moment, because they had just been talking about the imperial examination cheating case.

Although no one mentioned during the conversation that the Crown Prince was involved in the cheating scandal, he knew perfectly well that the Crown Prince was implicated this time.

"We were just chatting idly," the Third Prince forced a smile.

Seeing that the Third Prince did not answer directly, Shen Ye did not intend to press the matter further.

After all, he wasn't Emperor Qianxi, who worried about everything his sons did.

However, just as he was about to change the subject, the Ninth Prince, who was standing to the side, smiled and said, "Your Highness, we were just talking about the provincial examination in Shuntian Prefecture."

"I never expected that someone would be so bold as to tamper with something as important as the provincial examination."

"Tell me, do they still see their father in their eyes?"

The Ninth Prince's words immediately silenced the previously lively living room.

Even the thirteenth and fourteenth princes, who had been whispering and laughing, looked at each other and fell silent.

Although they were still mischievous children, they had grown up in the palace and were extremely sensitive to the slightest disturbance.

They now realized that something was amiss with the Ninth Prince's words:
This is clearly aimed at the Crown Prince!

As the host of this dinner, the Fourth Prince had a bit of sweat on his forehead.

Although he also harbored ambitions for the throne, he knew that the Crown Prince's favor had not waned.

At this time, provoking the crown prince, no matter who it is, is unlikely to succeed.

What's more, he happens to be the landlord this time.

If not handled properly, it will inevitably lead to endless troubles.

Therefore, at this moment, he was filled with resentment towards this brother who had spoken recklessly.

Why did you have to cause this trouble when everything was peaceful and prosperous?

He glanced at the Third Prince, hoping the Third Prince would speak and help him change the subject, but the Third Prince remained silent, looking helpless.

Just one sentence and he was at a loss. Is this still the son who is both scholarly and martial in his father’s words?

However, although the Fourth Prince was inwardly complaining, he could only rack his brains to figure out how to smooth things over.

Unfortunately, he wasn't exactly quick-witted, so he didn't have a good reason for the time being.

At this moment, everyone's eyes were on Shen Ye.

New book seeking recommendations and collections.
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(End of this chapter)