Princess Blocks the Way

Dazed and disoriented as he left the imperial city, Lin Qi still had a large tray tucked under one arm. On it lay a coiled-dragon crown, a black jade court tablet, dark-gold pendants, a blood-jade ruyi, and other such trifles representing the Emperor's boundless grace. There were thirty-six such items in all. Ordinary ministers could never receive such rewards, yet Ying Zheng had bestowed upon him a complete set in one stroke. That meant Lin Qi was the most trusted among trusted confidants, the most favored among favored officials.

As for whether Lin Qi truly was Ying Zheng's confidant and favored official, only heaven knew.

He had only taken a few steps out of the imperial city when Lin Qi was about to call for Alda and Bilibili—Zhao Lu had said that he would take Lin Qi to see Su Mingzi shortly, so Su Mingzi could place the eternal transformation spell upon Alda and Bilibili.

Before Lin Qi could find them, two people had already crowded up to him from either side, enthusiastically grabbing his arms. Lin Qi nearly gave each of them a kick on instinct. Luckily, he reacted quickly enough to see their faces, or he might have kicked them to death.

Long Lian and Xing Tianyao sidled up to Lin Qi with ingratiating grins, repeatedly offering their congratulations in a most lecherous manner.

"Congratulations, Eastern Harmony King! Congratulations, Your Highness! You're becoming His Majesty's son-in-law now! Princess Qingli—the foremost flower of the imperial capital—has been plucked by you! Ah, this calls for a proper celebration. No question about it—the Heaven-tier Tower at Warm Jade Pavilion. We brothers will treat!"

Lin Qi stared blankly at the two impossibly enthusiastic brothers, then gave a bitter smile. "How did you find out?"

Long Lian smugly flicked his sleeve. "You don't