"You say he’s offering praise, but it sounds a bit off."
"You’d think he’s cursing someone, yet his face beams with the fervor of a die-hard fan."
Everyone was confused about Tang Fei’s real attitude and could only join him in praising Shen Xinglan.
Zhong Tianque also picked up his wine glass and said, "I presided over this Heavenly Exchange Conference, and Xing Lan indeed displayed the might of the Phoenix people, bolstering the confidence of our Phoenix Country..."
"Just as Tang Fei said, ’One man, one sword, battles a nation, conquers a nation.’ Watching it, I too felt my blood boiling — this is what a man should be! Let’s drink to Xing Lan."
"To Xing Lan." Everyone raised their glasses.
The Eldest Prince ceremoniously toasted, effectively endorsing Tang Fei’s words.
Yu Huoshui looked at Tang Fei and said, "It seems you have a good relationship with your fellow disciples."
"Of course," Tang Fei seriously nodded and said, "It was Brother Xing Lan who encouraged me to apply to White Crane Academy. Otherwise, how could a new entrant at the Imperial First Military Academy, like me, have the courage and confidence?"
Tang Fei knew that although Yu Huoshui was from the Hou Clan of the Yu Family, he was closer to the Second Prince, Zhong Tianyi.
Moreover, during the recruitment assessment at White Crane Academy, there were some minor conflicts between them...
The sordid matters between the Eldest Prince and the Second Prince were unknown to the outside world, but Tang Fei was well aware.
He knew, being somewhat distant from Yu Huoshui meant being closer to the Eldest Prince.
His worsening relationship with Yu Huoshui and the Second Prince pleased the Eldest Prince all the more.
That was also why he deliberately sat next to Yu Huoshui, to give Yu Huoshui a chance to not resist "attacking" him.
If he got on well with the Second Prince Yu Huoshui and others, then, the Eldest Prince would have to be wary of him.
Yu Huoshui internally seethed with anger.
He had been determined to secure this position and had prepared extensively for it.
He didn’t expect to be thwarted by this lunatic who caught him off guard and ousted him.
At that thought, hostility surged within Yu Huoshui.
He hated Tang Fei and also hated Shen Xinglan who persuaded Tang Fei to apply.
What business is it of his whether others apply or not?
His wife was stolen, and yet he helped his rival?
Minotaur talent awakening?
"After entering White Crane Academy, Brother Xing Lan also took great care of me, cooking for me, teaching me swordsmanship, and often imparting life and moral lessons..."
"The best thing in my life, I must say, is... rescuing the Princess and becoming a disciple of Dean Xuan Yuan..."
Tang Fei, as if suddenly remembering something, looked at Yu Huoshui and said, "Oh, and I must thank Master Yu for graciously letting me pass. Otherwise, I might not have had the chance to enter White Crane Academy..."
"Tang Fei..." Yu Huoshui shouted angrily.
If it weren’t for the Eldest Prince setting things up, and with so many people present, he would have openly turned on Tang Fei.
This guy was just infuriating, grabbing the advantage and still playing the victim.
"No need for pleasantries," Tang Fei raised his wine glass and said, "My gratitude is all in this cup. Here, I toast to you."
"I’ll drink first to finish."
Tang Fei tilted his head back and drained the wine in his glass.
Yu Huoshui didn’t drink.
"This man is very unrefined," Tang Fei thought to himself.
Zhong Tianyi saw Yu Huoshui being repeatedly embarrassed in front of Tang Fei and spoke out, "Each dynasty has its talents; the new replaces the old. Tang Fei’s performance is indeed impressive, otherwise he wouldn’t have caught the attention of my elder brother and Phoenix Country..."
"Word has it that our father even appointed you as the deputy captain of the Imperial Guard; isn’t that considered favoritism?"
You judge by the sound of the gong, and you judge words by their tone.
Thinking I’m merely a pretty boy who lives off a woman?
I’m not afraid to tell you...
That’s exactly what I am!
Tang Fei looked at Zhong Tianyi with a smile and said, "I can’t really speak of extreme favoritism, but there’s still some regret in my heart..."
"Oh? What else do you regret?" Zhong Tianyi asked, puzzled.
"If the Second Prince could gift me a Flying Car, my life would be complete."
"Ah?" Zhong Tianyi was momentarily stunned, then extended a finger to tap on Tang Fei and said, "I know, you’re reminding me... I just have a poor memory. I always mysteriously forget things, even the promises I clearly made."
"How about this, since you’re here today, just take the car later... Your life is complete, and I fulfill my promise. What do you think about that?"
"I don’t have a driver’s license yet," Tang Fei said, "can’t drive it away today."
"I’ll drive for you," Phoenix suggested from not too far away. "Later, I’ll get the keys from my second brother and drive the car home for you."
"Following your highness, Princess," Tang Fei said with a smile.
Zhong Tianyi looked discontentedly at Phoenix and said, "How can you turn your elbow out? You haven’t married yet... What if you do get married, then what?"
Second brother, what are you talking about?" Phoenix’s cheeks flushed as she retorted softly, "Isn’t it just about getting a car from you? How can you tease us ?"
"This isn’t teasing. I just think Tang Fei is outstanding, and if he were to be my brother-in-law..."
He paused, then added, "Of course, it primarily depends on who my sister likes. Whoever she likes, I will support."
"Tianyi..." Zhong Tianque frowned and cautioned sternly, "Mind the setting."
Phoenix’s marital discussion is a significant family matter for the Royal Family with immense implications.
Zhong Tianyi, supporting Tang Fei and Phoenix publicly, by the end of the gathering, it would surely reach countless ears.
Then, they would wonder if this truly represented the Royal Family’s stance or just Zhong Tianyi’s personal views...
Has the Royal Family preliminarily decided on making Tang Fei a son-in-law, intentionally letting Zhong Tianyi voice it to test the reactions from all quarters?
This is stirring controversy, a slight error could provoke chaos.
Scolded publicly by Zhong Tianque, Zhong Tianyi harbored resentment in his heart.
Yet, he maintained his composure and responded with a grin, "Brother, I was merely joking with Phoenix... It’s just sibling banter. What’s wrong with that?"
"Everyone present knows it’s a joke, but those not here... who knows what they might think?" Zhong Tianque pressed, trying to contain his anger.
"If it came from my elder brother’s mouth, it would certainly be decisive and irrefutable..."
Zhong Tianyi shrugged his shoulders and said, "But for me, a frivolous Second Prince known for his ignorance and pleasure-seeking, which of my words isn’t just a joke?"
Zhong Tianque’s gaze hardened as he looked at Zhong Tianyi, "Tianyi, you’ve had too much to drink."
"Ah? Really?" Zhong Tianyi staggered as he stood, patting his head, "I guess I did overdo it. I’ll go rest now."
With that, he turned and walked towards the exit.
Yu Huoshui hesitated a bit, then stood up to follow him out.
"Second brother...," Phoenix called out as she ran after Zhong Tianyi, hoping to pull him back.
She was aware that if she let her brother leave like that, the bond between the brothers would tear further.
To mend their relationship later would require vastly more effort.
With a brotherly rift, how could she, as a sister, cope?
Zhong Tianyi flicked his sleeve and strode away.