Chapter 908: Hearing Your Words is Better Than Listening to a Speech

Yu Nan and the others all frowned simultaneously. As core figures in Prince Qi's faction, they might not have known the precise details of his plan for the secret realm, but they were certainly aware of the immense effort Prince Qi had invested in it. Now, with the plan utterly ruined, they naturally attributed its failure to Zu An.

He was clearly the Emperor's and Crown Prince's lackey. Why invite him?

Yet, Prince Qi's prestige had always been high. Though puzzled, they didn't openly object on the spot.

Zu An inwardly chuckled, feeling the fish had taken the bait. However, he feigned a reluctant expression, saying, "There's no need for dinner, is there? I still have to investigate the case."

Prince Qi smiled slightly. "You can ask me directly about many aspects of the case. After all, I'm the most familiar with it in the entire manor. We can discuss it slowly during dinner."

He had considered the masters he arranged in the secret realm foolproof. To prevent all contingencies, he had even sent in his four Grand Offerings, creating a massive redundancy. Yet, it had still failed, leaving him utterly bewildered. Zu An was clearly privy to information.

Moreover, this failure was too severe, shifting his previously balanced struggle with the Emperor into a strategically passive position. Even with his numerous talented individuals, he couldn't devise a way to reverse the situation quickly. Zu An, conversely, seemed like a variable. If Prince Qi could acquire his Phoenix Nirvana Sutra and elevate his own power, he might be able to turn the tide.

Hearing this, Zu An reluctantly agreed, "Since Your Highness insists with such strong intentions, I suppose I'll stay for dinner."

His apprehensive guards blinked in surprise. Had a potential conflict just been averted so easily? And Prince Qi was treating him so courteously?

Yu Nan and the others nearby nearly spat blood. This fellow was still acting unwilling, truly getting brazen.

Rage value from Yu Nan: 333!

Rage value from Lian Yu: 333!

Rage value from Zhao Xiao: 333!

Prince Qi, being more composed, showed no significant emotional fluctuation and gestured for everyone to proceed.

Soon, Zu An, Yu Nan, and the others followed him deeper into the manor.

As for Zu An's subordinates, Han Fengqiu took them to be entertained.

Along the way, Zu An asked many questions about Prince Qi's concubine. Prince Qi answered each one with great patience, making even Zu An marvel at his pleasant demeanor.

It wasn't until they were seated at the table that Zu An came to his senses. Although Prince Qi had answered many questions, he hadn't provided any useful information. It was truly a case of listening to a speech that was just like not listening at all. Zu An couldn't help but admire his skill at talking nonsense.

At this moment, Princess Qi emerged, escorted by her maids. A smile appeared on her face when she saw Princess Changshan and Lian Yu's wife, but it immediately froze as her gaze fell upon Zu An.

Rage value from Bi Shan: 458!

Clearly, she still resented Zu An for injuring her son previously.

She quickly looked at Prince Qi, whose lips moved slightly, clearly transmitting a private message using energy. Only then did her expression soften slightly, and she took her seat without even glancing at Zu An.

At this point, Yu Nan smiled and began, "Your Highness, your birthday is approaching soon. How do you plan to celebrate it?"

This was also the main reason they had come today.

Princess Qi shook her head. "We are currently in a period of many troubles. Someone in the manor recently passed away, so it's not suitable to host a birthday banquet or similar celebrations."

Yu Nan and the others fell silent. While she ostensibly referred to the concubine who had recently died, she was likely hinting at the warriors who had sacrificed their lives in the secret realm. Indeed, after such a devastating defeat, it wasn't appropriate for Prince Qi's manor to hold overly celebratory events.

"Your Highness truly has a kind heart." Everyone showered Princess Qi with praise, and then the conversation subtly shifted to the recent expedition to the secret realm.

Lian Yu looked up at Zu An and asked, "Master Zu, you rendered great service in the secret realm this time. Could you tell us what exactly happened there?"

Prince Qi nodded imperceptibly. Lian Yu was indeed much more astute, saving him from having to ask directly.

"I merely dealt with some malicious individuals. It's hardly a great service, not worth mentioning, not worth mentioning at all." Although Zu An said this, the smugness on his face was impossible to hide.

"An upstart riding high!" a few people in the room cursed inwardly.

Rage value: 444444444...

Lian Yu forced a smile and said, "Master Zu, you jest. To be personally conferred the title of 'Green Hat Marquis' by the Emperor, how could that be an ordinary accomplishment?"

At the words "Green Hat," Zu An's face twitched. He thought to himself that it might have been better not to have achieved any merit. "You are all important ministers of the court; surely you already know what happened in the secret realm. Why ask me again?"

Prince Qi then spoke, "Reading those written reports is ultimately not as convincing as hearing it from someone who was actually there. Some details might not be in those reports. We hope Master Zu can satisfy our curiosity."

"Unfortunately, I've been busy investigating the case recently, particularly troubled by the autopsy of the concubine. This has caused many details from the secret realm to become muddled in my memory," Zu An replied, feigning distress while holding his head.

Yu Nan's expression changed drastically. "How dare you threaten His Highness with this?"

Prince Qi quickly raised a hand to stop him. "Brother-in-law, you're exaggerating. Master Zu is currently on imperial orders, and everyone knows my Imperial Brother's temperament; serving him means constantly risking one's head. It's understandable that Master Zu is anxious. How about this: Master Zu, tell us in detail what happened in the secret realm, and I will consider allowing you to perform the autopsy."

The expressions of the others slightly changed, but he stopped them with a raised hand before they could say anything more.

Zu An glanced at Yu Nan, feeling a private disdain. These scions who had grown up with a silver spoon in their mouths still lacked a certain mental fortitude.

In contrast, Prince Qi was far more calculating. Zu An had just ruined his meticulously planned scheme of many years, yet Prince Qi was not acting impulsively. Instead, he was skillfully using the situation to drive a wedge between Zu An and the Emperor while also trying to win Zu An over. No wonder he had become the Emperor's greatest concern.

"Since Your Highness wishes to hear, how could I possibly disobey?" Zu An immediately changed his attitude and slowly recounted what had transpired in the secret realm.

After listening, Prince Qi's expression was strange. The other party had indeed revealed many details not included in previous reports, yet he still hadn't mentioned a single word about Lu Xiao and his group.

It was as if he had listened to Zu An speak for a long time with zero gain. Prince Qi had just taught him a lesson on the way, and Zu An had applied it so adeptly.

After finishing his account, Zu An inquired, "May I know when I can examine the concubine's remains?"

Prince Qi smiled. "I merely said I would 'consider' it. After half a day of consideration, I still feel that such a matter goes against royal etiquette. It's best to let the Emperor decide. If he issues an imperial decree, then Master Zu may proceed with the examination."

Zu An rolled his eyes, realizing it was as good as saying nothing at all. How could the Emperor possibly issue such a decree? The royal elders would surely protest loudly. Moreover, the Emperor was currently trying to avoid a direct confrontation with Prince Qi; it was even less likely he would break ties over something like this.

Noticing the somber atmosphere, Princess Qi regained her composure and decided to shift to a lighter topic. "Everyone, don't just chat; please start eating. This roasted suckling pig won't taste as good once it cools. Oh, Yu Nan, why did you only try one piece and then stop? Is there something wrong with the dish? I can ask the chef to improve it next time."

Yu Nan shook his head. "The chefs in the manor have perfected their skills; the problem lies with the ingredients."

"Oh, the ingredients for this dish are carefully selected, just one-month-old suckling pigs. There shouldn't be any problem," Princess Qi asked, puzzled.

Yu Nan poked the roasted suckling pig in front of him with his chopsticks. "Such a small pig doesn't deserve the 'suckling' in its name. A true suckling pig must be fed human milk from birth for a full month before being slaughtered. At that point, the meat is at its most tender, and the name 'suckling pig' truly becomes fitting."

Zu An frowned. "Who would feed a pig human milk?"

Yu Nan said indifferently, "It's normal for Master Zu, coming from a small place like Brightmoon City, not to have seen such a thing. My manor employs more than a dozen wet nurses specifically to feed suckling pigs. I'll send Master Zu one another day."

Zu An's expression changed drastically. He thought, *How could such decadence exist in this world?*