Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Does Second Brother really not know, or does he simply not care? The Crown Prince and Prince Dai first engaged in a moment of brotherly camaraderie. From their expressions, it looked as if they were genuinely close and loving brothers. The ministers, seeing the Crown Prince and Prince Dai chatting and laughing, stood to the side with smiles as well. The atmosphere at the scene was one of harmony and affection. Zhao Yao, feeling the harmonious atmosphere at the scene, sighed inwardly: Everyone here is an expert at putting on a show. Even actors who perform on stage regularly aren’t as adept at acting as they are. After the reunion, the Crown Prince then remembered he had brought the imperial decree. He took the imperial decree from Lv Cong, at which point everyone knelt down. The content of the imperial decree was very simple; in summary, it praised Prince Dai’s performance in the great victory of Liangzhou. He did not disappoint the emperor, indeed worthy of being the emperor’s son. After reading the decree, the Crown Prince personally helped Prince Dai up and handed the imperial decree to him. "Second Brother, your pacification of the Liangzhou chaos has made Father very happy." Prince Dai smiled and said, "It was my duty." "Second Brother, if it weren’t for you, the capital might have been in danger." The Crown Prince’s expression was very sincere, and his tone very earnest, "If it weren’t for you, I’m afraid..." At this point, the Crown Prince paused, then with gratitude, said, "Second Brother, over the years, thanks to you, without you handling the chaos outside, how could we have peace now? It’s you who let the people live in tranquillity. Big Brother is really grateful to you." Upon hearing these words, Prince Dai hurriedly said, "Big Brother, you overpraise me; I was merely doing what I ought to do." Though Prince Dai voiced such modesty, he truly believed it. Of course, he didn’t believe the Crown Prince’s gratitude was genuine. "You’ve done so much over the years. Compared to you, I, as the elder brother, have done too little. I am not as good as you." The Crown Prince spoke, showing a comforting smile, "Luckily, I have you, my brave and capable younger brother. Second Brother, I am truly proud of you." The Crown Prince spoke with such sincerity. However, Prince Dai didn’t believe a word of it. "Big Brother, these are things I ought to do." Although Prince Dai did not believe every word from the Crown Prince, hearing him speak this way still made him quite pleased. Prince Dai, tired of feigned politeness with the Crown Prince, turned his gaze to the Ninth Prince, who was staring at him eagerly from the side. He beckoned to the Ninth Prince, "Ninth Brother, come here." The Ninth Prince ran towards Prince Dai, full of joy. Prince Dai bent down and scooped up the Ninth Prince. "Brother, you’re finally back. I’ve missed you so much." Prince Dai ruffled the Ninth Prince’s hair, his face beaming, "Taller, and stronger too. It seems in the few months I was away, you had good meals." The Crown Prince stood to the side, watching the interaction between Prince Dai and the Ninth Prince with a gentle gaze. Then he beckoned to the Third Prince and the others. The Third Prince and the others approached, greeting Prince Dai one by one. As for the Third Prince and those brothers, Prince Dai didn’t regard them. Of course, there wasn’t any brotherly affection between him and them. In his heart, only the Ninth Prince was his younger brother, the others were outsiders. Prince Dai in a perfunctory manner inquired about his brothers, then asked the Crown Prince if they could return to the palace now. The Crown Prince told him not to rush and instructed Lv Cong to bring the wine. He personally poured three bowls for Prince Dai before pouring some for himself. He offered a bowl of wine to Prince Dai, "Second Brother, before entering the capital, you must drink three bowls of wine. You haven’t forgotten this rule, have you?" "I haven’t forgotten." Prince Dai took the wine offered by the Crown Prince with one hand. The Crown Prince raised his wine bowl, smiling at Prince Dai, "Second Brother, I toast you first." Prince Dai raised his wine bowl to clink with the Crown Prince’s, "Thank you, Big Brother." "This first cup, as the elder brother, I make a grand gesture, toasting you in my name, I hope you won’t mind." "Big Brother, how could you say that, it is an honor for me as your younger brother." "Very well, drink!" The two brothers drank together, quickly finishing a bowl of wine. The Crown Prince handed the second bowl of wine to Prince Dai, "This second cup, I toast you on behalf of all the officials." "Thank you, Big Brother." The Crown Prince handed the third bowl of wine to Prince Dai, "This final cup, I toast you on behalf of the people, to thank you, this great hero. Because of you, the people can live peacefully and not end up like the previous dynasty with broken families and separation." Upon hearing the Crown Prince’s words, the Marquis Xuanping’s brow furrowed deeper. He wanted to oppose the Crown Prince, and also warn Prince Dai not to follow the Crown Prince’s words, but this was not a place where he could speak. He could only watch helplessly as the Crown Prince repeatedly flattered Prince Dai. Prince Dai naturally did not realize the Crown Prince was continuously flattering him. He only felt the Crown Prince was putting on a show in front of the officials. "Thank you, Big Brother." After the Crown Prince personally toasted the three bowls of wine, it was the turn of the Third Princes and others. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢 The Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Princes each toasted Prince Dai with one bowl of wine. But Zhao Yao, being too young at only six years old, couldn’t drink wine. Therefore, he used tea instead to toast Prince Dai. If he drank a whole bowl of wine, he would definitely pass out from intoxication. The ministers did not need to toast, as the Crown Prince had done so on their behalf earlier. However, at the banquet the next evening, the ministers would toast Prince Dai. After the Crown Prince led the princes in toasting Prince Dai, he took a black cloak from Lv Cong. This cloak was a gift from the emperor to Prince Dai. The cloak was embroidered with cloud patterns, and the golden dragon with four claws was flying among the clouds, exuding an imposing aura of swallowing mountains and rivers. "This is the cloak Father has rewarded you with; allow me to put it on you." After speaking, the Crown Prince personally draped the cloak over Prince Dai. Prince Dai neither refused nor lowered his head or bent down for the Crown Prince to put on the cloak. He stood straight, looking the Crown Prince in the eye with an indifferent mouth and said, "Thank you, Big Brother." Many ministers saw this scene, whispering to each other. The Marquis Xuanping, seeing this, also felt that it was improper for Prince Dai to act this way, but he understood Prince Dai’s temperament. Even if he advised caution, Prince Dai would not lower his head or bow to the Crown Prince. In fact, it was clear from Prince Dai’s manner when saluting the Crown Prince that he did not respect him as a minister would; for every time he saluted the Crown Prince, his head was held high and his back was straight. The Crown Prince seemed not to notice Prince Dai’s breach of etiquette. After fastening the cloak, he amiably patted Prince Dai on the shoulder. "Second Brother, let’s return to the palace; Father is waiting." "Yes, Big Brother." The Crown Prince waved to the Third Princes, indicating for them to mount their horses. As he turned to leave Prince Dai and was about to mount his horse, Prince Dai got ahead of him, mounting his own horse first. Many ministers showed dissatisfaction on their faces upon seeing this scene. The Imperial Censor furrowed his brow, looking very displeased. Prince Dai was indeed too arrogant. The Crown Prince seemed unaware, keeping a warm smile on his face. After mounting his horse, he waved to Prince Dai, "Second Brother, let us ride side by side." Lv Cong quickly said, "Crown Prince, this is not according to protocol..." Before he finished his sentence, he was met with a cold glare from the Crown Prince. "Now I am not acting as the Crown Prince, but as an elder brother, don’t speak further." Lv Cong bowed obediently, "Yes, Your Highness." "Second Brother, let’s ride together." "Since Big Brother says so, I shall comply with respect." Prince Dai accepted the Crown Prince’s suggestion without hesitation, riding with confidence and ease alongside the Crown Prince. Zhao Yao, witnessing this scene, wondered inwardly: does Second Brother truly not know, or does he simply not care? The Third and Fifth Princes acted as if they hadn’t seen anything. The Fourth Prince frowned, while the Eighth Prince maintained a calm demeanor. The Crown Prince, as he rode alongside Prince Dai, conversed cheerfully with him. Although Prince Dai didn’t want to deal with the Crown Prince’s falsehoods, he had no choice but to respond. Riding into the capital, the roads were lined with kneeling people. At this point, the Crown Prince stopped his horse, then raised one of Prince Dai’s hands, loudly introducing him to the people, "Everyone, this is my Second Brother—Prince Dai. It is he who quelled the Liangzhou rebels; let us welcome back our great hero." The people immediately shouted loudly, "Great hero! Prince Dai!" Someone shouted, "Prince Dai, may you live long and prosper!" followed by the crowd shouting along. The chant of "Prince Dai, may you live long and prosper!" echoed powerfully throughout the entire capital.