Ji Mingyue's Favor

The unluckiest person in the White Lotus Saintess's strike just now had not been Lin Xiao.

After all, Lin Xiao had been prepared. When the white lotus exploded, he had fled to the edge of the blast.

The unluckiest was Li Yue, who had passed out.

Although he had not been blown to death outright, he had still suffered severe injuries. It was said that even his dantian had been damaged, greatly affecting his path in martial arts.

His future path in martial arts would likely be exceedingly difficult.

In this battle, Six Doors had suffered grievous losses. Even the genius Li Yue, a strong candidate to become the next Divine Constable, had been caught up in it.

The ruins left behind by the night's battle were quickly cleared away, and the civilian homes affected by it were rebuilt with the yamen's assistance.

Naturally, that included Lin Xiao's home.

Northern Garrison Office of the Jinyiwei.

An elderly eunuch led a group over to deliver an Imperial Edict.

"Jinyiwei Lin Xiao, receive the edict."

When they saw the elderly eunuch and heard that he had come to deliver an edict to Lin Xiao, everyone knew that Lin Xiao's reward for yesterday's merits had arrived.

"Your subject, Lin Xiao, receives the edict."

"The Emperor decrees: Lin Xiao solved the theft case at Qing Royal Manor and rendered merit in rescuing Princess Mingyue. He is hereby promoted one rank and appointed a Jinyiwei Squad Leader."

"He is additionally awarded one set of Flying Fish Uniform and one Embroidered Spring Blade."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your immense grace."

Hearing that he had merely been promoted one rank, Lin Xiao felt somewhat disappointed. Yet when he heard that he had also been awarded the Flying Fish Uniform and Embroidered Spring Blade, excitement surged through his heart. He naturally knew what they represented.

That was supreme honor.

Those who heard that the Emperor had bestowed the Flying Fish Uniform and Embroidered Spring Blade upon Lin Xiao were also filled with envy.

Little Fatty, who had once partnered with Lin Xiao, was especially thrilled.

He looked even more excited than if he had received the reward himself.

He knew exactly what he was capable of. Receiving a reward from the Emperor was simply impossible for him.

But Lin Xiao was his friend, after all. Once Lin Xiao rose to prominence, he would surely be able to look after him a little.

The elderly eunuch accepted the bundle containing the Flying Fish Uniform and Embroidered Spring Blade from a subordinate and handed it to Lin Xiao with a smile.

"Lin Xiao, to receive such an honor at such a young age—you truly are a hero born of youth. You must serve Your Majesty well in the future and not disappoint him."

"Please rest assured, Eunuch. I will certainly do everything in my power to repay the Emperor's grace."

"Mm. Very well. This matter is concluded, and I must return to report to Your Majesty."

"Oh, look at this old head of mine. Your Majesty also has a verbal decree: from this moment onward, you are to take up a post in Stability Prefecture."

"Hm?"

Everyone had been happy for Lin Xiao, but upon hearing that the Emperor was sending him to Stability Prefecture, their expressions changed drastically.

What sort of place was Stability Prefecture? Of course they knew.

It was the most chaotic prefecture in the Wu Kingdom.

The powers within were tangled together like roots and vines, and it lay on the border, right beside Northern Qi.

Not only did one have to watch out for the aristocratic clans and sects, but one also had to guard against Northern Qi's spies.

It could be said that anyone serving in Stability Prefecture would do best, if they had any sense, to keep their hands out of everything.

If one wanted to climb upward and gain merit, the outcome would certainly be miserable.

Lin Xiao's expression did not change as he calmly said, "Yes."

The elderly eunuch looked at Lin Xiao's reaction and nodded with a beaming smile. "Your Majesty asked me to deliver a message to Lord Lin: true gold fears no fire, and the strong emerge from adversity. Though you are only a Squad Leader, as long as you can achieve something, Your Majesty will always be your support."

After the elderly eunuch departed, Little Fatty stepped forward anxiously. "Lin Xiao, what were you thinking? How could you agree to go to Stability Prefecture just like that? Do you know the difference between the capital and the provinces?"

"You are a Squad Leader in the capital. Once you go to the provinces, even the local Pacification Envoys will treat you respectfully."

"If you leave the capital to serve as an official elsewhere, no one in the capital will look up to you at all."

Lin Xiao's tone remained unchanged. "So what? Serving Your Majesty is the duty of us Jinyiwei."

Little Fatty blinked, deeply agreeing.

It was indeed their duty.

Naturally, Little Fatty could not understand what Lin Xiao was truly thinking.

Everyone knew that Stability Prefecture was no good. How could Lin Xiao not know it?

But he could not reveal the slightest emotion, because the Emperor's eyes and ears were everywhere.

The moment he showed even the faintest abnormality, it would invite suspicion.

He had only this one chance.

Moreover, with the system by his side, he could rise wherever he went. As long as he handled the affairs of Stability Prefecture well, when he returned to the capital, reaching the pinnacle of officialdom would be just around the corner.

Of course, if the chance arose, he would not mind trying out the Emperor's throne as well. But that would depend on how strong he was by then.

At that moment, a Jinyiwei ran in and said to Lin Xiao with a strange expression, "Lin Xiao, Princess Mingyue has arrived. She says she wants to see you."

"Princess Mingyue?"

Lin Xiao was somewhat puzzled. What was she doing here?

He had saved her life, and the Emperor had already rewarded him. They no longer owed each other anything.

But she was a Princess after all, so it would not be appropriate for him to refuse to see her.

Under everyone's peculiar gazes, Lin Xiao made his way outside the Pacification Office.

Ji Mingyue stood with her hands behind her back, idly kicking pebbles on the ground.

Hearing footsteps, she turned around with a radiant smile. "Lin Xiao, congratulations. His Majesty personally bestowed the Flying Fish Uniform and Embroidered Spring Blade upon you. Barring any surprises, you will surely enjoy high office and generous salary in the future."

Lin Xiao nodded. "I suppose I have the Princess to thank for this."

"If I had not happened to save the Princess, then even if I had solved Prince Qing's Night-Shining Pearl theft case, I would at most have been promoted one rank. How could I possibly have received the Flying Fish Uniform and Embroidered Spring Blade bestowed by His Majesty?"

"Oh, so you know that. Come on, then. I have arranged a table at Drunken Immortal Pavilion. Let's go have something to eat."

Ji Mingyue said with a smile, her eyes curving into crescents whenever she smiled.

When Lin Xiao had seen Ji Mingyue yesterday, he had not looked closely at her appearance.

But today, he discovered that this Princess was quite beautiful as well.

"Of course."

Lin Xiao did not refuse.

This was precisely the time for him to build up his foundations.

Ji Mingyue's father was Prince Qing, the Emperor's most favored younger brother. Building a good relationship with her could never hurt.

Perhaps at some crucial moment, he would need it.

Drunken Immortal Pavilion was one of the capital's finest restaurants.

Though it was not yet noon, the place was already packed. Diners were everywhere, drinking and chatting away.

The moment the two entered, a waiter cried out, "Oh my, a Jinyiwei lord has arrived! Please, upstairs!"

Lin Xiao had already changed into the Flying Fish Uniform and carried the Embroidered Spring Blade. Ji Mingyue had insisted on it.

Originally, Lin Xiao had wanted to keep a low profile, but Ji Mingyue had said, "Why keep a low profile? The Emperor's reward represents honor. It is meant for you to show off, so why pretend to be low-key?"

Lin Xiao had thought that made sense, so he changed into the outfit.

As the largest restaurant, it naturally had no shortage of discerning people.

When they saw the Flying Fish Uniform bestowed by the Emperor on Lin Xiao, their expressions turned respectful.

"Who is that? Is he wearing a Flying Fish Uniform bestowed by the Emperor?"

"At such a young age, how have I never heard of him?"

"That only shows how poorly informed you are. This man should be Lin Xiao. His name has spread throughout the entire capital by now."

"He was originally just an ordinary Jinyiwei and had only become one by relying on his father's glory. But yesterday, he rescued Princess Mingyue and solved the theft case at Qing Royal Manor. I also heard that he fought the White Lotus Saintess last night and emerged unscathed. He is now a blazing hot figure within the Jinyiwei."

"The White Lotus Saintess?"

"The White Lotus Sect Holy Maiden from the Hidden Dragon Rankings?"

"Yes, her. Who else would dare call herself the White Lotus Saintess? Wouldn't that be courting death?"

"My heavens, this is incredible. The White Lotus Saintess ranks in the top twenty of the Hidden Dragon Rankings, a supreme genius of the Zhenwu Continent. She once fought a Grandmaster and remained undefeated. Lin Xiao is actually this fierce—when the Hidden Dragon Rankings are updated next time, he will surely have a place on them."