The dishes arrived in deliberate order.

  Steam curled into the night air beneath the sheltered roof. The open sides of the rectangular hall allowed the breeze to carry the aroma across the table, toward the city-facing edge of the palace.

  Emperor Jin observed quietly.

  He had instructed the kitchen personally.

  Not randomly.

  Never randomly.

  Before testing a man, you confirm what remains constant.

  Crown Prince Jin Zhao’s herbal braised pork belly was placed before him.

  Prince Tian Rui’s fried fish, crisp and fragrant.

  Prince Rui Huang’s steamed fish — delicate, oil-free, precise.

  Prince Ze Liang’s grilled beef ribs, charred to exact balance.

  Prince Wu Chen’s stir-fried broccoli with sliced lamb — bold, aromatic.

  Across the table, five princes paused almost imperceptibly.

  Recognition.

  Comfort.

  Memory.

  Emperor Jin noticed.

  Despite their altered mannerisms tonight… they still reached instinctively for their preferred dishes.

  Good.

  Identity leaves traces.

  Wu Chen took the first bite of his lamb.

  His eyes widened dramatically.

  “Oh my— this is insane. This is five-star Michelin lev—”

  He froze.

  The table went silent.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Xiao Tian coughed gently, reaching for his cup to interrupt the moment.

  “It is indeed prepared with exceptional craftsmanship,” he said softly, smiling apologetically.

  Wu Chen nodded rapidly. “Yes. Very… imperial.”

  Emperor Jin’s gaze lingered on them for a heartbeat longer than necessary.

  Strange phrasing.

  Strange energy.

  Yet their reactions to the food were genuine.

  He had asked Eunuch Kong to prepare their favorites precisely for this reason.

  Men may alter posture.

  But appetite is honest.

  At the head of the table, Eunuch Kong watched the princes with fond restraint. He had supervised each dish personally, ensuring nothing was mistaken.

  They looked nervous.

  But together.

  That mattered.

  ?

  Jin ate slowly, mind distant.

  The word echoed again.

  Celebration.

  Crown Prince Jin Zhao’s happy news.

  He kept his expression composed, slightly aloof — but internally, calculation began.

  What celebration?

  He passed a portion of his pork belly toward Liang Ze casually, as if sharing flavor critique.

  When Liang Ze leaned closer slightly, Jin mouthed one word:

  Celebration.

  Liang Ze’s eyes sharpened.

  Ah.

  So he doesn’t know either.

  Interesting.

  Without hesitation, Liang Ze stood, lifting his cup.

  Smooth.

  Confident.

  Strategic.

  “Since we are gathered tonight with Father Emperor,” he began evenly, “it is only fitting that we raise a toast once more. To the Crown Prince’s good news.”

  A faint, knowing smile curved his lips.

  “And indeed, it is good news.”

  Emperor Jin looked at him.

  Measured.

  “Really?” he asked calmly.

  He remembered clearly.

  Prince Ze Liang had been the most resistant voice when the matter was first proposed.

  Before the atmosphere could tighten—

  Eunuch Kong stepped forward gently.

  “Of course Prince Ze Liang is pleased,” he said warmly. “His own brother, the Crown Prince, is to be married soon. It is a joyous matter for the royal family.”

  Silence.

  Four princes were mid-sip.

  They choked simultaneously.

  Alcohol sprayed inelegantly back into their cups.

  “Marriage?!” Wu Chen blurted.

  “What?” Huang Rui coughed.

  “Who?” Xiao Tian whispered.

  “With who?!” Wu Chen added.

  Eunuch Kong remained serene.

  “With Princess Shen.”

  Across the table—

  Shock radiated.

  Jin’s fingers tightened subtly around his cup.

  Marriage.

  Back in 2026, he had no intention of marrying anytime soon. His plans extended at least ten more years into career focus.

  He had schedules.

  World tours.

  Album releases.

  Not… arranged royal weddings.

  Liang Ze recovered first.

  Of course he did.

  He stood straighter.

  “Yes. With Princess Shen. Congratulations once again to Crown Prince.”

  Xiao Tian followed immediately, gentle tone smoothing the air.

  “It is a blessing for the kingdom.”

  Huang Rui swallowed his shock and smiled brilliantly.

  “What a perfect match,” he added charmingly. “The heavens truly favor the Crown Prince.”

  Wu Chen nodded aggressively, trying not to speak again.

  Jin remained silent.

  Composed.

  But internally—

  Spiraling.

  Princess Shen?

  Who was she?

  What did she look like?

  Did he have a say?

  Emperor Jin observed his eldest son closely.

  Shock.

  Contained.

  But visible.

  He did not enjoy cornering his sons.

  He prepared them.

  He did not ambush them.

  Yet political alliances required timing.

  “The Shen family commands influence along the eastern maritime routes,” Emperor Jin spoke calmly. “An alliance strengthens trade stability.”

  He looked directly at Jin Zhao.

  “Marriage is not merely personal.”

  It was not cruelty.

  It was education.

  A crown carries weight long before it rests fully upon one’s head.

  At Jin’s side, Xiao Tian nudged him gently under the table.

  Ground yourself.

  Huang Rui leaned slightly forward, deliberately drawing attention to himself with elegant commentary about the architectural detailing of the hall’s canopy.

  “The symmetry of the beam structure is extraordinary, Father Emperor.”

  A subtle diversion.

  Emperor Jin allowed the shift.

  He was not blind.

  They were protecting one another.

  Again.

  Unity.

  Interesting.

  Eunuch Kong quietly poured more wine, eyes soft with quiet concern for the Crown Prince.

  He would speak privately later if needed.

  Emperor Jin leaned back slightly.

  “Eat.”

  Simple.

  Controlled.

  The wind moved gently through the open hall.

  Above them, unseen, the Moon Keepers remained watchful.

  And at the long rectangular table beneath the night sky—

  Five modern souls sat inside ancient titles.

  One now engaged.

  Whether he agreed or not.

  And the true celebration—

  Had only just begun.