As the arrival of the young royals settled into the rhythm of the banquet, a palace eunuch stepped forward once again, striking his staff lightly against the polished floor.
His voice rang clear and formal—
"Let the presentation of gifts to His Highness the Crown Prince begin!"
At once, the atmosphere shifted.
If earlier moments had been about wit and subtle power—
This was about wealth, loyalty, and influence.
---
The Order of Presentation
The officials and noble families rose in sequence, each waiting for their turn.
Servants carefully carried trays draped in silk, each holding treasures meant to honor the Crown Prince's twentieth birthday.
The hall grew quieter.
Because in the imperial court—
A gift was never just a gift.
It was a statement.
---
The First Offerings
The first to step forward was Minister Zhao.
He bowed deeply before the Emperor and then toward Xu Chen.
"This humble official presents a jade carving of a soaring dragon, wishing His Highness strength and prosperity."
The silk cloth was lifted.
A flawless jade sculpture gleamed under the golden light.
The dragon's form was intricate, its expression fierce and noble.
A murmur of approval spread through the hall.
Xu Chen nodded calmly.
"Minister Zhao is thoughtful."
---
One After Another
Then came the others.
A general presented a finely crafted sword, its blade reflecting light like water.
A wealthy merchant family offered rare pearls from distant seas.
Another noble presented an ancient scroll, said to contain the writings of a renowned scholar.
Each gift was more impressive than the last.
Each carefully chosen.
Each carrying meaning beyond its appearance.
---
The Lin Family's Move
Soon, it was the Lin family's turn.
General Lin Zhiyuan stepped forward, his expression composed.
Behind him, servants carried a long, narrow box.
"This general offers a celestial steel blade, forged by the finest craftsmen."
The box was opened.
Inside lay a sword unlike the others.
Its surface shimmered faintly, its edge impossibly sharp.
A quiet wave of admiration passed through the hall.
Even the Emperor raised an eyebrow slightly.
"A rare piece."
Lin Zhiyuan bowed.
"It is only worthy of His Highness."
Xu Chen acknowledged it with a nod.
But his expression did not change.
---
Rising Expectations
As more gifts were presented, the tension subtly grew.
Because everyone knew—
One gift still remained.
The gift from the Yue family.
---
The Yue Family Steps Forward
At last, Yue Ming stepped forward as the representative of the family.
The hall grew quieter.
Behind him, a single servant carried a modest wooden box.
Compared to the grand displays before—
It seemed simple.
Too simple.
Whispers began almost immediately.
"Is that all?"
"After everything tonight?"
"Surely not…"
---
A Calm Confidence
Yue Ming bowed respectfully.
"The Yue family offers a humble gift to His Highness."
His tone was steady.
Without hesitation.
Without embarrassment.
Xu Chen's gaze shifted slightly.
Toward Yue Ning.
She remained calm.
Unmoved.
---
The Gift Revealed
At the Emperor's signal, the box was opened.
Inside—
Lay a set of scrolls.
At first glance, they appeared ordinary.
But as one of the court scholars stepped forward to examine them—
His expression changed.
"These…"
He looked up, visibly surprised.
"These are strategic analyses."
He unrolled one scroll carefully.
The hall leaned in.
Detailed formations.
Clear annotations.
Predictions of battlefield movements.
And counter-strategies.
---
Shock Spreads
The scholar's voice grew more serious.
"This is not theory…"
"These are practical strategies."
Another official stepped forward to look.
Then another.
Murmurs spread quickly.
"This level of detail…"
"Who wrote this?"
---
The Truth Revealed
Yue Ming spoke calmly.
"These were prepared as a reference for His Highness."
The Emperor's gaze sharpened.
"Who is the author?"
For a brief moment—
Silence.
Then—
Yue Ning stepped forward slightly.
"I am."
The hall froze.
---
A Different Kind of Gift
Unlike jade.
Unlike swords.
Unlike treasures—
This gift held something far more valuable.
Knowledge.
Foresight.
Strategy.
The Emperor leaned forward, clearly interested.
"You wrote all of these?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
---
Testing the Value
The Emperor gestured.
"Read one."
The scholar immediately began reading aloud.
Descriptions of troop movements.
Analysis of enemy behavior.
Methods to turn disadvantage into victory.
The hall fell completely silent.
Because this was no longer impressive—
It was extraordinary.
---
Xu Chen's Reaction
Xu Chen looked at the scrolls.
Then at Yue Ning.
A faint smile appeared.
"You prepared this for me?"
Yue Ning replied simply,
"It may be useful in the future."
---
A Shift in Perspective
The nobles who had earlier doubted her now exchanged glances.
Because this gift revealed something deeper—
Yue Ning was not just intelligent in conversation.
She possessed practical understanding.
The kind that could influence real decisions.
---
The Emperor's Approval
The Emperor suddenly laughed.
"Good!"
"Very good!"
He looked at Yue Ning with clear approval.
"This is a gift worthy of a Crown Prince."
He turned to Xu Chen.
"You should study it carefully."
Xu Chen nodded.
"I will."
---
The Final Impression
As the Yue family returned to their place, the whispers followed them—
But now, they were filled with awe.
"A mind like that…"
"She thinks like a strategist…"
"She is truly exceptional…"
---
A Night of Recognition
The gift presentation continued, but the atmosphere had already changed.
Because no matter how valuable the treasures were—
None carried the same weight.
And everyone knew it.
---
The True Gift
By the end of the ceremony, one truth had become clear—
The Yue family had not presented the most expensive gift.
But they had presented the most meaningful one.
And Yue Ning—
Once again—
Had left the entire court in silent admiration.
---
A Quiet Understanding
As the final gifts were placed aside and the banquet moved forward, Xu Chen's gaze lingered briefly on the scrolls.
Then on Yue Ning.
There was no need for words.
Because both of them understood—
Tonight was not just about celebration.
It was about recognition.
And from this moment on—
No one in the imperial court could deny her worth.