Sensing that Zhang Lie was really growing angry, the ninth prince hurriedly changed the topic. "Master, what did my eldest brother want with you?"

His face turned uneasy.

Zhang Lie rolled his eyes at him. "Are you that insecure?"

The ninth prince shrugged. "You misunderstand me, Master. I just wanted to know if the crown prince was making his move against us, in case you wanted to discuss some sort of strategy."

Zhang Lie coughed. "I'm afraid he would  squish you within moments if he really wanted to. He mentioned that he was hosting a private banquet and invited us, but I declined."

The ninth prince thought about Zhang Lie's words. "A private banquet—I heard that a few princes...