The sunlight outside the Imperial Study was just right, blazing across the white marble walkway and making the vermillion palace walls on either side appear even more vivid.
Lin Mo walked outward along the path, with Shen Mingxuan following beside him. Neither of them spoke.
In the distance, the glazed tiles of the Hall of Supreme Harmony gleamed gold beneath the sun. The Imperial Guard Soldiers patrolling the square marched in neat formation, their spearpoints casting a cold sheen in the daylight.
When they reached the palace gates, Shen Mingxuan suddenly stopped and said with a smile, "Lord, are you heading back to Jianghai already?"
Lin Mo glanced at him. "What is it? Does Director Shen have something else to discuss?"
Shen Mingxuan's smile became even warmer:
"It's nothing important. It's just that Lord rarely comes to Jingcheng, and it happens to be mealtime. I'd like to treat you to some authentic Jingcheng cuisine."
Lin Mo raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Director Shen, speak plainly."
Shen Mingxuan did not beat around the bush either:
"Lord, when you last came to Jingcheng, you agreed to meet with several representatives of the prominent families and have a chat.
But then the late Emperor was assassinated, and you rushed back to Jianghai early, so the matter was set aside.
Now that you have finally come again, those people have all been hoping to meet you. What do you think...?"
Lin Mo leaned against the car door, lightly tapping the handle with his fingers.
"Lord," Shen Mingxuan said, his voice becoming more earnest, "these old noble families of Jingcheng have been passed down in Great Xia for over a thousand years. Their foundations run deep.
Building a good relationship with them will bring you nothing but benefits."
Lin Mo finally turned to look at him.