Chapter 52: At the Birthday Banquet

“Mind your manners!” Xu Yungong quickly whispered a sharp reprimand to Xu Miaojin.

Xu Miaojin disdainfully turned her gaze away, refusing to meet Chen Lin’s eyes any longer.

Chen Lin then looked toward Xu Yungong. “Brother, you’re so handsome and seated second from the left—what noble family are you from?”

Xu Yungong cupped his hands politely. “I am Xu Yungong of the Wei Duke’s household.”

Chen Lin’s expression brightened with realization. “Ah, so you’re the son of Xu Da. No wonder you’re so good-looking.”

“And she must be your younger sister, Xu Miaojin!” Chen Lin added.

Xu Yungong frowned, irritated that this man had the audacity to casually mention his father’s name—truly disrespectful.

So he chose to ignore him, focusing instead on his food and drink.

Under the table, Chen Xiaolan nudged her young master, silently signaling him to hold his tongue since he had been rude first.

Chen Lin shrugged off the warning. No matter. Now that Xiaolan had her protective charm, whether Xu Miaojin showed favor or not was inconsequential. They would just enjoy the feast and feed Zhu Gaochi.

Unexpectedly, Zhu Gaochi wriggled free and ran over to Xu Yungong’s side.

“Uncle, Gaochi wants to sit here with you.”

Xu Yungong smiled warmly, lifting the chubby boy. “Alright, come, sit between your uncle and your aunt.”

Chen Lin: ...Little rascal, just you wait.

Meanwhile, the princes had finished their ceremony and offerings. Next came the stage where the nobles of Huai West paid their respects to their eldest sister on her birthday.

Attendance at this feast was mostly limited to the Huai West branch, with a few civil officials closely allied with the imperial family invited as well.

Not a single minister from the Six Ministries was present; only minor officials with close royal ties were admitted.

“Young master, His Majesty is calling you,” Chen Xiaolan gently reminded Chen Lin, who had been lost in thought.

“What for? Haven’t we already presented our gifts?” Chen Lin asked, confused.

At that moment, Zhu Yuanzhang’s voice floated down from above: “Chen Shaobao, where is your gift?”

Chen Shaobao!?

The assembled guests were taken aback.

Since when had this man been appointed Shaobao?

When the emperor spoke, shouldn’t a minister rise to answer? Yet Chen Lin remained seated, unmoving.

“It’s not your birthday, so why ask?” Chen Lin retorted bluntly.

The crowd froze—this was shockingly audacious, to speak so boldly to the emperor!

Chen Xiaolan quickly whispered, “Young master, there are many people here; please show His Majesty some respect.”

Chen Lin rolled his eyes. “I know, I know. It’s annoying, really.”

Brushing them off, he stood and pulled a small pouch from his pocket, knocking quickly over to Empress Ma.

“Wishing Your Majesty eternal youth and a hearty appetite every day,” he said.

Empress Ma smiled. “How thoughtful, little Chen. What is this?”

“Nothing special, just a bag of seeds that yield six hundred jin per mu,” Chen Lin replied casually.

Six hundred jin per mu!!

And that’s nothing special?

Everyone gasped once more. Zhu Yuanzhang snatched the pouch and poured out its contents.

Unfamiliar.

They were small pellets the size of peanuts, clearly some kind of grain seed.

The emperor popped one into his mouth to taste.

“Not bad. What is this?”

“Can it really yield six hundred jin per mu?”

Chen Lin snatched the pouch back. “It’s not for you, and you’re eating it now?”

Empress Ma, recognizing the importance, asked, “Is it true it can yield six hundred jin per mu?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. This is called maize. Six hundred jin is a conservative estimate; with proper cultivation, eight hundred jin is achievable.”

Empress Ma and Zhu Yuanzhang exchanged a glance, both seemingly realizing this was a future world grain.

“How many maize seeds do you have? Are there other grain varieties?” Zhu Yuanzhang asked eagerly.

“That can wait. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave. I’m not keen on being treated like a monkey all day.”

With that, Chen Lin dashed away, leaving the imperial couple exchanging bewildered looks.

What does he mean? Are we monkeys?

Chen Lin had just sat down when Li Shanchang presented his son’s gift, followed by Xu Yungong with Xu Miaojin.

One by one, others stepped forward according to rank—a tedious affair. Chen Lin pulled out his phone to study mechanical and electrical knowledge he had downloaded.

As he read, Chen Xiaolan suddenly tugged his sleeve.

“Young master, Young Lord Xu is calling you.”

“Huh? Who? Who’s calling me?” Chen Lin looked around, bewildered.

Xu Yungong bowed slightly. “Chen Shaobao, my little sister wants to see the glowing box in your hand.”

Chen Lin looked down and teased, “Want to see it? Say ‘big brother’ first.”

The siblings froze!

Xu Yungong was visibly angry, bowing stiffly and remaining silent.

Xu Miaojin, however, was unabashed and sweetly called out, “Big brother~~”

You’re generous, I’ll be generous too.

Chen Lin tossed over his phone, then pulled out another to continue reading.

The siblings, including the plump Zhu Gaochi, gathered around the phone, marveling.

Time flew. After the offerings concluded, everyone proceeded toasting and enjoying songs and dances.

Night fell, lanterns glowed softly, and amidst the harmonious atmosphere, Empress Ma suddenly announced publicly that she was adopting Chen Xiaolan as her foster daughter.

Zhu Yuanzhang then decreed Chen Xiaolan as Princess Jurong!

The crowd gasped again.

How did they suddenly get an adopted daughter, and she was directly made a princess?

Once a princess is granted a title, she is entered into the royal genealogy, becoming part of the imperial family.

Who exactly was this Chen Xiaolan?

Nervous, Chen Xiaolan clung to her young master’s sleeve, hesitant to step forward alone.

“Don’t be afraid. Being adopted by them is your blessing—they are the ones gaining the advantage,” Chen Lin comforted her.

“But young master, I’m still scared.”

With no choice, Chen Lin accompanied Chen Xiaolan forward for the investiture.

Only then did everyone realize that Princess Jurong was actually Chen Shaobao’s companion!

Was she his wife or sister?

What was their true relationship?

Xu Yungong and Xu Miaojin sat nearby, and hearing Chen Xiaolan call him “young master,” they understood perfectly well that this Princess Jurong was merely Chen Shaobao’s maid.

A maid made a princess—what kind of influence did Chen Shaobao wield to earn such royal favor?

Chen Shaobao was still reeling from this revelation when suddenly another princess emerged.

Their identities stirred wild speculation among the guests.

What sweet words had they whispered into the royal ear to receive such honors?

Holding the seal and golden edict of the princess’s investiture, Chen Xiaolan bowed deeply, overwhelmed with emotion.

Chen Lin remained standing stiffly. “That’s all? Why not grant her a princess’s mansion? So stingy.”

Zhu Yuanzhang, initially pleased, now frowned.

“Can’t you say less?”

“No, you’re just stingy!”

Taking a deep breath to compose himself, Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand. “That’s enough for today. Everyone, disperse!”

Then he looked at Chen Lin. “You two are not to leave. Stay the night in the palace.”

Stay in the palace overnight!!

The crowd was stunned once again.

Such an honor!

Chen Lin glanced outside; the city gates were probably closed by now. If they had to stay overnight, so be it.

He approached Xu Miaojin. “Give it back.”

“Ohhh!” Xu Miaojin reluctantly returned the phone.

“By the way, where do you live? May I visit sometime?”

Chen Lin was momentarily stunned—was this a lamb walking into a tiger’s den?