Ning Royal Mansion.
Butler Fu stood on the steps.
He looked at the servants in the courtyard.
"All of you, pay attention!"
"Tomorrow night, the King will host a banquet for the court officials."
"His Majesty will also grace the Manor with his presence!"
"This is a matter of utmost importance for the Manor, and no carelessness will be tolerated."
"Chefs, you may begin preparations now."
"The King has stated that the standard is eight dishes and one soup."
"Every dish must be perfect in color, aroma, and taste."
"Yes, sir!"
The chef nodded in acknowledgment.
He was a renowned chef in Chang'an.
Many imperial chefs in the palace were his apprentices.
His culinary skills were exquisite, and he was full of ideas.
In his leisure time, he would also experiment with new dishes.
"Iron Bull, you must ensure security."
"His Majesty's personal visit is an immense honor."
"Once he arrives, the Yulin Army will be responsible for defense."
"However, we must also guard against any assassination attempts."
"Yes, sir!"
Iron Bull nodded solemnly.
He was holding a grudge in his heart right now.
Last time, during a patrol in Chang'an, they encountered assassins.
He failed to detect them in time, and Samuer was almost killed.
Ning Que hadn't really blamed him.
But he felt very guilty!
As the commander of the Ning Royal Mansion's household guards, he and Butler Fu were a pair, one civilian, one military. As a household guard, his primary duty was to protect his master. This time, they were trying to assassinate Samuer, so Ning Que was fine, but what about the future?!
"Qingfeng, Mingyue."
"You two must convey the instructions."
"All those coming this time are distinguished guests."
"Many of them are very particular about etiquette."
"Every word and action must be carefully considered; we cannot bring shame to the Manor."
"Yes, sir!"
Qingfeng and Mingyue nodded in agreement.
They were twins.
Their main responsibility was to serve Ning Que.
And also to take care of and clean the Manor.
"Since it's a joyous occasion, hang up the big red lanterns."
"All the wine vessels and cups must be thoroughly cleaned."
"In short, everything must be prepared meticulously."
"Anyone who fails to do well will be punished."
"Yes, sir!"
"Go and get busy."
Butler Fu waved his hand.
Ning Que had just inherited the princely title and was extremely busy now.
As servants, they had to share their master's burdens.
Butler Fu walked towards the ancestral hall.
He stood respectfully at the entrance.
"Your Highness, everything has been arranged."
"Alright."
Ning Que slowly walked out of the ancestral hall and said, "Find someone to inform Sister Qing from Heaven on Earth to invite all the courtesans to perform songs and dances. The guests are all distinguished, so we should also arrange some entertainment to liven things up."
"Yes, sir."
Butler Fu nodded and made a note.
Heaven on Earth had a total of six courtesans.
They were all sold to the pleasure house at a young age to learn singing and dancing. They sold their art, not their bodies; some wealthy merchants were even willing to pay thousands of taels just to spend one night alone with them.
The courtesans were not only beautiful but also intelligent and nimble. They had all received specialized training, and every gesture and smile exuded charm, making people willingly part with their money.
"Your Highness is currently forming the Three Guards."
"This old servant happens to have a suitable candidate."
"Oh?"
Ning Que couldn't help but smile.
Normally, Butler Fu was very dutiful.
He never spoke much.
He always worked silently.
Whatever Ning Que instructed, he would do.
This time, it was rare for him to proactively bring up this matter.
"He is a Centurion in the Yulin Army, named Bai Yu." Butler Fu raised his hand to introduce him, saying earnestly, "Although his official rank is not high, he is highly skilled in martial arts. His father was Old Wangye's personal guard, extremely brave in combat, and ultimately died in Hulu Valley."
"According to your previous instructions, his family received quite a bit of assistance. This young man also lived up to expectations, diligently practicing from a young age. Later, he was successfully promoted to the Yulin Army and is diligent and reliable in his work. When Your Highness was providing disaster relief in Jingyang, he contributed a great deal."
"Hmm, alright."
Ning Que walked ahead, "Speaking of Jingyang, how is it now? This time, when I host the banquet, I will invite some elders from Jingyang to attend."
"Ah?"
"This... this doesn't seem to follow the rules, does it?"
Butler Fu was somewhat surprised.
Hosting a banquet emphasized proper hierarchy.
Those attending were all noble families and powerful clans from Chang'an.
Wouldn't inviting commoners be an insult to the guests?
"It's fine." Ning Que smiled and explained, "When His Majesty first ascended the throne, to win over his subjects, he also held a 'Banquet for a Thousand Elders'. All residents of Chang'an over sixty years old could attend. Jingyang is my fiefdom; inviting some elders can also show that Great Feng has not forgotten them. What complaints could they have?"
When he hosted a banquet, these people had no right to criticize. When his father was alive, he often went to Jingyang to host banquets. Those noble families and powerful clans would all eagerly rush over, and no one seemed dissatisfied.
The army was the nation's guarantee.
Jingyang was a famous county known for its meritorious service.
Countless brave men died on the battlefield.
Some who were lucky enough to survive were left disabled.
His father often said, 'A general's success is built upon ten thousand withered bones.' They shed their blood and fought bravely. What others thought, they couldn't control, but the Ning Royal Mansion could not forget their achievements.
"Your Highness!"
"What's wrong?"
Iron Bull ran over, panting, "Lin Grandfather has brought his entire family, old and young, and they are kneeling at the entrance of our Manor."
"What do you mean?"
"They've come to admit their mistake."
"Nonsense." Ning Que frowned and said, flicking his sleeve, "The Lin family and I have long since severed ties; this matter is already known to all court officials. Tell them to abandon these improper thoughts and get as far away as possible."
Iron Bull looked troubled, "I told them, and I even had people try to make them leave, but they absolutely refused to go. They also said that if Your Highness doesn't show up, they'll go kneel at the city gate. They have no ill intentions, they just want to see Your Highness."
"There's no need to trouble Your Highness with such matters." Butler Fu stepped forward, frowning, "Iron Bull, how can you be so thoughtless? They can kneel wherever they like; what does that have to do with our Manor?"
"Forget it."
Ning Que coldly flicked his sleeve.
He still had to host a banquet tomorrow.
He didn't want to be a laughingstock.
It was also a good opportunity to make some things clear.
Lin Grandfather was, after all, a figure of some standing.
If he knelt before the Manor, people would surely gossip.
He had, after all, just inherited the princely title.
Consider it giving Lin Grandfather some face.
"Your Highness, there's no need to see them."
"The Lin family is just putting on a show."
"They're afraid others will take advantage and step on them."
"They are just ungrateful ingrates."
"Back then, they were all arrogant and looked down on Your Highness. Now that they have nothing, they realize they're afraid and want to admit their mistakes. What were they doing before?"
"It's fine."
Ning Que merely smiled.
He naturally understood the Lin family's intentions.
He wished the Lin family would disappear quickly.
However, he couldn't show it directly.
He had just inherited the princely title and was already hounding the Lin family to death.
What would those wavering officials think?
After dealing with the Lin family, would he then target them?
Reputation was very important in these times.
And rumors were the sharpest sword!
A few words could kill someone invisibly!
It wouldn't hurt to go out and see them.
He really wanted to know what else the Lin family could say.
Before he even stepped out, he heard the commotion outside.
He saw the entire Lin family, old and young, kneeling at the entrance.
Everyone was there except Lin Xianhong and Lin Mother.
Including Lin Qinghuan, who loved to gossip, was also there!