Clearly they were making conversation out of nothing, forcing praise where none was due.
Zhang Qufeng sneered, "The two lords are truly sparing Prince Changsun's dignity. But in my humble opinion, no need for that. Prince Changsun being able to farm is already a unique skill—far better than many of the spoiled sons in the Imperial City."
Lu Yuan curled his lips into a smile. "Thank you, Lord Zhang, for your praise."
Prince Ming's face darkened. "You fool! Didn't you hear the insult in his words?"
Lu Yuan calmly replied, "I know how to farm—it's something to be proud of. Why would Lord Zhang insult me for that? Unless... he looks down on the peasants who eke out a living from the earth? The food we eat, the tools we use, the clothes we wear—which of them doesn't come from the efforts of the people? To eat from the people's hands and then curse them behind their backs, such deeds that harm virtue—I trust Lord Zhang would never stoop to something so base."
