I was chased by my sickly junior brother who had two lives

In the magnificent banquet hall, the candlelight flickered, reflecting on the exquisite porcelain and shining jewels, reflecting the dazzling light. Today's banquet for the royal family brought together many dignitaries and famous families in the court. Everyone was dressed in gorgeous clothes, and their behavior was full of dignity and elegance. However, under this seemingly harmonious appearance, undercurrents were actually surging, and various forces were secretly sizing up and weighing each other.

Chen Jue was wearing a dark brocade robe, the golden silk thread embroidered on the robe sparkled in the candlelight, and a belt inlaid with beautiful jade was tied around his waist, which made him look tall and majestic. He strode into the banquet hall, exuding an innate confidence and majesty in his every move. Chen Jia followed closely behind him, wearing a lavender floor-length dress with exquisite patterns embroidered with silver thread, as gorgeous as a blooming wisteria. Her hair was tied up high, and a gorgeous hairpin was inserted in it, which swayed gently with her steps, making a crisp sound.

"Sister, don't be nervous, I'm here." Chen Jue turned slightly to the side and whispered to Chen Jia, while stretching out his arm for Chen Jia to hold gently.

Chen Jia nodded slightly, with a grateful smile on her face: "Xiao Jue, I feel much more at ease with you around."

As soon as they entered, they attracted a lot of attention. Chen Jue and Chen Jia calmly shuttled among the crowd and exchanged greetings with the dignitaries.

"Mr. Chen, it's been a long time since we last met. I heard that you have made great achievements in the court recently. You are truly a young and promising man!" A white-haired old minister came up to him with a smile, his eyes full of admiration.

Chen Jue bowed respectfully and said, "Master Li, you are too kind. I am only trying my best to contribute. I can only achieve success if I rely on your majesty's wisdom and the assistance of all the masters."

"Haha, Mr. Chen is humble and polite, and he will become a great man in the future. This must be your sister, Miss Chen Jia. After meeting her today, I find her to be gentle and charming." Lord Li turned his gaze to Chen Jia and said with a smile.

Chen Jia knelt slightly and saluted: "Greetings, Lord Li, thank you for your compliment."

As they chatted, they slowly walked towards their seats. Along the way, Chen Jue and Chen Jia chatted and laughed with other dignitaries. The topics ranged from government affairs to poetry and songs, from local customs to anecdotes. They were able to handle them with ease, and their words showed their intelligence and talent.

"Mr. Chen, what's your opinion on flood control? Floods are happening frequently in the south these days, and everyone in the court is quite worried." A middle-aged official asked with a frown.

Chen Jue pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Sir, I think that flood control requires both symptomatic and root cause treatment. On the one hand, we need to strengthen dams, dredge rivers, and enhance the river's flood discharge capacity; on the other hand, we can build water conservancy projects in areas where floods frequently occur, divert water for irrigation, and turn floods into water conservancy. This will not only alleviate floods, but also benefit the people and promote local agricultural development."

Everyone nodded in praise. A young man couldn't help but say, "Mr. Chen has unique insights, which are admirable. I recently heard a poem about flood control, 'Dayu's flood control has been passed down through the ages, diverting floods into the sea. I hope you will be wise and bless the people with new plans.' What do you think of this poem, Mr. Chen?"

Chen Jue smiled slightly: "Although this poem is straightforward, it also points out the key to flood control. The way to control floods is to benefit the people. It would be great if we can learn from the poem and keep it in mind at all times."

Their wonderful conversation and elegant behavior attracted the attention of the people around them. The noble ladies who were originally sitting on the side and staring at them with jealous eyes could no longer sit still.

"Hmph, it's nothing more than relying on sweet words to attract attention. What's so great about that?" A noble lady in a gorgeous red dress said sourly, tightly twisting the silk handkerchief in her hand.

"That's right. A woman who married for the second time can still be so glorious. I really don't know what these people are thinking." Another noble lady also echoed, her eyes full of disdain.

However, Chen Jue and Chen Jia seemed unaware of these malicious looks and were still immersed in the pleasant conversation with everyone.

The banquet began, and delicacies were served one after another, with good color, aroma and taste. Chen Jue picked up dishes for Chen Jia from time to time, and quietly introduced the characteristics of the dishes: "Sister, this steamed sea bass is tender and delicious, you should try it."

Chen Jia took it with a smile: "Xiao Jue, you should eat more too, don't just focus on me."

During the banquet filled with laughter and joy, Chen Jia was filled with gratitude towards Chen Jue. While everyone was in high spirits, she whispered to Chen Jue, "Xiao Jue, today is all thanks to you. If you hadn't brought me to this banquet and taken such good care of me, I would have been subjected to those people's gossips again. Not only did you protect me, but you also gave me such a high status in front of everyone. I really don't know how to repay you."

Chen Jue put down his wine glass and looked at Chen Jia with sincere eyes: "Sister, there is no need to be so distant between you and me. You are the most important person to me, I will protect you and keep you from being wronged. As long as you can be happy, everything I do is worth it."

Chen Jia's eyes sparkled with tears of emotion: "Xiao Jue, you are so good to me. From childhood to adulthood, you have always been by my side, whether I am happy or sad, you are with me. I am really lucky to have a brother like you."

Chen Jue gently held Chen Jia's hand: "Sister, I feel the same way. You are like a beacon in this world, lighting my way forward. From now on, I will make you happy like this forever."

At this time, a prince raised his glass and stood up: "I am very happy about today's banquet. The arrival of Mr. Chen and Miss Chen Jia has added a lot of brilliance to this banquet. Come, I will toast you a glass."

Chen Jue and Chen Jia quickly stood up and raised their glasses respectfully in response: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness. Your Highness, please."

Everyone raised their glasses, and the atmosphere in the banquet hall reached a climax. The jealous ladies looked at Chen Jue and Chen Jia being respected, and although they were unwilling in their hearts, they could do nothing about it.

After three rounds of drinking, everyone started to get up and leave the table to chat freely. Chen Jue took Chen Jia and several important officials to the viewing platform to enjoy the beautiful scenery in the courtyard.

"Mr. Chen, look at the layout of this courtyard, it is well-organized and ingenious. I heard that you are also quite knowledgeable about garden art. I wonder what your opinion is?" a minister asked with a smile.

Chen Jue looked around and said slowly, "Sir, the layout of this courtyard is indeed exquisite. It cleverly combines mountains, rivers, architecture and flowers to create a tranquil and far-reaching artistic conception. Look at the waterfall on the rockery, the water flows gently, as if you are in the mountains and rivers; and the design of these pavilions is both practical and beautiful, and can be used for people to rest and enjoy the scenery. If we make some adjustments to the planting of flowers, such as planting more peach and apricot flowers in spring, this courtyard can have unique scenery in different seasons."

After hearing this, everyone agreed with Chen Jue's opinion. Chen Jia listened quietly at the side, and her admiration for Chen Jue increased a little more. She knew that Chen Jue not only had an outstanding performance in government affairs, but also had profound knowledge and unique insights in other aspects.

After that, Chen Jue and Chen Jia continued to deal with banquets, and they won the respect and love of everyone with their wisdom and charm. Whether discussing national affairs with dignitaries or sharing life stories with ladies, they could handle it with ease.

As the night deepened, the banquet gradually drew to a close. Chen Jue and Chen Jia said goodbye to everyone and slowly left the banquet hall under everyone's gaze.

"Xiao Jue, I will always remember today's experience." Chen Jia said with emotion while sitting in the carriage.

Chen Jue gently hugged Chen Jia's shoulders: "Sister, this is just the beginning. In the future, we will have more opportunities like this to let everyone know that you are worthy of respect and admiration."

The carriage moved slowly forward in the night, and Chen Jue and Chen Jia in the carriage returned to the Duke's Mansion with full of joy and vision for the future. This banquet of nobles became a brilliant memory in their lives, witnessing their glory and friendship, and also making those who once envied and slandered them look at them with new eyes.