"To ask the Fourth Prince to wait for this old man—how could I possibly deserve such an honor? I am truly ashamed," Murong Tian said quickly, offering a warm smile.

The Fourth Prince, Long Yun, immediately replied with a serious expression, "Uncle Murong, of course, you are more than worthy. You have achieved countless meritorious services for my Tianlong Empire. Even Father Emperor often praises you to me, saying I must convey his best regards and respects upon meeting you. So, Uncle Murong, please don't speak so humbly."

Hearing Long Yun’s response, Mo Han inwardly marveled. This Fourth Prince seemed utterly approachable, without any airs of royalty, yet his words were so perfectly reasoned that one found it hard to argue back. He was clearly no simple figure; indeed, none of the imperial princes were easy to dismiss.

At this point, Long Yun turned toward Murong Feixue. "Xue'er, I heard your illness has been cured. I was worried about you constantly during that time, but I happened to be on an envoy mission to the Kanya Empire under Father Emperor’s command, so I couldn't visit. Still, my heart remained with your recovery. Seeing you well truly is wonderful news."

Murong Feixue, however, seemed completely unimpressed by the Fourth Prince. Upon receiving his polite inquiry, she merely offered a cool reply: "Thank you for your concern, Fourth Prince. I apologize for causing you to worry about my condition. It has indeed been healed, thanks to this Elder Brother Mo Han. So, if you truly wish to express gratitude, it should be directed toward Elder Brother Mo Han."

Murong Feixue intentionally emphasized the term 'Elder Brother,' making it sound particularly warm, and as she finished speaking, she subtly drifted a little closer to Mo Han’s side.

Seeing this, Mo Han couldn't help but sigh internally. This girl really knew how to stir up trouble for him. Any perceptive person could see the Fourth Prince held feelings for her, and now she was making such overt gestures—wasn't this clearly tossing a scorching potato into his lap? Still, she had chosen the right person; he was the one who... what was that saying about not fearing boiling water? Mo Han mentally omitted the first two words of the idiom entirely.

The Fourth Prince, Long Yun, paused for a beat after hearing Murong Feixue’s words, but he quickly recovered, forcing an expression of intense excitement. "So, this must be Brother Mo Han, who has recently become famous throughout the Imperial Capital! I have been completely remiss. Brother Mo Han undertook the immense risk of single-handedly negotiating with the Beast Tribes for the sake of our Tianlong Empire’s centuries-old foundation, resolving a major crisis. His achievement is unparalleled. Father Emperor has been praising you incessantly lately. I truly hope we can find time to discuss matters further."

Mo Han inwardly marveled. It was a pity this fellow wasn't competing for the Academy Award for Best Actor; based on that expression and performance just now, Mo Han figured the crown would be his without question.

Yet, Mo Han mirrored the excited facade, responding outwardly, "And you must be the renowned His Highness, the Fourth Prince! I have often heard your distinguished name. To receive your admiration is truly Mo Han’s honor. If an opportunity arises, we absolutely must gather. I will host the occasion, and I sincerely hope Your Highness will grace me with your presence."

The Fourth Prince, hearing this, also froze momentarily, before smoothly continuing, "Haha, I didn't realize Brother Mo Han was such an agreeable person. Given the monumental service you rendered the nation, it should properly be I who invites you. We shall have our proper talk then."

After this exchange, the two men exchanged smiles, but the laughter that followed sounded entirely hollow to anyone listening.

Murong Tian and the others simply watched these two perform their act, smiling silently.

Just then, Long Yuyan, dressed in white, interjected, "Fourth Brother, must you always drone on about state affairs whenever you open your mouth? If you need to discuss national matters, find another time. Today is a banquet, can you please refrain from mentioning such things?" Hearing Long Yuyan’s complaint, the Fourth Prince managed an awkward smile. "Eighth Sister speaks the truth. Look at me, such a temperament. Come, Uncle Murong, please take your seats. Father Emperor should be arriving shortly. Your places have been arranged; allow me to escort you."

Murong Tian quickly nodded his thanks. Long Yuyan, however, walked over to Murong Feixue and said cheerfully, "Xue'er, it’s been too long! You seem even more beautiful than before. No wonder so many men are utterly captivated by you."

Murong Feixue’s demeanor toward Long Yuyan was entirely different from her reserve with the Fourth Prince. She replied with a gentle smile, "You wicked girl, you haven't a kind word even after all this time. Come, let me introduce you to a wonderful new sister; she will be one of us from now on."

Hearing Murong Feixue, Long Yuyan glanced at Daili standing beside her. "The good sister you mentioned must be this lady, Xue'er? This lady is truly stunning."

Daili, upon hearing the Princess’s question, immediately smiled and replied, "I am Daili. It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness." Her manner was poised and graceful, betraying no nervousness whatsoever.

Seeing this, Murong Feixue expressed genuine surprise. "Daili, you really aren't nobility? How is it that you possess an aura that ordinary nobles lack, something that seems inherent?"

Daili responded to Murong Feixue’s query with a warm smile, "Of course not! This is all thanks to what Auntie and you have been teaching me recently. You exaggerate too much, Xue'er."

Feiyun and the others standing nearby understood Murong Feixue's astonishment perfectly. Daili had, in fact, been a princess herself, her status never inferior to anyone present. Having undergone rigorous court etiquette training since childhood, how could Daili possibly be unfamiliar with these customs? Handling such social niceties was second nature to her.

Meanwhile, Long Yun tried several times to engage Murong Feixue in conversation, but she skillfully deflected him each time. Observing this, Mo Han felt an unexpected surge of happiness. He couldn't explain why seeing Murong Feixue reject the Fourth Prince’s overtures pleased him so much, but he didn't dwell on it, simply following the others to their pre-arranged seats.

Mo Han’s seat was placed right next to Murong Tian’s, positioned just below the central dais—a spot reserved for the Empire's most significant figures and families. The Emperor’s decision to seat Mo Han there spoke volumes about the high regard in which he held him.