The underlying meaning in Xingren's words was clearly understood by both Gu Yanshu and Qin Lu.
It must be said that, as a long-time attendant who had always followed Qin Lu closely, Xingren was just like Zhige—deeply familiar with his master's temperament.
Even with Xingren's prior reminder, Gu Yanshu and the formal robes he wore nearly didn't make it through unscathed.
It was only the last trace of rationality left in both of them that saved the robes from anything more severe than a few slight wrinkles.
The next day,
Just as Gu Yanshu had put on the formal robes again—which had been carefully straightened by Baizhu—he noticed Qin Lu had quietly walked up behind him.
Seeing the unmistakable look in Qin Lu's eyes reflected in the full-length mirror before him, Gu Yanshu felt, for the first time, that placing this mirror in their bedroom might not have been the best idea.
Qin Lu, gazing at his consort's appearance now, felt a pang of regret.
If he had known earlier that his consort would look so… alluring in these robes, he should never have allowed the Ministry of Rites to design them according to the standards for a royal prince.
But soon, it occurred to him that although formal attire in Tianqi was strictly regulated by hierarchy, the differences between ranks were actually quite subtle, with little variation in overall style.
Given his consort's striking presence, even a different set of robes would likely have had the same effect.
With that thought, Qin Lu's mind inevitably wandered into dangerous territory—thoughts like hiding his consort away, allowing no one else to catch even a glimpse.
Although Gu Yanshu didn't know exactly what Qin Lu was thinking, he could clearly sense the growing intensity in his gaze.
Finally, he had to speak up as a reminder:
"It's almost time. Shouldn't you also get dressed, Your Highness?"
Fortunately, Qin Lu was a rational man. Those irrational, dangerous thoughts were quickly suppressed as soon as they arose.
"I know," he replied.
This was the first time Gu Yanshu was attending such a formal banquet alongside Qin Lu.
Although he had often seen Qin Lu in court attire before, the court robes of Tianqi were quite different from formal ceremonial wear.
To put it simply, court robes were more understated—especially since Qin Lu, as a military general, wore simpler, more functional robes designed for ease of movement.
Ceremonial robes, on the other hand, were far more elaborate.
So, truth be told, this was actually the first time since their wedding that Gu Yanshu was seeing Qin Lu dressed so grandly.
The dark ceremonial robes enveloped Qin Lu's powerful physique. Unlike Gu Yanshu's slender and delicate frame, these robes seemed to amplify Qin Lu's imposing presence.
Especially when he moved, the qilin pattern subtly woven into the fabric seemed to become more vivid, almost lifelike.
Seeing Qin Lu's calm and composed demeanor after putting on the robes, Gu Yanshu could almost understand why Qin Lu had been so captivated upon seeing him in ceremonial attire the day before.
Indeed, throughout history, no man has ever been able to resist the allure of a uniform.
Qin Lu was no exception.
And neither was Gu Yanshu!
Gu Yanshu's throat moved slightly as he was momentarily overwhelmed by the sight. Without thinking, he blurted out:
"What if we skip the palace banquet?"
"What are you saying?"
Gu Yanshu's reaction actually eased Qin Lu's earlier displeasure considerably.
He stepped forward and gently tapped Gu Yanshu's forehead:
"Weren't you just saying it's almost time? We should head out now."
Gu Yanshu's suggestion had been nothing more than a impulsive remark made in a daze of admiration. He regained his senses almost immediately.
Nodding, he left the room together with Qin Lu.
Since that first post-wedding audience, this was Gu Yanshu's first time returning to the imperial palace.
Everything within the palace appeared largely unchanged from his previous visit.
If there was any difference, it was the layer of snow now lining the rooftops and eaves, and the countless red lanterns—large and small—hanging throughout the corridors, lending a distinct festive atmosphere for the New Year.
Before long, the two followed the palace attendants to the hall where the banquet was being held.
Qin Lu and Gu Yanshu had arrived neither early nor late.
By the time they entered, the hall was already filled with numerous officials, some standing and some seated.
"Prince Li and Prince Consort Li have arrived—"
Hearing the announcement from the eunuch at the entrance, those present promptly rose and paid their respects.
"There is no need for formalities, esteemed officials. Please, do not mind Us and Our Consort."
Since Qin Lu had said so, it would have been improper for anyone to continue staring.
Even so, many still cast subtle, appraising glances—some curious, some surprised, some thoughtful—toward Qin Lu and Gu Yanshu.
Feeling the occasional gaze from those around him—full of curiosity, astonishment, or scrutiny—Gu Yanshu simply pretended not to notice.
He could more or less guess what was on their minds.
Although the housewarming banquet at the Prince Li's residence had invited many officials, those were still only a minority. Most people remained entirely unfamiliar with the Prince's male consort.
Gu Yanshu had never been fond of social engagements. Aside from that one housewarming banquet, the Prince Li's residence had not hosted any other events.
After the wedding, Gu Yanshu had also not accepted any outside invitations.
The only source of information about him for most attendees came from rumors circulating in the capital.
But who could say how much of those rumors were true?
Now that they were finally seeing him in person, how could they not take a good look at the legendary Prince Consort of Li?
Everyone present was shrewd. Although no one approached to converse, even a brief glance provided plenty of information.
For instance, regardless of what other capital gossip claimed, at least one rumor about the Prince Consort was undoubtedly true:
his peerless beauty was unmatched across the capital.
Many present came from prominent, aristocratic families and had been surrounded since childhood by all kinds of stunning beauty.
Yet at first sight today, they were still taken aback by Gu Yanshu's appearance.
What was most remarkable was the unique presence he carried—an air of mystery, yet also of warmth and inclusiveness, that made one instinctively want to draw closer.
Additionally, many took note of Gu Yanshu's attire.
The subtle qilin patterns, the four-clawed golden pythons… Apart from the color, these were unmistakably the formal robes of a royal prince!
Especially with Prince Li standing right beside him, their nearly identical robes—differing only in color—complemented each other strikingly, creating a harmonious and imposing picture.
It also seemed to reflect an intimate bond between the Prince and his Consort, one that left no room for a third party.
Noticing this, many began exchanging meaningful glances, silently gauging each other's thoughts.
Although rumors had long circulated in the capital about the harmonious and deeply affectionate relationship between Prince Li and his Consort,
most officials had been skeptical, finding it hard to believe.
After all, many could scarcely imagine someone as cold and severe as Prince Li sharing a tender, respectful partnership with another.
Yet given what they saw now, it seemed these rumors might not have been entirely unfounded?
Gu Yanshu paid no mind to what others in the hall were thinking. He turned slightly and murmured to Qin Lu:
"Shouldn't we first go and pay respects to His Majesty and the Imperial Noble Consort?"
"There's no need," Qin Lu replied softly. "With the New Year celebrations, the palace is exceptionally busy. His Majesty and Her Majesty have no time to receive visitors today."
In Tianqi, formal New Year's greetings from the imperial princes were uniformly scheduled for New Year's Eve.
Hearing this, Gu Yanshu felt somewhat relieved.
The soft exchange between Gu Yanshu and Qin Lu, observed by those around them, seemed to further confirm the fact that the relationship between Prince Li and his Consort was indeed a strong one.
Just then, another announcement came from the entrance:
"His Highness the First Prince, Second Prince, Fourth Prince, and Fifth Prince have arrived—"
The gathered officials had no choice but to temporarily set aside their thoughts and pay their respects to the newly arrived princes.
"There is no need for formalities, esteemed officials."
The First Prince waved his hand casually. When his eyes fell upon Qin Lu and Gu Yanshu, who were already present in the hall, his expression shifted slightly.
"Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Fourth Brother, Fifth Brother."
Noticing their gazes, Qin Lu gave a slight nod in their direction—a perfectly appropriate greeting for princes of lower rank than himself.
Although the First and Second Princes were older than Qin Lu, by title and status, all other imperial sons were beneath him. His manner was beyond reproach.
That said, the First Prince seemed unwilling to accept this. His face stiffened, and he returned the nod with clear reluctance.
Seeing this, the Second Prince didn't dare overstep either, offering only a hurried, slight bow in Qin Lu's direction.
Only the Fourth Prince responded with full propriety—not only performing a standard salute but even wearing a faint smile.
But before he could say anything, the Second Prince cut in with a tone of mild reproach:
"Fourth Brother!"
Hearing this, the Fourth Prince offered Qin Lu an apologetic smile before turning to follow behind the First Prince.
Observing this, Gu Yanshu raised a subtle eyebrow:
"Your Fourth Brother seems much wiser than the First Prince."
No matter how intense the private rivalry between Qin Lu and the First Prince might be, on the surface, they had at least maintained civility—until now.
The First Prince's behavior today, however, seemed intent on tearing down that last layer of pretense.
Qin Lu responded with a light smile but remained silent. Still, his expression made it clear that he agreed with Gu Yanshu's assessment.
At that moment, the Fifth Prince, Qin Hao, had already hurried over to them.
Seeing Gu Yanshu and Qin Lu speaking quietly together, he assumed Gu Yanshu might be bothered by the First Prince's behavior and said without hesitation:
"Third Sister-in-Law, don't take it to heart. Big Brother has been facing His Majesty's displeasure recently and is in a foul mood."
Qin Hao's voice wasn't particularly loud, but it wasn't hushed either—several officials nearby heard him clearly.
Instantly, the expressions in the room shifted subtly once more.
Everyone knew the Fifth Prince was on close terms with Prince Li.
Although his attitude couldn't be taken as entirely representative of Prince Li's stance, it came very close.
Now, not only was the Fifth Prince being openly friendly with the Prince Consort, he even addressed him directly as "Third Sister-in-Law" right in front of Prince Li—who showed no objection.
Did this mean the relationship between Prince Li and his Consort was even stronger than they had initially guessed?
If the officials could pick up on this, so could the First Prince.
Watching Qin Hao interact so familiarly with Gu Yanshu, the First Prince narrowed his eyes slightly.
A growing feeling told him that he might have overlooked something important.
As for Gu Yanshu, who was at the center of everyone's speculation, he simply glanced at Qin Hao and asked:
"His Highness the First Prince was reprimanded by His Majesty again?"
Why "again"?
It all went back to the incident a few days earlier involving the young leafy greens offered to the Emperor.
The First Prince, realizing his mistake, had been trying to make up for it ever since.
But whether it was clumsiness or the Emperor's lingering frustration over the greens, the First Prince had faced disapproval for several days straight.
According to reports reaching the Prince Li's residence, the scoldings the First Prince received these past few days even exceeded what he'd gotten in the previous several months combined.
Qin Hao nodded without hesitation:
"Exactly. I heard he obtained some kind of jadeite cabbage to present to Father Emperor. But instead of being pleased, His Majesty told him to focus more on proper affairs of state."
Gu Yanshu was at a loss for words—unsure whether to attribute the First Prince's actions to sheer tone-deafness or outright foolishness.
A jadeite cabbage?
He actually came up with that.
Currently, the Emperor probably wanted to see anything even remotely resembling greens or cabbages as little as possible. Yet the First Prince chose exactly this moment to present an ornamental—and decidedly inedible—jadeite cabbage…
As these thoughts crossed his mind, Gu Yanshu unconsciously glanced in the First Prince's direction.
To his surprise, the First Prince was also looking their way at that very moment for some reason—and their eyes met directly.
Perhaps something in Gu Yanshu's gaze was misinterpreted by the First Prince, for his expression instantly darkened.
He was on the verge of lashing out when his eyes met the vigilant, penetrating stare of Qin Lu, who stood nearby.
In the end, the First Prince managed to suppress his rising anger.
Taking in the entire sequence of reactions, Gu Yanshu felt a subtle twitch at the corner of his eye. He couldn't help but reflect inwardly:
Why had he ever thought this fool would be the greatest obstacle on Qin Lu's path to the throne?
But before he could ponder the question further, a cool, composed voice sounded not far from where they stood:
"Your humble official pays his respects to His Highness Prince Li, His Highness the Prince Consort, and Your Highness the Fifth Prince."