At the entrance of the Heavenly Residence!

“Are you Xia Chen?”

From the rightmost carriage stepped a young man in his twenties. He wore a simple long robe—not overly ornate—but it accentuated his exceptional bearing.

“Your humble servant, indeed!”

The Crown Prince appraised Xia Chen, then nodded.

“Truly a fine countenance—a perfect match for Yaoguang’s talent and beauty. Rise, we’re family—no need for excess courtesy!”

“Haha, last time, we brothers said we’d drink together. Hearing your restaurant opened today, I’ve come to claim a cup!”

As the Crown Prince spoke with Xia Chen, a hearty laugh rang from the left carriage.

The Third Prince emerged, dressed casually, exuding a carefree, unrestrained air.

“Greetings, Third Prince!”

“No need for such formality between brothers—we’ve met before!”

The Third Prince strode to Xia Chen’s side, warmly clapping a hand on his shoulder.

The Crown Prince’s face darkened momentarily before smoothing over.

“We did cross paths briefly by the roadside last time—sadly, no time for drinks then. Today, with the Crown Prince here too, let’s all three go in and enjoy ourselves!”

Xia Chen smiled, then turned to the Crown Prince.

At this, the Crown Prince’s smile returned.

“Good! Today, I’ll taste your fine wine!”

The Crown Prince laughed. Xia Chen stepped back subtly, easing the Third Prince’s hand off his shoulder, then addressed them both.

“Your Highnesses, please!”

The Crown Prince and Third Prince nodded, preparing to ascend, when another carriage rolled up slowly.

“Senior Grand Secretary Lin’s carriage!”

The Crown Prince identified it with a glance.

As the three turned their gazes, a young man stepped down.

It was Lin Zihan—son of Senior Grand Secretary Lin!

Xia Chen was mildly surprised. He hadn’t expected this figure, with whom he’d had a slight friction, to appear.

But on second thought, it made sense. Senior Grand Secretary Lin managed the affairs of Dawu’s nineteen provinces—how could he spare time for a restaurant opening?

“Greetings, Crown Prince, Third Prince, Division Head Xia!”

Lin Zihan clasped his fists with a smile, his demeanor and appearance flawless.

No trace remained of his prior grudge against Xia Chen.

“No need for courtesy, Zihan!”

The Crown Prince smiled, then inquired.

“Why aren’t you on duty at the Inner Cabinet today?”

“I heard Division Head Xia’s restaurant was opening today. My father’s been swamped with northwestern military matters and couldn’t attend, so he had me take leave to represent him!”

Lin Zihan grinned, flashing a smile at Xia Chen. A glint flickered in the Crown Prince’s and Third Prince’s eyes.

Neither had expected Senior Grand Secretary Lin to regard Xia Chen so highly.

Normally stern, he’d never let his son take leave for something as trivial as a restaurant opening.

“Gentlemen, please!”

Xia Chen smiled, ushering in these three top-tier second-generation elites of the Dawu dynasty.

The Crown Prince and Third Prince naturally headed for the sixth floor. Lin Zihan, representing Senior Grand Secretary Lin, was likewise qualified for the sixth.

In moments, four of the sixth floor’s five courtyards had masters.

Shen Xueyan, Zhang Wenliao, and the others witnessed Xia Chen’s influence and connections in full today.

As mealtime neared, guests arrived in droves. Most of the dignitaries Xia Chen invited showed face—or sent representatives if pressed for time.

“Greetings, Lord Consort!”

Another carriage pulled up at the entrance—from Princess Yaoguang’s residence.

But it wasn’t Yaoguang who stepped out. A pretty girl in yellow emerged, nibbling a large snow pear as she descended.

She approached Xia Chen with a graceful curtsy—it was Li Wei!

“The Princess entered seclusion three days ago, so Sister Ziyue sent me to represent her today. She asked me to ensure the Lord Consort doesn’t misunderstand!”

Li Wei blinked her lovely eyes, speaking with earnest sincerity.

“Her Highness’s cultivation matters far more—this restaurant opening is but a trifle!”

Xia Chen replied with a smile.

“You’re really not upset, Lord Consort?”

Li Wei blinked again, asking earnestly.

“Of course not! I know you love good food—I’ll arrange a room for you to sample our dishes. How’s that?”

“Really? How did you know, Lord Consort?”

Li Wei’s face lit up with a beaming smile, brimming with delight.

“I also know you’re a food connoisseur. We’ve got fine wine too—try some later!”

Xia Chen smiled at the youthful, lively Li Wei.

“You’re the best, Lord Consort! Here, try this snow pear—it’s delicious!”

Her eyes sparkled. Mentioning the pear, a glistening droplet lingered at her lips. She licked her rosy lips, hesitating, but offered the large snow pear to Xia Chen.

“No need—taste it for me, Li Wei!”

Xia Chen chuckled, gently pushing the pear back to her.

“You’re so great, Lord Consort! I declare you my favorite person after the Princess from now on!”

Li Wei’s smile was radiant, pure joy shining through. She was simple and guileless—unlike the sharp-witted Yaoguang or Ziyue, free of complex schemes or rivalries.

Xia Chen preferred such company—straightforward and pure!

Watching her delight, a smile crept onto his own lips.

…

More prominent figures arrived thereafter. Xia Chen’s superior, Commander-in-Chief Ma Song, came too, and Xia Chen personally escorted him inside.

“Who’s that young man?”

Suddenly, Xia Chen’s gaze settled on a youth.

Lu Shen glanced over and answered promptly.

“That’s Du Laihui, son of the Vice Minister of Justice. He’s likely here representing his father today.”

“Know anything about him—rumors or details?”

“This Du Laihui was raised in the Ministry of Justice by his father. They say he’s skilled at solving cases!”

Though unsure why Xia Chen asked, Lu Shen replied quickly.

“And that one?”

Xia Chen pointed to another young man stepping from a carriage—strikingly valiant, brimming with vigor.

“That’s Su Yan, son of Marquis Hanyang. I hear the Marquis recently gave him a courtesy name, Dingfang, hoping he’ll inherit the title, achieve merits, and pacify a region!”

Lu Shen rattled off details about these noble scions with ease. Xia Chen nodded.

“Invite them both over!”

Lu Shen blinked, mildly surprised, but hastened to obey.

Xia Chen’s gaze deepened. His double pupils were unique—though not fully awakened, they already hinted at divine perception.

These two exuded an aura markedly different from the rest.

“Detect their stats for me!”

Xia Chen commanded the system. Lines of text flickered onto the panel.