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As dinner time approached, the bustling city was filled with lively chatter. Any restaurant one entered was packed with patrons, and many were waiting outside.
The Cup Never Stops, a newly popular restaurant in the capital, had quickly gained a reputation for its exquisite flavors, innovative dishes, and attentive service since opening. It had swiftly won the hearts of the city's residents.
At this moment, the Cup Mo Ting Restaurant was already full. However, on the second floor in one of the private rooms, it was surprisingly quiet.
Inside were two individuals: one tall and silent, the other carefree and smiling.
These two were none other than Gu Bei and Murong Jing.
After returning to the restaurant, Ye Xiaohan headed straight to the kitchen to prepare a grand feast with the chefs. Meanwhile, Gu Bei and Murong Jing went to the reserved private room, sipping tea as they waited.
The noise from downstairs faintly reached them, contrasting sharply with the unusual tranquility of their room, as if they were in a different dimension altogether.
"This tea is quite good," Murong Jing said lightly, her fingers brushing over the rim of her cup. "Boss Ye really has everything here; whatever flavor you desire can be found."
That was quite an exaggeration for Ye Xiaohan; she did not possess such capabilities at present. The tea leaves and many rare items had been sourced through connections made by Dye House's Xia Zhanggui.
However, having friends with connections could be considered a skill in itself.
The tea before Gu Bei was still what Murong Jing's attendant had brewed for them earlier. Just moments ago, Murong Jing had complained about the crowd and sent the attendant to another room. Since then, Gu Bei had not requested any more tea.
Even if the attendant were present, he couldn't refill it. Gu Bei's cup remained untouched; it was still full, with the tea gradually cooling down and the leaves sinking from the surface to the bottom of the cup.
Gu Bei had never been fond of tea; he preferred wine instead.
"If Third Prince enjoys it, feel free to drink more. I can have Xiao Han send some over later," Gu Bei said deliberately in a tone befitting a host, showcasing his close relationship with Ye Xiaohan.
Murong Jing seemed completely oblivious to the implications in Gu Bei's words, laughing as he said, "Then I shall thank you in advance."
It was like hitting a punch into cotton; Gu Bei's declaration of territory had no effect at all, and instead, it left him momentarily speechless.
"General Gu has been quite successful lately," just as Gu Bei was pondering how to make his point clearer to persuade Murong Jing to back off without a fight, he heard Murong Jing speak again.
"Not only in the official realm but also in love, you've won the heart of a beauty. Boss Ye is both talented and charming, and she cooks exceptionally well. General Gu, you are truly enviable."
Murong Jing appeared envious, yet there was a hint of a smile on his face that betrayed no real feelings of jealousy.
Even so, Gu Bei felt a surge of pride within himself. It seemed that his earlier words had taken effect, making Murong Jing aware enough not to meddle in others' affairs.
"Not at all. It's just ordinary," Gu Bei replied with a slight smile. "The Third Prince is truly a dragon among men; surely you will find a beautiful partner and achieve a wonderful union in the future."
As long as that beauty wasn’t Ye Xiaohan, Gu Bei would sincerely wish him well.
Murong Jing seemed quite pleased and said, "Then I shall borrow your good wishes. However, such matters also depend on fate; this prince is not in a hurry."
He chuckled and added, "Instead of spending time on this, it’s better to focus on what one can do and enjoy the present moment. Isn’t that right, General Gu?"
His words seemed to carry some hidden meaning but could also be dismissed as casual banter. Gu Bei couldn’t discern the intent and merely heightened his vigilance, responding, "The Third Prince has keen insight; I admire you."
Such social exchanges had their benefits; they allowed one to navigate conversations with everyone—from the emperor to princes and ministers—effectively handling whatever others brought up.
Murong Jing casually tapped his teacup and remarked, "Women are always capricious; they need men by their side. If they’re unhappy, they throw tantrums without explaining themselves and expect others to guess their thoughts. General Gu, does that annoy you?"
"I am rather dull," Gu Bei replied. "I have not interacted much with women and do not understand their thoughts."
Gu Bei casually brushed past the question, unsure of Murong Jing's intentions. His understanding of Murong Jing was limited, or perhaps he simply did not pay much attention to the affairs of the court.
Aside from some necessary knowledge to avoid getting entangled in court struggles, Gu Bei chose not to concern himself with anything else.
Even though his return made him more aware of the ongoing dynamics and allowed him to learn from past lessons, he remained only slightly invested, lacking any fervor.
As the Third Prince, Murong Jing had two elder brothers above him and a Crown Prince pressing down on him, making his chances of inheriting the throne slim.
However, matters of succession could never be judged by common sense. The Battle for the Throne had often played out throughout history.
As the most favored son of the Queen, Murong Jing, even if not the eldest son, still possessed considerable competitiveness.
Yet Gu Bei frowned slightly. According to previous intelligence, Murong Jing had shown little enthusiasm for the struggle for the throne; on the contrary, he had been living a carefree life, with rumors circulating in the capital branding him as the Rebellious Prince, showing no intention of becoming emperor.
It was no wonder Gu Bei pondered deeply; a seemingly ambiguous remark from Murong Jing had expanded his thoughts. The matter of seizing power was far too serious.
Especially at this moment when all the princes had grown up and were secretly stirring. Murong Cheng's position as Crown Prince was not secure.
This was also why Murong Cheng had previously sought to eliminate Gu Bei. After realizing that Gu Bei was not as easy to deal with as he had imagined, he actively sought to win him over.
Gu Bei's mind raced back and forth regarding Murong Jing. He contemplated how he should respond if Murong Jing truly harbored such intentions.
Murong Jing smiled and said, "I have been presumptuous. General Gu already has someone like Boss Ye by his side; naturally, he would have no interest in other frivolous women."
Gu Bei merely nodded. He did not care at all about others thinking he feared his wife. Moreover, now that it seemed his relationship with Ye Xiaohan was gradually improving in front of Murong Jing, it was even more necessary to openly display their intimacy.
Unexpectedly, Gu Bei's straightforward admission sparked a glimmer in Murong Jing's eyes. "Interesting! I used to think General Gu was invincible on the battlefield and admirable; I didn't expect you to be such an interesting person privately!"
"Honestly, you always thought I was a dullard who couldn't understand romance, didn't you?" Gu Bei could hear the teasing tone in Murong Jing's voice, but it was true, and he had no intention of refuting it.
"The Third Prince is too kind," Gu Bei replied. "I am merely fulfilling my duty. Any victories are thanks to His Majesty's blessings. I often find myself bored by others, but I don't mind much."
A glimmer of light flashed in Murong Jing's eyes. "General Gu's loyalty to Father Emperor is commendable. I am truly touched to hear this. Please rise. General Gu has just resumed his post and is already dispatched to suppress bandits; it must be hard work for you."
"Serving the Emperor is my responsibility," Gu Bei answered in a formal manner, leaving no room for interpretation.
Murong Jing spoke with admiration, "The General's dedication is praiseworthy. Truly praiseworthy."
Then he continued on that topic, "I fear you may not yet fully understand the matters of the court. If General Gu does not mind, feel free to come to me with any concerns."
Here it came. Gu Bei's alertness heightened instantly.
Only officials from the same faction would privately exchange information like this. It seemed Murong Jing indeed wanted to pull him into his camp.
Though he wasn't sure if this was merely to solidify his own position or if Murong Jing intended to join the competition for the throne, Gu Bei had no desire to get involved.
"Thank you for your kindness, Third Prince." Murong Jing was subtly probing, trying not to appear too obvious. So even if Gu Bei understood the implication behind his words, he had to pretend he didn't.
Moreover, he needed to respond seriously enough for Murong Jing to grasp his gentle refusal.
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