Chapter 60

Jiang Yihao had thought it impossible—until he saw Bu Chen's biological parents appear with that "second young master," all three together, confirming that Uncle Bu had really brought Bu Chen's illegitimate younger brother to the banquet.

Jiang Yihao had met the kid a few times. He was several years younger than Bu Chen, still in high school, and looked simple and dull—the polar opposite of the cunning, sly Bu Chen. You could hardly tell they were blood brothers from the same father.

Jiang Yihao had stood up for his brother over this before.

There were plenty of illegitimate children in their circles, but everyone kept them hidden, never daring to bring them out in public. After all, it wasn't exactly something to be proud of; exposing it would tarnish the family's reputation.

Only Bu Chen's bastard brother was the exception.

Back then, Bu Kai had been running for parliament, and the child's mother had threatened to expose everything to the press unless he paid her a hefty sum.

Everyone in their circles knew the Duke of Banting was a philanderer, and his wife, Duchess Liu Hua, was gentle and weak-willed, completely unable to rein in her husband. As far as Jiang Yihao knew, Bu Chen had several illegitimate siblings.

Eventually, the matter was quietly settled out of court. The child was brought into the household, raised personally by Bu Chen's mother, with everything provided on par with Bu Chen himself—treated almost like the heir to a great family.

Jiang Yihao had never liked seeing this brother at Bu Chen's house. A perfectly good family of three, with an extra outsider tacked on.

Bu Chen never said anything, acting as if his brother didn't exist. The duke, knowing he was in the wrong, never brought the boy to social functions either.

But today, for some reason, the duke and duchess had brought the illegitimate brother to Bai Fuzhou's birthday banquet, looking like a perfect little family of three—making Bu Chen, the legitimate heir, seem like the outsider.

Jiang Yihao glanced at Bu Chen. He seemed perfectly calm, taking a phone call and talking intently about something, showing no sign of approaching his biological parents.

Jiang Yihao's mother, Liu Hua, had spotted her son the moment she walked in, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes.

Liu Hua was a descendant of the neighboring kingdom's royal family. Tonight she wore a silver gown with a heirloom ruby-and-wheat tiara, magnificently elegant and regal—truly befitting her title as duchess. She wasn't strikingly beautiful, but her gentle, refined temperament made her the quintessential high-society lady.

Recently, she had been urging her son to use his connection with Bai Xingmiao to help his father win over Bai Fuzhou, but he had flatly refused.

She assumed her son had refused because he couldn't bring himself to beg favors from a political rival, so the whole family had been forced to visit Bai Fuzhou personally today.

Little did she expect to see her son at Bai Fuzhou's private banquet.

Liu Hua's hand tightened slightly on her husband's arm.

"Don't worry about him," Bu Kai said calmly, soothing his wife. The 24-karat solid gold signet ring stamped with the Banting family crest on his pinky glinted with a stern, imposing light.

Ever since the mine disaster in Country B, the citizens of Country A had reacted violently.

The strikes in Country B had caused domestic energy shortages and skyrocketing prices. Most people neither wanted to send more troops overseas to suppress the unrest, nor could they stomach the daily rising cost of rice and oil. As a result, a party that walked a "neither left nor right" line—the Progressive Party—had begun to surge. The latest polls showed its candidate's approval rating approaching 40%.

Recently, rumors had circulated that the Progressive Party was in contact with the Left League, which made Bu Kai feel threatened.

He had never taken the Left League led by Bai Fuzhou seriously. The left had always been a minority in politics, with support never exceeding 10%.

But if the two factions joined forces, they could easily influence next year's election. Bu Kai would not allow any obstacle on his path to the pinnacle of power, so he had come personally to remove it.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of the Duke of Banting's visit? A rare guest indeed." Bai Fuzhou strolled over, neither overly warm nor aloof, carrying the relaxed ease of a host.

Bai Fuzhou found it amusing that her archenemy had come knocking on her door of his own accord today.

Moreover, the surrounding guests all stopped in their tracks when they heard Bu Kai had arrived. Everyone knew the Duke of Banting and the Duke of Camur were irreconcilable. The sun must be rising from the west today for the two of them to share the same stage. Every pair of eyes was fixed on the door, waiting to witness this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.

"Fuzhou, long time no see." Bu Kai switched instantly to a warm, amiable gaze the moment he entered, a stark contrast to the haughty, stern Minister of Economy he usually was. "I've come uninvited—you won't hold it against me, will you?"

Bu Kai wore an expensive bespoke suit, his hair groomed to perfection. Every gesture oozed charm and elegance, the opulence of top-tier nobility radiating from him—but more than that, the commanding authority of a man who held power.

"Fuzhou, happy birthday." The duchess beside him, Liu Hua, smiled gracefully and offered her blessing.

Bai Fuzhou smiled and replied simply, "Thank you. You didn't have to come all this way just to say that. You're both too kind."

The two had argued countless times in parliament, government offices, and in front of the news media. Having grown up together, they knew each other inside out—each had long since figured out the other's secrets and acting skills.

Bai Fuzhou didn't feel like talking much today. She just wanted to see what act Bu Kai was putting on.

Bu Kai, a seasoned politician through and through, felt Bai Fuzhou's coldness yet remained composed enough to make small talk.

He looked around the banquet hall's decor and chuckled. "Fuzhou, old girl, you're a duchess. You should treat yourself a little better on your birthday."

Liu Hua subtly tugged at her husband's arm—after all, they were here to ask a favor, so it was better to keep a low profile.

Bai Fuzhou laughed openly. "No need to waste money on lavish parties. After all, there are still so many people in the world going hungry."

One sentence drew a crystal-clear line between their party stances, giving Bu Kai not an ounce of face. Bu Kai let out a light chuckle and said nothing, but everyone in the room's hearts nearly stopped for half a second as they exchanged cautious glances.

Everyone privately worried: Bai Fuzhou and Bu Kai were equals in background and influence. They were sworn political enemies, each refusing to yield to the other. What if they clashed and things spiraled out of control with no one able to rein them in...

Just as the atmosphere hung in tense stalemate, Du Yue brought Jiang Yihao over to greet them.

"Perfect timing. I wish I'd thought to invite Jiang Sheng too—then all three of our families would be gathered."

A rare trace of a smile appeared on Du Yue's stern, coldly beautiful face. A light, casual pleasantry eased the tension back into that of an old friends' gathering.

Liu Hua breathed a sigh of relief and picked up the thread with a smile. "Oh, don't even mention it. I was asking myself before we came whether it was proper to show up uninvited. I feel much better hearing you say that."

Du Yue smiled. "Our three families have centuries of friendship between us. Why stand on ceremony?"

Everyone finally relaxed a little. Thank goodness for the Duchess of Tapei. The Jiang family had good private relations with both houses, and the three duchies were equal in rank—even if two were at odds, the third could still mediate.

At his mother's signal, Jiang Yihao obediently greeted them. "Uncle Bu, Aunt Liu."

"Oh, Xiao Hao's here too." Bu Kai was pleased to see the tall, imposing Jiang Yihao, and smiled as he beckoned his son, who had been standing silently behind him. "Xiao Peng, come say hello to your brother Jiang Yihao."

Jiang Yihao furrowed his brow as he greeted the dull-witted younger brother, then glanced around. Bu Chen was still on the phone, utterly oblivious, and Bai Xingmiao was nowhere to be seen.

Bu Kai laughed a few times. "Xiao Hao, what have you been up to lately?"

"Nothing much, just busy with this and that." A flicker of panic passed through Jiang Yihao's heart at being asked what he was doing.

The atmosphere was bizarrely tense right now. All three heirs of the great ducal families were present, yet he was the only one paying respects and making pleasantries with the elders.

Jiang Yihao cursed inwardly. Was that damn phone call really that important?

Did those two bastards realize their parents might come to blows at any moment?!

To be fair, Bu Kai and Bai Fuzhou were both elders who had watched him grow up, and they'd always treated him well. He felt it was his duty to stay, in case things headed in an uncontrollable direction.

Jiang Yihao noticed his mother was also quietly observing the situation.

He knew his mother was indifferent to outsiders and would usually avoid any conflict or dispute like the plague. Yet now, contrary to her nature, she was staying to make small talk.

Bai Fuzhou smiled while waiting for Bu Kai to finish his idle chatter with Du Yue, then cut straight to the chase. "I can see Minister Bu didn't come all this way just to mooch a meal off me. Why don't you say what's on your mind."

Bu Kai, having been called out publicly by the host, showed no displeasure. Instead, he laughed heartily twice. "Look at you—still the same impatient hothead after all these years. We practically grew up together. Can't I come specially to offer my birthday wishes?"

Bai Fuzhou smiled, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on Bu Kai. "Minister Bu, just say what you came to say. Otherwise, I won't be able to enjoy this birthday feast in peace."

Aside from their similar backgrounds, Bai Fuzhou and Bu Kai were polar opposites in personality, principles, and conduct. Every time they met, they'd be arguing within moments.

Jiang Yihao felt the tense, gunpowder-laden atmosphere most keenly.

He stood awkwardly between the two elders, head swiveling back and forth, unable to get a word in. Though they were dressed in evening wear, their sharp verbal sparring had the look of two people in suits debating live on television.

After who knows how long of circling around the topic, the two finally got to the real purpose of Bu Kai's visit.

"I want to discuss a collaboration with you—to help me win next year's election for Prime Minister."

Bu Kai's gaze was resolute, utterly unashamed of his request.

Jiang Yihao's ear twitched. Uncle Bu had to be joking—it hadn't even been ten seconds since they'd finished trading barbs.

He glanced at Bu Chen in the distance, hoping the biological son would come mediate. Bu Chen just stood there with his arms crossed, watching the farce from afar.

"Fuzhou, old girl, I know you're Left League and I'm the Progressive Party, but we're both people raised in castles. What irreconcilable grudge could there possibly be between us?"

"We quarrel all the time, sure, but at the end of the day, we're on the same side. That's why I came specially to the Bai residence for your birthday. Back when the old duke was alive, we visited often. We should pick up the traditions of the older generation—we can't let them die out."

"It's precisely because I see you as one of my own that I can't bear to watch you be deceived by bad people. If we cooperate for next year's election, I promise—the new Minister of Culture and Education will be you. Fuzhou, old girl, do you like this birthday gift?"

The onlookers were astonished. Bu Kai had revealed such an important secret right in front of everyone, showing just how confident he was. But they all understood: the Left League was a small party. Relying solely on the left's votes, Bai Fuzhou would never in a lifetime get a cabinet position. Bu Kai was indeed showing sincerity.

However, Bai Fuzhou listened through it all with a furrowed brow. "The bad people you mentioned—who are they?"

Bu Kai chuckled, his eyes turning eerie and cold. "In my eyes, anyone who stands in the way of you becoming Minister of Culture and Education is a bad person."

"Of course, if you have any other conditions, feel free to name them. Cooperation requires mutual satisfaction."

"So Minister Bu made a special trip to offer me a position—how grateful I am." Bai Fuzhou smiled elegantly. "It would be improper of me to refuse. I wouldn't dare ask for anything else—I simply request that you add a few words to your campaign platform."

Bu Kai focused. "What words? Name them."

Bai Fuzhou stared at him steadily. "Withdraw troops from Country B."

The entire room gasped. Bai Fuzhou was daring, striking a knife straight into Bu Kai's heart. The rebellion in Country B was escalating, and Bu Kai was pushing hard to send more troops to suppress the uprising, but the bill was still stuck in parliament. Bu Kai had been nursing a fire of anger, and Bai Fuzhou just set it off without a care.

Du Yue tugged at her friend and frowned. "Let's not talk about such dreary topics. It's getting late—let's head in and take our seats."

Jiang Yihao was anxious too. Both elders had fierce tempers; he hoped they'd each take a step back and stop talking.

"Haha, Fuzhou, you're being distant again." Bu Kai laughed as if nothing had happened. "I thought you'd ask for something else. The country has been gradually downsizing its military in recent years, and overseas garrisons will eventually return home. Parliament is already discussing the relevant bills. What you proposed isn't even a condition."

Bai Fuzhou gave a knowing smile. "Then let's talk once the bill is passed."

"Fuzhou, you can take your time considering this. No need to answer me today."

Bu Kai had been born into the highest echelons of privilege. It was the first time he'd ever humbled himself to ask a favor, only to be rejected by Bai Fuzhou again and again. His expression gradually darkened.

Bai Fuzhou showed no fear. "No need. Whenever you come, my answer will be the same. No withdrawal of troops, no discussion."

"Bai Fuzhou, don't be ungrateful!" Bu Kai's composure shattered in an instant. The people around hurriedly held him back, urging him to calm down.

Liu Hua's words were useless; it mainly fell to the young, strong Jiang Yihao to block him.

"Uncle Bu, you came all this way for a happy occasion. Why get angry? You and I are seated right next to each other tonight—let your nephew keep you good company."

Jiang Yihao turned to call Bu Chen over to mediate with his father, but Bu Chen merely glanced at him, tucked his phone into his inner breast pocket, and walked away.

Jiang Yihao stood frozen, at a loss. Wait—that's your dad, not mine!

Bu Kai was already consumed by anger, triggering his usual debate-battle mode with Bai Fuzhou.

"Bai Fuzhou, you drove your own father to the hospital with your guerrilla warfare back in the day. Are you not ashamed before the ancestors of the Bai family? I shed tears for the old duke, I shed tears for the Kamu family—your ancestors were blessed to have such a fine daughter as you."

"Think about how ridiculous it is. All your life you've fought to overthrow what you were born with. You were born rich, born privileged. Your very birth was a mistake. You're a hypocrite, a selfish, fame-seeking fraud!"

Bai Fuzhou hated nothing more than people using her origins against her, and she immediately picked up the gauntlet.

"Bu Kai, you're the scum of society, the root of poverty and chaos in the human world. Without you demons who stir up wars and exploit people, civilization would have advanced ten thousand times faster!"

Du Yue quickly pulled Bai Fuzhou aside and scolded her in a low voice. "The more you talk, the more out of line you get. He did come to wish you a happy birthday after all. Speak nicely—don't damage the goodwill."

"Fuzhou, you were just telling me to watch my image. Look at yourself now."

The scene descended into chaos. Bu Kai and Bai Fuzhou argued louder and louder, with none of the dignity befitting nobles. The bystanders got a full show, watching two grand dukes bicker in person. Meanwhile, the mother-and-son pair from the Jiang family, who had just been at each other's throats moments ago, had instead become the mediators trying to make peace.

"Hey, Uncle Bu, please don't get agitated. Today is Aunt Bai's birthday, and you're here to wish her well. Let's not dwell on the past—let's go in and have dinner first."

Jiang Yihao mediated endlessly in the middle, his mouth growing drier by the minute. Both elders were not to be offended, and he felt his brain was about to explode.

Jiang Yihao was so exasperated he nearly laughed. His two friends' parents were tearing each other apart, neither biological son cared, and he, an outsider, was running himself ragged.

He'd just come out for a nice dinner—why was the whole night nothing but headaches?

At that moment, the phone in his pants pocket kept buzzing. Jiang Yihao's ears were filled with Bai Fuzhou and Bu Kai's shouting, rising and falling in waves, and he had no time to deal with it. The phone in his pocket kept vibrating insistently, like a soul-summoning chant.

Irritated, Jiang Yihao pulled out his phone and saw it was Boss Wang calling.

"Hello, Master Jiang. According to reliable intel I just received, that Grand Palace drone show is also starting at nine. At that point, you might not be the only event in the city running at the same time anymore."

"What? What?" Jiang Yihao couldn't hear clearly over all the noise around him.

Boss Wang had arrived at the outdoor venue, where the wind was howling. Double the noise overlapped, both sides shouting frantically.

Boss Wang yelled at the top of his lungs, "Time's almost up! Do you still want to set off fireworks visible across the whole city for Miss Ruan?"