Calmly looking at Chu Mo, Liu He's face still carried a faint, kindly smile as he continued, "What my virtuous brother Chu Mo just mentioned, I somewhat disagree with."

As soon as these words were spoken, almost everyone in the room was stunned. They looked at Liu He with shocked expressions, thinking to themselves: What does this mean? Disagree? Could it be... you really want this boy, who looks like a monster, to get engaged to the Ninth Princess?

Even the Ninth Princess, Xia Zhenzhen, on the other side, looked at Liu He with a hint of doubt in her eyes. However, the astute Xia Zhenzhen immediately figured out Liu He's little scheme.

Sure enough, Liu He looked at Chu Mo and said sincerely, "Man and woman both come of age for marriage, it's human nature under Heaven and Earth; as your brother, I feel that you shouldn't refuse."

Chu Mo looked at Liu He with a calm gaze, but the expression on his face softened slightly. No matter what, these words at least sounded human enough.

Then, Liu He said, "I may say something that could offend you. I think the reason you declined His Majesty should be because... well, in terms of appearance... ahem, isn't it?"

At this moment, Chu Mo nodded lightly. Although he didn't speak, there was no sign of anger on his face.

Liu He said softly, "A good man should have ambitions far and wide; this outer shell is nothing of significance. Since ancient times, there have been many whose appearance was ordinary but achieved great fame and accomplishments. As one who is equally well-read in the classics and histories, you should be aware of this, my virtuous brother."

Chu Mo finally nodded. After all, he is just a child. How could he reject someone who treats him well?

So, at this moment, Chu Mo looked at Liu He with much gentler eyes.

He is sensitive, yet also pure and kind-hearted. He knows that there is endless malice in this world, but he doesn't want to believe that such malice will befall him.

Over there, Xia Zhenzhen stood with faint light flickering in her starry eyes, thinking to herself: It seems Liu He should have no problem handling this matter. Yet she also felt a bit regretful in her heart. Because this was already the best opportunity!

For someone like her, a rare beauty of national allure, no matter how talented Chu Mo is, with such an ugly appearance, she should have no feelings of admiration. Let alone that Chu Mo is much younger than her and has never truly displayed any talents.

The reason she stood up at such a moment was not just to smooth things over, but most importantly, because her master, the Sleeping Lotus Fairy, had once evaluated Chu Mo.

This happened because she had mentioned someone like Chu Mo in front of her master.

Then the Sleeping Lotus Fairy was suddenly intrigued and asked Xia Zhenzhen for Chu Mo's birth data and did a prediction.

It was this prediction that left the Sleeping Lotus Fairy astounded. She told Xia Zhenzhen that Chu Mo is a very peculiar young man. Despite his ugly looks, it is due to his destiny! That appearance is not his true form.

"This child, though frail in body and with obstructed meridians, possesses a top-tier destiny!"

Xia Zhenzhen had asked at the time, what sort of destiny is top-tier? Was it the destiny of an emperor? She was a bit nervous then because Chu Mo's father was a great general with significant military power! If Chu Mo had an emperor's fate, wouldn't that mean his father had the potential to rebel?

In response, the Sleeping Lotus Fairy shook her head with a smile, "An emperor's fate is merely a supreme fortune, born in the dragon vein, grown into a true dragon, yet still difficult to escape the term 'wealth'. But Chu Mo is different; his top-tier destiny is something even I cannot fully predict. I can only know that his future achievements are boundless. He will not be confined by the mundane world. Currently, he's like a dragon hidden in the abyss, and when the time comes for him to soar, there will be no one on this earth who can stop him."

After Xia Zhenzhen asked further, the Sleeping Lotus Fairy refused to say more, claiming she had already unveiled the secrets of Tianji, and saying more might bring disaster, possibly even attracting a Heavenly Tribulation!

But the Sleeping Lotus Fairy assured Xia Zhenzhen that neither Chu Mo nor his father, nor the entire Chu Family, would rebel.

Xia Zhenzhen always remembered her master's words, so this time, seeing her father in difficulty, she impulsively stood up, remembering her master's words. But after standing up, she couldn't help but regret it a little. To be honest, she didn't like this much younger, ugly boy. If she truly married him, it would be difficult for her heart to feel content.

Even if this young man could truly rise to the top in the future, she would not want to marry him.

Fortunately, at that moment, this shield, Liu He, stood forward. Although she also didn't like Liu He, her heart couldn't help but feel grateful to him.

At this point, Liu He looked at Chu Mo and said, "So, I think you shouldn't refuse His Majesty. But matters like these also require mutual consent. However, in such a public setting, I'm sure no princess would be willing to make a choice. And, virtuous brother Chu Mo, you... wouldn't feel comfortable choosing either. Therefore, you should first agree, and then later, strive to become more outstanding. By then, many things will naturally fall into place."

After Liu He spoke, he looked at Chu Mo with genuine sincerity, "What do you say?"

Although young, Chu Mo is not foolish. He is sensitive but very kind. He naturally knew that Liu He fancied the Ninth Princess and had been pursuing her. But in his heart, there wasn't much resentment towards this matter, for he knew clearly that he wasn't worthy of the Ninth Princess. If the Ninth Princess had truly spoken those words just now, it would have been a difficult situation to handle.

So, hearing Liu He's words, even though Chu Mo knew that agreeing with his viewpoint would further Liu He's reputation, even leaving a good impression on the emperor, he still nodded. He said softly, "What you say is indeed very true."

At this moment, many people in the entire banquet hall couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, then they glanced toward the emperor.

Indeed, the emperor's face also showed an expression of satisfaction.

However, the emperor, after all, is the emperor. It was impossible for him to praise Liu He on the spot. He sat there with a composed demeanor, smiling, and said: "It seems my noble nephew has little interest in my princesses. Well then, in the future, when you have accomplished something, if you fancy any young lady, I… will make the decision for you!"

This statement caused a wave of emotions among the princes and ministers present. In their hearts, they secretly thought: You regret it after saying it and now want to sell us out?

But such words remained thoughts; naturally, no one dared to speak them aloud.

A storm was thus silently resolved, and at the same time, Liu He's reputation in the Imperial Capital soared to new heights.

For a time, the other four among the Five Young Lords of the Imperial Capital were completely overshadowed by him. Liu He faintly surpassed the level of the Five Young Lords, becoming a subject to be discussed on its own. Even many ministers used Liu He as an example when instructing their younger generations.

After this incident, Chu Mo remained silent at home for a long time. Although the boy's heart had once stirred slightly, it had long since been forgotten by now. He devoted all his time to the ocean of knowledge, frantically absorbing all kinds of knowledge.

Whether any princess took a liking to him was not important, for he too wanted to accomplish something great.

However, this peace was destined to be broken eventually.

Half a month after the imperial banquet, Ninth Princess Xia Zhenzhen unexpectedly paid a personal visit!

Upon meeting Chu Mo, Xia Zhenzhen was very enthusiastic and even hinted at a subtle affection for him.

A single stone stirred up a thousand waves.

Many things could not be concealed from those who paid attention. Xia Zhenzhen's visit to the Chu Mansion, her enjoyable conversation with Chu Mo, and her reluctant departure after two hours spread like wildfire in the Imperial Capital.

Even the emperor couldn't help but summon Xia Zhenzhen to ask what she intended to do.

"I like him!" Xia Zhenzhen answered matter-of-factly.

No one could accept this answer, least of all the emperor.

However, the emperor's inability to accept it was not solely because he was unwilling to part with his precious daughter. It was due to deeper considerations.

"Zhenzhen, what exactly do you think about this? You must truthfully tell your father. Your father knows you are naturally intelligent and that your teacher is a true extraordinary person. So, whatever plans you have, you must truthfully tell your father. Don't assume that Chu Mo is a simple child, and even if he were a fool, you shouldn't trifle with him. You should understand why." The emperor said sternly, a rare serious expression directed at Xia Zhenzhen.

Xia Zhenzhen smiled, "Of course, I know! Of course, I know he's not simple. If he were simple, why would I be interested in him? I also have no intention of trifling with him. I know the importance, Father."

"Then, did your master say something?" The emperor, equally deep in thought and exceptionally intelligent, could tell that his daughter wasn't truly interested in Chu Mo. The only reason she would approach Chu Mo seemed to be that her master, the Sleeping Lotus Fairy, had said something.

"My master, she came by a few days ago and secretly observed Chu Mo once. She said, Chu Mo is a naturally extraordinary person. His destiny lies beyond the three realms and is not within the Five Elements. If he steps into the cultivation realm, he will become a truly peerless genius!" Xia Zhenzhen said softly to her father: "Moreover, my master also said, if one could be with him and have a child, then the future potential would be limitless!"

"Is… is this true?" The emperor frowned slightly. Clearly, he was somewhat confused.

Xia Zhenzhen quickly said: "It's not what you think. Father, people pursue wealth because immortality cannot be sought. But my master says, if there could be a connection with Chu Mo, then immortality is within reach!"

The emperor couldn't help but gasp, looking at Xia Zhenzhen with disbelief.

Xia Zhenzhen nodded, "That's exactly it."

"Sleeping Lotus Fairy… claimed to be a true celestial being in the world, understanding the ancient, present, and future. If she says so, then it should be reasonable. But, does that child Chu Mo really have such a great potential?"

The emperor's face was still full of incredulity, with a touch of unwillingness to accept it.