For as long as Song Jin could remember, people had constantly used the excuse of “caring about him” to get close to his elder brother, Song Yu, competing and rushing to become a secondary wife—even if they didn’t have status, they would throw themselves at him without looking back, relying on the idea that a mother’s status rises with her child.

He didn’t know if those people ever succeeded, but he was thoroughly annoyed by these unwanted romantic entanglements. Later, he simply beat up every single one that came; if two came, he’d beat up the pair. Gradually, no one dared to put on an act in front of him anymore.

With a smile on his face, Song Jin said, “I am best at dealing with secondary wives.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Where did any secondary wife come from?

Utterly bewildered, Li Xiao followed Song Jin’s gaze and saw a group of flamboyantly dressed Omegas approaching. He prepared to pretend not to notice and take Song Jin away.

Before they could leave, however, tonight’s protagonist, Meng Shan, personally came over with his butler to welcome them.

Meng Shan was already 106 years old. His hair was completely white, but his body was robust. The deep vertical line between his eyebrows and his downturned lips made him look very stern; even when he smiled, he didn’t look gentle at all.

“Second Highness.”

Meng Shan walked up to Li Xiao and looked left and right: “How come only you came? Did His Majesty not come?”

Without a single word of greeting upon meeting, he looked for Li Ji straight away.

Although Meng Shan’s tone was flat, everyone nearby could hear the dissatisfaction in his words, as well as his contempt for Li Xiao.

As royalty, Li Xiao attending the Meng family’s banquet was already condescending to lower himself; yet in Meng Shan’s eyes, it became taken for granted. There was even a subtle feeling that Li Xiao wasn’t worthy of stepping over his threshold—a thorough attempt to assert dominance.

As if he hadn’t heard the hostility in Meng Shan’s words, Li Xiao said calmly: “My brother just returned from the inspection tour and has accumulated some daily affairs. It just so happens that I’m free, so I brought my kid over to have some fun.”

The phrase “daily affairs” defused the force effortlessly, delivering a beautiful rebuttal.

Meng Shan’s expression instantly stiffened.

Standing not far away chatting with a few old companions, Yi Yongning noticed the commotion over there with the corner of his eye and couldn’t help laughing upon hearing this.

His Majesty would rather handle insignificant work than come.

Li Xiao’s slap landed solidly on Meng Shan’s face, while casually warning him not to take himself too seriously.

This little wolf pup from the Li family was indeed not that easy to fool.

While Li Xiao was greeting Meng Shan, Meng Fei and a group of approaching Omegas rushed toward Li Xiao, only to be blocked by Song Jin.

The angle Song Jin stood at was very subtle. Relying on his tall and large frame, he happened to completely block their line of sight toward Li Xiao.

Meng Fei wanted to step around to the front of Li Xiao, but Song Jin shifted slightly to block him again. After several attempts back and forth, he realized this minor noble from Shengya was doing it on purpose.

Without getting angry, he pulled a gentle smile and looked at Song Jin: “You must be the exchange student from Shengya, Song Jin, right?”

That Song Jin was able to attend tonight’s birthday banquet was not because of his exchange student status, but because he was the Prince Consort of Danse. Meng Fei was pretending to be confused despite knowing the truth, deliberately avoiding mentioning it.

“No.”

Song Jin looked at him with a light, uninhibited smile: “I am Li Xiao’s partner, Song Jin.”

Meng Fei’s smile stiffened for a moment before he introduced himself as if nothing had happened: “My name is Meng Fei. I was His Highness Xiao’s childhood playmate.”

Bringing up childhood sweethearts right away.

What kind of ghost title was “His Highness Xiao”?

Song Jin was already starting to feel displeased, but the expression on his face remained unchanged. His relaxed voice carried a smile: “You look much older than him; I thought you were from his uncle’s generation.”

“You really know how to joke. I’m only three years older than him. Before, His Highness Xiao was particularly clingy with me, following behind me like a little tail every day, even saying he liked big brother—”

Seeing the smile in Song Jin’s eyes fade, Meng Fei’s smile deepened, as if suddenly coming to his senses: “Ah, I’m sorry. Those are all things of the past. If I caused you to misunderstand, I apologize.”

The surrounding Omegas quietly watched the show without speaking, waiting for Meng Fei to test Song Jin’s attitude.

People in the circle had predicted early on that Li Xiao would attend tonight’s banquet. Setting aside other external factors, for Li Xiao, he urgently needed a political marriage to stabilize his position.

Having been away from the palace for ten years, Li Xiao could be said to have no foundation at all in high society. The Shengya Alpha he married couldn’t help him one bit in his career, and couldn’t even bear children for him.

To stand firm in the circle of power in the long run, a political marriage was a stable shortcut.

Now that the Royal Family showed signs of standing back up, as long as they acted fast enough, they might be able to push Song Jin aside and successfully take his place.

After all, Li Xiao was only eighteen years old and hadn’t even held a wedding yet.

Meng Fei was born into a branch of the Meng family, living a life no worse than a prince since childhood. He believed his status wasn’t far off from Li Xiao’s, and was far better than Song Jin’s minor noble background, not putting him in his eyes at all.

Hearing this, Song Jin let out a soft laugh: “Alright, kneel down.”

His tone was relaxed, and he didn’t deliberately raise his volume, as if just chatting casually, yet he left the group of people around them completely bewildered.

Meng Fei asked back with amusement: “Who are you telling to kneel?”

Song Jin spoke leisurely: “You. If you don’t kneel, how would I know whether you’re apologizing or making a show of force?”

Meng Fei’s expression froze.

“Are you going to apologize or not?”

Song Jin looked toward the others, “You all heard it; he said himself that he wanted to apologize.”

Meng Fei forced himself to respond: “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought up childhood matters. As for kneeling—we in Danse don’t have such etiquette.”

Song Jin: “Shengya does.”

Meng Fei: “…”

Other Omegas: “…”

So aggressive, really hard to fool.

Beside them, while Li Xiao was dealing with Meng Shan on the surface, his attention was entirely on Song Jin.

Seeing Song Jin surrounded by a group of Omegas brought an unprovoked feeling of annoyance and restlessness.

Standing so close, the pheromones and perfume scents were all getting onto his cat. Just thinking about it made Li Xiao want to drive this group of people away.

Li Xiao endured it, but couldn’t hold back in the end, pretending to naturally bring Song Jin over to his side.

Song Jin’s battle wasn’t over yet, so naturally he wasn’t willing to leave, firmly standing in front of Meng Fei to fight the secondary wife to the end.

Having gained no advantage from Li Xiao, Meng Shan didn’t even bother to maintain a courteous smile, his tone turning even colder: “Then I wish you a pleasant time. I have other guests, so I’ll take my leave first.”

Li Xiao nodded faintly, finally finishing dealing with the old man, and turned to look at Song Jin: “Who were you chatting so happily with?”

Song Jin didn’t want Li Xiao to get half a step closer to this green tea bitch at all: “Finished chatting, let’s go.”

However, Li Xiao was unwilling to leave just like that.

This group of Omegas had been surrounding his cat for so long without leaving; did they take him for dead?

Meng Fei took the opportunity to walk up to Li Xiao, smiling with curved eyes: “His Highness Xiao, long time no see.”

Li Xiao sized him up: “You are?”

Meng Fei smiled somewhat playfully: “When you were little, you liked to call me Fei-fei Brother. Do you remember?”

Fei-fei Brother?

Song Jin wore a foul face. Imagining the three-head-tall old man following behind the green tea bitch’s butt, his anger surged upward.

If his older brother had been more proactive and established diplomatic relations with Danse earlier, maybe this kid Li Xiao would have been following behind his butt calling him “brother” instead.

Li Xiao thought carefully: “So it’s Meng Fei. You’ve grown so short that I couldn’t quite react.”

Meng Fei: “…”

Song Jin’s anger value soared once again.

He actually remembered this green tea bitch’s name.

Meng Fei was 183 cm tall, which wasn’t short among Omegas, but in front of Li Xiao, he was still half a head shorter.

“I am an Omega, naturally different from an Alpha like you.”

Meng Fei maintained a proper and composed smile: “When you were young, you reached up to my shoulder, a tiny little thing that was particularly cute. I didn’t expect you to grow into such a charming Alpha.”

Li Xiao: “After all, we haven’t seen each other for more than ten years.”

We?

Song Jin wore a miserable face.

Seeing Li Xiao chatting so pleasantly with Meng Fei, the other Omegas thought there was a chance.

It seemed Li Xiao really intended to form a political marriage with a prominent family.

The Meng family held the highest status among all families and had the most value for a political marriage; moreover, Meng Fei was Li Xiao’s playmate, so the success rate of marrying into the royal family was exceedingly high!

The Omegas were eager to move, subtly changing their positioning in hopes that Li Xiao would notice them.

Noticing the silent Song Jin with the corner of his eye, Meng Fei smiled and said to Li Xiao: “Your companion doesn’t seem very accustomed to Danse’s banquets; he actually asked me to kneel just now. What an interesting child.”

Song Jin smiled without saying a word, waiting for Li Xiao’s reaction.

Regardless of whether Li Xiao was just dealing with it on the surface, if he dared to defend this green tea bitch, he wouldn’t escape a beating.

As if he hadn’t heard, Li Xiao stared at Meng Fei absentmindedly, even lowering his head slightly to get closer.

Meng Fei’s breath hitched, his heart racing uncontrollably, and his ears flushed red.

Li Xiao’s face was far too handsome; just staring at it carried an immense sense of pressure. Coupled with the oncoming Alpha aura, it made Meng Fei’s legs turn soft, lowering his head somewhat bashfully: “Your Highness…”

This atmosphere made even the surrounding Omegas’ hearts thud against their chests: “…”

His Second Highness is so handsome! One look from him, and dying would be worth it!

“Your makeup is cakey,” Li Xiao said casually.

Meng Fei: “…………”

Omegas: “…………”

“…………” Song Jin’s brow twitched. His mood had been extremely terrible, but upon hearing this, he couldn’t help looking over out of curiosity.

Did “cakey makeup” mean Meng Fei was wearing makeup?

How come he hadn’t noticed it just now?

Meng Fei’s expression turned awkward.

Even as an Omega, the prerequisite was still being male. How could he possibly wear makeup when attending such a formal occasion?

Meng Fei explained softly: “Your Highness, I never wear makeup.”

Among the surrounding Omegas, someone chimed in softly.

“Brother Fei’s foundation is indeed good; his skin is as delicate as if he applied foundation.”

“His eyes are also particularly beautiful, with long and straight eyelashes.”

So that’s what it meant.

Meng Fei felt happy.

Li Xiao looked so carefully; it seemed his first impression of him was very good.

Li Xiao straightened up: “My apologies, I misread. They’re fine lines.”

Meng Fei’s expression went completely blank: “…………”

Omegas: “…………”

What kind of bizarre plot development was this?!

Song Jin already understood that Li Xiao was messing with him, playing along smoothly: “Where are there fine lines?”

Li Xiao: “Around the corners of the eyes; it’s very obvious when smiling.”

Meng Fei’s face tensed up instantly, not daring to smile at all, his face turning an alternating shade of blue and red.

Li Xiao took Song Jin’s hand: “My kid doesn’t speak Danse language well and is shy around strangers. He’s afraid of communicating with strangers alone. If there was any misunderstanding just now, I apologize on his behalf. Excuse us.”

With that, Li Xiao abandoned Meng Fei and his group, walking away with Song Jin.

The Omegas froze there, feeling both excited and terrified when thinking of the casual glance Li Xiao had thrown over earlier.

Without knowing if it was an illusion, they felt that look carried a warning tone.

Looking at the backs of Li Xiao and Song Jin walking away hand in hand, Meng Fei felt extremely embarrassed.

Was Li Xiao truly uninterested in him, or was he just putting on an act in front of Song Jin?

Either way, he wouldn’t give up so easily.

After walking a few steps, Song Jin saw that Li Xiao’s face was calm, as if he hadn’t taken what happened just now to heart at all.

“Is that Meng Fei really your childhood playmate?”

Li Xiao’s attention was entirely on the scent Song Jin had picked up. He felt irritated inside, though his face didn’t show it in the slightest. Hearing the question, he replied casually: “Mm.”

Song Jin felt displeased again.

If this kid hadn’t left the palace at age eight, Meng Fei might have long become a prospective prince consort.

No wonder he dared to come over and show off in front of him.

At four in the afternoon, the banquet officially began.

Everyone gathered in the luxurious hall. Amidst the melodious piano music, Meng Shan, as the protagonist, took the stage to deliver a speech, thanking all the guests present tonight. Only at the very end did he mention Li Xiao, wanting him to dance the opening dance.

Hearing this, everyone turned their heads in unison toward where Li Xiao was standing, many wearing expressions of waiting for a good show.

Even at royal banquets, only on extremely rare, grand occasions would a prince dance the opening dance.

Today was merely Meng Shan’s personal birthday banquet, yet he opened his mouth wanting Li Xiao to dance—it was a humiliation in the name of respect.

Li Xiao had just returned to the palace not long ago and might not understand so many rules. He might actually fall into the trap and let people laugh at him.

Meng Shan’s move could truly be described as insidious.

The people from the Yi family and Jiang family had unsightly expressions, but standing far away, they couldn’t remind Li Xiao immediately. Shouting out directly would label Li Xiao as “ignorant of rules.”

Under everyone’s gaze, Li Xiao stood still holding his wine glass, looking toward Meng Shan: “You are the protagonist today. I am merely here to play; there’s no need to be so considerate of me.”

Song Jin chuckled softly: “Your Danse rules are so strange. People who don’t know would think he’s your great-grandfather.”

Li Xiao: “Usually it’s the juniors of one’s own family who open the dance. They are being too polite.”

Unexpectedly, Li Xiao didn’t fall for it.

Even knowing the other party was unlikely to agree, daring to refuse after it was brought up made both Meng Shan and Meng Jian feel uncomfortable inside.

“Then shall I dance the opening dance?”

Meng Fei walked toward Li Xiao with a face full of smiles, gracefully extending his hand toward him: “May I invite you for a dance?”

The group from the Yi and Jiang families had only let out half a breath before it caught in their throats again.

Why was he still being so relentless?

The Meng family was really damn shameless!

“How can they be like this?” Jiang Mu was the youngest; seeing this, he was already a bit angry, unable to resist whispering, “Isn’t this abusing power to bully people?”

Yi Yongning glanced at the father and son pair on the high platform: “They’ve always been like this.”

For decades they had been arrogant and overbearing, long having lost their heads, taking pleasure in stepping on the Royal Family.

Making the Royal Family bow down could greatly satisfy their inflated ambition and vanity.

In the subtle atmosphere, a few young people began to jeer.

“Come on, Second Highness! Everyone is looking forward to your opening dance!”

“It’s a rare opportunity, show off your skills for everyone!”

Li Xiao looked at Meng Fei in front of him: “Apologies, I don’t dance with anyone other than my partner.”

He actually rejected so thoroughly.

Meng Fei’s smile stiffened: “Then that really is a pity.”

When turning around, Meng Fei glared at Song Jin imperceptibly, taking the hand of another Alpha from the Meng faction.

Song Jin pretended not to see.

As long as Li Xiao didn’t give the green tea bitch a second glance, he didn’t need to bother with such a fool either.

The lights converged at the center of the hall as Meng Fei and the Alpha began to dance along with the classical piano music.

While everyone’s attention was over there, Li Xiao sent a communication request to Wei Feng through 09.

Royal Palace, Main Hall.

Wei Feng had specially taken a shower using the toiletries specified by Yan Qing and walked into the dressing room. The sensor lights turned on one by one. In the very middle of the space hung an old-style military uniform, which Li Ji had secretly instructed someone to retrieve from the warehouse.

Putting on the military trousers and boots, then slipping on the shirt, Wei Feng took down the military jacket and draped it over himself.

Standing before the full-length mirror, Wei Feng looked at himself in the lieutenant general’s uniform—it was still that face, yet it felt exceedingly unfamiliar to him.

At this moment, it was as if he had truly become that Golden Finch commander.

The small metal ball suddenly flew in front of him.

09: 【Master is pressing us. We can depart once you’re ready.】

Wei Feng: “Mm.”

Wei Feng picked up the Golden Finch shoulder rank, looking at the messy “Blessings” written on the back, solemnly put it onto his right shoulder, turned around, and walked out of the dressing room—