Joy of Life: Me, the Second Prince? Summon Yuan Tiangang!

Upon returning to the Second Prince's residence, the entrance was already bustling with activity.

Previously, because Li Chengze refused to receive guests, those officials who wanted to take advantage of the situation could only leave disappointed.

But today the winds of change have blown in the court. His Majesty's seemingly punitive but actually protective attitude is like a beacon, illuminating the path for these seasoned officials.

They returned to the mansion and came to deliver gifts again.

"Your Highness, shall we send them all away as usual?"

Xie Bi'an held his sword, staring expressionlessly at the mountain of gift boxes piled up at the door, his eyes revealing a chilling aura that kept strangers at bay.

Li Chengze got off the carriage and, instead of sneaking in through the side door as usual, stood openly at the main entrance, his gaze sweeping over the smiling, bowing officials and stewards.

The lazy smile on his lips remained unchanged, but deep in his eyes, something quietly shattered and then reformed.

His previous refusal wasn't because he didn't want to compete, but because he didn't want to take the initiative to compete.

But Emperor Qing's words in court today have already put him in that position. That phrase "no one will die" was not only a sign of favoritism, but also an implication—implying that he could go all out, fight, grab, and become the Crown Prince's whetstone.

The knife had already been forcibly shoved into his hand. If he pretended to be stupid and acted as if he couldn't hold it, he would probably be disliked by the person wielding the knife, or even abandoned.

"No."

Li Chengze uttered a single word softly, then stretched, casually grabbed a handful of melon seeds from a passing servant's tray, and said nonchalantly as he cracked them open:

"Bi'an, they've come all this way with such heartfelt gifts. Wouldn't it be too heartless of us to refuse them? Accept them, accept them all."

Xie Bi'an was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing across his perpetually icy face: "Your Highness, didn't you say before..."

"Times have changed."

Li Chengze clapped the melon seed crumbs off his hands, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "My father has punished me by confining me to my quarters for three days to reflect on my mistakes. Of course, I must 'reflect properly' during these three days. But after three days... this mansion is too quiet; it should be lively enough."

He turned around, his back to the door, and his voice drifted over softly, yet clearly reached everyone's ears:

"Tell them to leave the gift list. Three days later, I will host a banquet at my residence and invite all of you to come and enjoy the flowers and wine."

Upon hearing this, the people who had been nervously presenting gifts at the door were overjoyed. They were so excited that their faces turned red, and they thanked Li Chengze profusely as he walked away.

Li Chengze didn't turn around, but a mocking smile appeared on his lips.

It's getting cold; you should wear an extra layer.

……

Guangxin Palace.

Li Yunrui was sitting in front of the dressing table, letting the maid comb her long, flowing black hair.

"Your Highness, news has come from the Second Prince's residence that he has accepted gifts from all the officials and sent out invitations for a banquet to be held in three days."

Upon hearing the report from her trusted palace maid, Li Yunrui paused slightly in the eyebrow pencil in her hand.

She looked at her stunningly beautiful face in the bronze mirror, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, which then turned into a meaningful smile.

"Accepting gifts? Hosting a banquet?"

Li Yunrui gently traced the tail of her eyebrow, her tone soft, "This child, did she guess it? She's really clever."

"Your Highness, isn't the Second Prince's action a bit too ostentatious? What about His Majesty's side...?" the palace maid asked with some concern.

"Extroverted?" Li Yunrui put down his eyebrow pencil, turned to look out the window towards the Imperial Study, and said quietly, "What His Majesty wants is his extroversion. If he's not extroverted, how will the Crown Prince feel threatened? If he doesn't form factions, how will the court be muddy? Chengze is a smart kid; he understands His Majesty's thoughts. He's trying to pledge his loyalty to His Majesty."

As she said this, a hint of appreciation, and even a touch of excitement, appeared in her eyes.

"This palace is going to get interesting."

……

The Imperial Study.

Emperor Qing, still dressed in white robes, sat cross-legged on the couch, carefully polishing an arrowhead in his hand.

"His Majesty."

Eunuch Hou tiptoed in and whispered, "After the Second Prince returned to his residence, he instructed Xie Bi'an to accept all the congratulatory gifts from the officials and set a date for a banquet to be held in his residence three days from now, the day his period of self-reflection ends."

"Oh?"

Emperor Qing did not stop what he was doing; he simply blew away the iron filings on the arrowheads, a slight smile playing on his lips, revealing a satisfied expression.

"They accepted it? And even held a banquet?"

"Yes." Eunuch Hou carefully observed Emperor Qing's expression. "I heard... it's quite a big deal; they sent invitations to almost every official who sent gifts."

"Ha ha ha ha……"

Emperor Qing suddenly chuckled softly, a hint of pleasure in his voice. "Good! Good indeed, Li Chengze! I originally thought I would have to force him a few more times before he would give in. I didn't expect him to be even more insightful and... sensible than I imagined."

He put down the arrow in his hand and picked up a white cloth to gently wipe his palm.

"Since he's so cooperative, it's time to move on to the next step."

"Pass on my imperial edict to the Imperial Treasury: the Second Prince is holding a banquet at his residence; it must not be shabby. Send him some fine wine and food, saying it is a gift from me."

Eunuch Hou's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly bowed and replied, "This old servant obeys the decree."

The three-day period has ended.

The Second Prince's residence was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and drums and music resounded.

On this day, the gates of the mansion were wide open, and the carriages arriving for the banquet formed a long line, almost blocking the entire street. Those officials who usually prided themselves on being upright and honest were now dressed in plain clothes, carrying generous gifts, and presenting their visiting cards with beaming smiles.

The main hall of the mansion was filled with distinguished guests, and people were clinking glasses and exchanging toasts.

Today, Li Chengze wore a long, wide-sleeved robe of purple and gold. His hair was still unbound, cascading down his back, exuding a lazy and unrestrained charm. He did not sit in the main seat, but instead carried a wine cup, walking barefoot through the crowd. He would occasionally exchange a few words with this official, or pat the general on the shoulder. He showed no airs of a prince, yet no one dared to underestimate him.

Just as the banquet was in full swing, a shrill, high-pitched announcement suddenly came from outside the door:

"His Majesty's decree has arrived!"

The once noisy hall fell silent instantly. All the officials, regardless of rank, changed their expressions, hurriedly put down their wine glasses, straightened their clothes, and knelt down in unison.

Eunuch Hou walked in with a beaming smile, followed by two rows of eunuchs carrying exquisite food boxes and imperial wine.

"By imperial decree: The Second Prince's hosting of a grand banquet is a joyous occasion. I am greatly pleased and hereby bestow upon him ten jars of imperial wine and thirty-six dishes of imperial cuisine to celebrate!"

These words shocked everyone present!

Royal wine! Royal meal!

This is not merely a reward; it is His Majesty declaring to the entire court his favor and high regard for the Second Prince! This is to support the Second Prince and to enhance the prestige of this banquet!

The officials kneeling on the ground were filled with even greater shock. They knew they had made the right gamble this time! The Second Prince was truly about to rise to power!

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!"

Li Chengze knelt at the front, raised his hands high, and loudly expressed his gratitude.

As he stood up to accept the imperial wine offered by Eunuch Hou, a cold smile crept onto his lips as he glanced at the awe-inspiring, fanatical eyes of the crowd. His eyes remained silent.

He was very clear-headed. These people were all his subordinates arranged by Emperor Qing, and they had no loyalty to him whatsoever. If he dared to use them to rebel, they would not hesitate to tie him up and send him to Emperor Qing.