No matter what kind of banquet it is, the truly big names always rely on their status—they never arrive early. They'll wait until everyone else is present, then walk in right on cue to become the center of attention.
By rights, William Wang Jinling, Prince Terrence Valen, Prince Titus of Lyndaria, and Prince Damien of Southlyn all count as heavyweights. They should've made a grand entrance after all the lesser figures were inside Feng Manor. But not a single one of them played by the rules—each arrived early, leaving the latecomers sweating in shock.
There was no helping it. William came specifically to boost Serena Feng’s standing; he would never let a trivial matter of face delay her major event. As long as William was present, the fence-sitters would dare to enter, and those who hadn’t planned to come would change their minds, stepping into Feng Manor to seize a chance to connect with the Wang Grand Heir.
In official circles, everyone knows how to flatter the high and trample the low. If you have nothing to offer, why would anyone bother to support you?
A Feng Manor with only a hollow title and no real power—the officials didn’t even take it seriously. Without Ninth Royal Uncle and William as her shields, any random Capital official could crush Serena Feng. If William and Holden Cui weren’t personally seated today, nine-tenths of the guests wouldn’t have come at all.
As for Prince Terrence and Prince Damien, they were here just to watch the fun. Besides, this was Eastlyn—there was no need for them to close the show, so arriving early or late made no difference.
Prince Titus came early for two reasons: first, to thank Serena for curing his legs, and second, to keep an eye on Prince Terrence—he wouldn’t let Terrence go too far with him around.
Even though more people showed up than Serena had expected, she was well prepared. She’d opened three halls ahead of time, each one separate, so no one would disturb the others.
She personally received the women; Holden Cui and William handled the noble sons and officials; and Master Owen entertained the scholars and literati—no hall was left cold.
Birds of a feather flock together, and people form their own circles. Everyone who came today either held office or hailed from a prestigious family, with a reputation among the literati. Not a single one was an ordinary commoner.
Serena Feng invited Vincent Su, but he didn’t show up—he just sent a generous gift. If he did come, the nobles would only mock him; why bother?
No matter how rich a merchant is, the aristocrats still look down on them. In the past, with Prince Nolan backing him, Vincent Su was half-official, half-merchant, and the noble families would give him some respect for Prince Nolan’s sake. But now, although Prince Nolan’s reputation remains, he’s still locked up in the Imperial Clan Prison, so it’s understandable that Vincent Su keeps his distance.
Inside, everything runs smoothly. No one mentions the chaos at the gate, but Prince Terrence Valen and Prince Damien of Southlyn clearly aren’t so quick to let it go. If this were Southlyn or Lyndaria, Serena’s words alone would be enough for them to have her killed. The two princes sit in the place of honor, brooding, refusing to talk to Eastlyn’s officials, while Prince Titus of Lyndaria keeps things polite.
A steady stream of officials arrives. When Dominic Zhai, Prince Samuel’s Heir, shows up as the representative of Prince Samuel Manor, the banquet hits a minor climax—almost everyone important is here.
Dominic steps in, surprised to see the main table nearly full. He laughs awkwardly, “I thought I was early, but it turns out I’m the last one here.”
Dominic is a bit embarrassed—being the finale VIP is more fitting for his grandfather, not him. He doesn’t quite have that weight yet.
Too bad. Serena Feng’s banquet isn’t grand enough to invite his grandfather in person.
William Wang stands up, grinning, and teases, “Prince Samuel’s Heir is late—three bowls of wine as penalty!”
The moment William speaks, servants bring out three huge bowls of wine and place them in front of Dominic.
“Seriously, William? You mean it?” Dominic pulls a face—his stomach’s empty, and three bowls of strong wine would burn.
“What do you think?” William shoots back. With the wine already on the table, there’s no backing out now.
The higher-ranking officials, seated close to the main table, all start cheering, “Drink up! Drink up! Prince Samuel’s Heir has to take his penalty!”
“That’s right! Drink up! Don’t worry, the wine at Feng Manor is top-notch. You won’t regret it.” Those who’ve already tasted it are quick to recommend.
“Exactly, Feng Manor’s wine is mellow and rich—you’re not losing out with this penalty.” Many join in, partly to advertise Serena’s wine, but mostly to curry favor with Prince Samuel’s Heir and leave a good impression.
Dominic perks up—he’s tasted Serena’s peach blossom brew before, and it’s definitely worth it.
He leans in, taking in the heady aroma. Dominic inhales deeply: “This wine really is fragrant. No complaints—I’ll drink all three bowls!”
Dominic is a true wine lover. Just from the pure scent, he knows it’s strong and authentic. In this cold weather, a bowl will warm you right up. He doesn’t wait for anyone to urge him—he grabs the wine, ready to drink. But…
Just as he’s about to drink, someone interrupts.
“His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!” The sharp voice of a eunuch rings out from outside, cutting through the noise inside.
Now this is how a true finale VIP makes an entrance—the last to arrive, and everyone must rise to greet him.
Wait—the Crown Prince is here?
Everyone looks at each other, some even digging at their ears, wondering if they heard wrong.
Has the Crown Prince got nothing better to do? Serena Feng’s housewarming, and he shows up in person…
Ahem, the Crown Prince showing up at an event like this isn’t about friendship—it’s a political statement. No one thinks he’s here just to support Serena; he’s signaling that he stands with Prince Nolan.
He’s betting everything, consequences be damned!
That takes guts!
Serena Feng, in the inner courtyard, is stunned when she hears the Crown Prince has arrived. She never thought he’d dare show up at Feng Manor right now—looks like he’s desperate enough to make a wild move.
Serena apologizes to the assembled ladies and heads out to greet the Crown Prince. Of course, the ladies don’t need to go to the front courtyard—it’s all men out there. Serena has no choice; she’s the sole mistress of Feng Manor.
Ahem… Whatever the Crown Prince’s reason, she has to keep up appearances and go out to welcome him. William Wang grins at Dominic Zhai, as if to say: Well, looks like you’re off the hook—you weren’t the last to arrive after all.
Dominic Zhai pulls a bitter face.
“Let’s go, time to greet His Highness.” Holden Cui straightens his robes and signals William Wang and Dominic Zhai to follow—if these three don’t lead, no one else would dare go out. As for the princes of Lyndaria and Southlyn… forget it.
No one dares ask them to go out and greet the Crown Prince.
In a flash, the once-lively hall empties, leaving only Prince Terrence Valen, Prince Titus, and Prince Damien sitting there, putting on airs of mysterious calm…