Chapter 27

📖 CHAPTER 27: A GAME OF PRINCES

The tension in the banquet hall thickened as Feng Yusheng strode forward, his heavy boots making an unhurried yet commanding rhythm against the polished marble floor.

The Second Prince was not a man of many words, nor one who indulged in court frivolities. He had spent years at the border, carving his name into the battlefield with steel and blood. And now, he was here.

For what reason?

Gu Qingyan lowered her gaze, her fingers gently pressing against the cool porcelain of her teacup. She could feel the weight of his stare.

[Ding! Host's presence has drawn the Second Prince's attention. Calculating possible outcomes…]

"Tell me," Feng Yusheng finally spoke, his voice smooth yet carrying an underlying edge of steel, "are the capital's banquets always this lifeless?"

A ripple of murmurs spread through the nobles. Was he insulting the event? Or simply stating a fact?

A few seats away, Feng Liyan let out a low chuckle, swirling his wine. "Ah, Second Brother, I see the battlefield has only sharpened your tongue."

Feng Yusheng didn't even glance at him. Instead, his piercing gaze remained locked on Gu Qingyan. "But perhaps I spoke too soon."

The words were light, yet everyone understood the weight they carried. The Second Prince had taken an interest in her.

Whispers erupted.

"Why is he addressing Lady Gu?"

"Does he know her?"

"Impossible! She has never interacted with him before."

Gu Qingyan remained composed. Her heart was steady, her expression unshaken. If Feng Yusheng wanted to test her, she would not disappoint.

She lifted her teacup to her lips, taking a slow sip before finally speaking. "It seems Your Highness favors directness, so I shall return the courtesy." Her silver eyes lifted to meet his. "Do you always make judgments before tasting the wine?"

The hall fell into stunned silence.

A challenge.

Feng Liyan's golden eyes flickered with amusement. Interesting.

Feng Yusheng, however, did not look displeased. His lips curved slightly—a rare ghost of a smile. "Then perhaps you should pour me a cup."

The air grew tense.

Was he testing her?

Or was this a declaration?

[Ding! Mission Update: Survive the Banquet – Additional Objective: Handle the Second Prince's Interest Without Losing Ground.]

Gu Qingyan's lashes lowered slightly. "I fear Your Highness overestimates my hospitality." She set her cup down gently. "If you wish for wine, I am certain there are many hands eager to serve you."

The nobles barely contained their shock.

She… rejected him?

Feng Yusheng's smile did not fade. If anything, the glint in his eyes deepened. "I see." He finally turned away and took his seat at the high table, beside Feng Liyan.

And yet, as he sat, his parting words drifted to her.

"I look forward to our next conversation."

The unspoken message was clear.

This was not over.

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📍 After the Banquet – A Dangerous Encounter

The moon was high when Gu Qingyan finally left the banquet hall. Her silk robes whispered against the stone path as she walked toward the outer palace gardens, seeking a moment of solitude.

The night air was cool, scented with the faint fragrance of osmanthus. But even in the quiet, she could feel it—

Someone was watching.

She turned, her silver eyes narrowing. "Come out."

A chuckle.

From the shadows, Feng Liyan emerged, his golden eyes gleaming with something unreadable.

"You handled my brother well." His tone was lazy, but there was an underlying sharpness to it. "I wonder, though…" He tilted his head, studying her. "Do you know what game you've just stepped into?"

Gu Qingyan met his gaze without fear. "And if I do?"

Feng Liyan smirked. "Then I suppose you should be careful." He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. "Because neither of us plays fair."

The night stretched between them, heavy with unspoken truths.

A game had begun.

And the only question was—

Who would be the one to win?