LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 27 - Anti-guest Predominant
“Haha…” I was wondering about the commotion outside; it appears third brother has arrived. How absurd that no one sent any notification; this is outrageous!” A distinct voice echoed from a distance.
Teng Yu halted, his gaze narrowing as he observed Teng Yi approaching. Swiftly, he wiped the smile off his face and derided, “Elder brother, the loyalty of the dogs here is truly commendable. They are the epitome of household guards.”
“If they lack even this modicum of competence, what purpose do they serve?” The First Prince scrutinized Teng Yu, sneering inwardly: A familiar scenario!
This younger brother seemed eternally resistant to learning obedience and relished approaching him for humiliation!
Teng Yu crossed his arms, fixing Teng Yi with an unwavering stare, chilling the surrounding atmosphere.
Witnessing the arrival of the First Prince, Kou Zhongming inwardly sighed with relief. After all, he was a royal descendant, not merely a subordinate officer.
He gestured to his men, retreating a few paces, warily eyeing the twenty-odd guards accompanying the Third Prince.
The First Prince, however, dismissed the guards entirely. When Teng Yu had first chosen the guards, he had insisted on making his selection first.
“I wonder, what prompted Third Brother to depart from the capital? Is His Majesty aware?”
Teng Yu impatiently waved his hand, “Father is preoccupied with state affairs; why burden him with such trivial matters? I grew weary of the capital, hence, I ventured out for a stroll.”
Teng Yi harbored doubts about his explanation; he suspected Teng Yu's true motive was to seek out Liu Chenghai in Liu State. After pondering for a moment, he mused: Perhaps he could shift the Liu State matter onto him, accomplishing two objectives with one move.
Despite Liu Chenghai relinquishing military authority, he still retained connections within the military and potential assets to leverage.
While Teng Yi had never perceived Teng Yu as a threat, being the son of Empress Xiao Xian posed an inconvenience, particularly in the context of “inheritance of the throne.”
Teng Yu pondered the same issue. Along the journey, he somehow managed to divert Teng Yi's attention.
“I detect the aroma of food. What a fortuitous coincidence. Elder brother, would you mind treating your younger brother to a meal?”
Teng Yi redirected his attention, offering a gentle and polite smile. “Certainly, please come inside.”
He instructed his staff to present the finest wine and cuisine, specifically catering to Teng Yu's preferences, displaying the demeanor of an elder brother.
Without sparing Teng Yi a glance, Teng Yu arrogantly strode into the tent, selecting a seat at the forefront, leisurely stretching his legs, awaiting assistance.
An unshaven, middle-aged man with a pallid countenance promptly approached, obediently assisting Teng Yu by removing his fur coat and offering warm water for handwashing. After meticulously cleansing Teng Yu's hands, which resembled white jade, the attendant arranged the customary tableware. Only then did he silently position himself behind Teng Yu.
After a brief interval, the Third Prince finally spoke. “Please, take a seat. There's no need to stand.”
The First Prince's expression soured slightly. Teng Yu had usurped the principal seat, humiliating the First Prince and unequivocally establishing the status of his legitimate offspring.
Though he begrudged the situation, he had no choice but to endure it. Yet, while he tolerated, others found it increasingly difficult to witness.
Huo Yiloong sneered, “They say an elder brother is akin to a father. Third Prince seems remarkably receptive to guidance, lacking even the most rudimentary etiquette.”
Concerns regarding Teng Yu's legitimacy troubled others to varying degrees, but Huo Yiloong remained unfazed. He deemed himself impervious to offense, being the son of the Grand Marshal.
Even the First Prince accorded him some deference; therefore, this pretender held no sway over him!
“Oh? I wasn't aware that a legitimate son was expected to yield his seat to a bastard. Was the fifth master so subservient in his own home?”
Huo Yiloong's smile faltered as he huffed and turned away, realizing his hastiness.
Holding the fifth rank in the family hierarchy meant yielding one's seat to higher-ranking siblings was pure fantasy.
In the Huo Family, prowess trumped lineage. Instances existed where a concubine assumed household leadership.
Yet, Huo Yiloong dismissed such considerations, viewing himself as noble and talented, thoroughly disregarding his siblings, buoyed by parental favoritism.
With considerable effort, the First Prince quelled his inner rage and assumed a diplomatic role. “Yiloong, let's cease this discussion. Third Brother deserves this seat.”
Teng Yu surveyed the expressions of the assembled noble sons, sneering. He raised his wine cup and took a sip.
“Pfft!” Disgusted, Teng Yu spat out the wine, discarding the cup. “What is this? Are they serving horse urine?”
The First Prince wore a resigned smile. “Third brother, I regret to inform you that there's no fine wine or cuisine in this remote locale. We must make do.”
Teng Yu scoffed, dispatching a servant to fetch wine. “It's truly wasteful of my talents for you to be so ill-prepared, royal brother.”
As he spoke, he reached for his chopsticks, intending to sample the nearest dish of roasted meat.
Han Sen swiftly intervened, bowing respectfully. “Your Highness, please wait. I have yet to assess the food.” Ignoring the onlookers' reactions, he withdrew a silver needle from his pocket and conducted a test, satisfied when it remained untarnished.
This time, not only the First Prince but also the other young masters present wore grim expressions, deeming the Third Prince's behavior excessive.
Teng Yu commended Han Sen. “You display prudence. When abroad, one must exercise caution, especially regarding the offerings at the entrance.”
“It's my duty as a servant,” Han Sen humbly replied, retreating to stand behind Teng Yu.
The master and servant duo exuded an air of superiority, inciting the ire of those present.
Teng Yu selected a piece of meat and consumed it. Though his words were innocuous, his disdainful demeanor soured the atmosphere.
As the servant presented the jar, Teng Yu expressed interest. “Come, let us sample the fine wine I've procured. Rumor has it, this is the first batch from the Western Region this year, with only three jars in existence.”
The First Prince's gaze chilled, his tone unfriendly. “Third brother, I recall this Wine Royal Father didn't allocate it to you, did he?”
Aware that the wine was a tribute from the Western Regions, even the Royal Father had hesitated to indulge, reserving it for his birthday celebration with officials.
Teng Yu's brows furrowed as he replied discontentedly, “It's merely three jars of wine. Am I not allowed to indulge?”
Despite the Emperor's evident favor towards the Third Prince in recent years, he maintained an outward demeanor of impartiality, bestowing rewards not lesser than those given to the First Prince.
The First Prince's chest rose with a forced smile, “Of course not. I'm merely concerned that Father might struggle to locate me and end up blaming me. If I'm reprimanded, so will you, Third Brother.”
Teng Yu shrugged off the concern, “It's just three jars of wine. If I want to drink, I'll drink. Father won't punish me for such a trivial matter. Moreover… Everyone here gets a share of this wine.”
He smirked cunningly, signaling them to refill his cup.
Teng Yu didn't press them to drink, taking a sip himself and sighing, “This is truly the finest wine!”
The reputation of this Western Region wine being exceptionally delicious was well-known. Its aroma now captured everyone's attention, prompting Huo Yiloong to be the first to raise his cup and imbibe.
It wasn't that he particularly enjoyed the wine, but he refused to be belittled by the Third Prince.
Nobility didn't equate to cowardice. Seeing Huo Yiloong finish his cup, the other young masters felt emboldened, except for the First Prince, who abstained, citing fasting.
After half an hour of revelry, a soldier interrupted, “Your Highness, there's a Young Noble outside the camp claiming to be Huo Tian, seeking the Fifth Master Huo.”
“…” The Fifth Master Huo, already engrossed in drinking, exclaimed anxiously, “Huo Tian? What's that worthless fellow doing here? Ignore him! Drive him away!”
As the soldier turned to leave, the First Prince interjected, “Invite him in. It's bitter cold outside; we shouldn't let anyone freeze.”
He then rebuked Huo Yiloong, emphasizing the importance of sibling respect and care.
Teng Yu exchanged a meaningful glance with the First Prince, uncertain of his intentions but curious to see the infamous Huo Family outcast.
Though their circumstances bore similarities, it was difficult to ascertain who fared better; one openly abandoned, the other covertly discarded.
…
Yin Xu: “You dare to challenge me? I, your esteemed father, spent a millennium cultivating, yet I'm terrified. I went from being the supreme Demon Lord to a useless mortal, waking up to find a body as corpulent as a pig.”
Teng Yu: “Indeed!”
Yin Xu: “Go on, tell me.”
Teng Yu lamented, “I woke up to find my rank plummet from one hundred to five thousand. It shattered me.”
Yin Xu, “… Fine, you win.”