Entrusting the Fief of Yu Province, Princess Yunshu's Feelings

The streets blazed with lantern light during the Flower Deity Festival.

Lin Changqing and Su Wanqing walked shoulder to shoulder through the bustling crowds, with stalls lining both sides of the street.

Some sold lanterns, some sold candy figurines, some sold masks, and some sold sachets.

Su Wanqing carried the Rabbit Lantern Lin Changqing had bought her, and the smile never left her face.

"Saint Venerable, look! Someone's releasing River Lanterns over there!"

She tugged at Lin Changqing's sleeve and ran toward the shore of Xuanwu Lake.

The lake was crowded with River Lanterns, their scattered lights reflected on the water and twinkling in concert with the Milky Way above.

Su Wanqing bought two River Lanterns and handed one to Lin Changqing.

"You're supposed to make a wish when you release a River Lantern. You should make one too, Saint Venerable!"

She cupped her River Lantern in both hands, closed her eyes, and made a wish with all her heart.

The candlelight shone on her face, and her long eyelashes fluttered faintly.

Then she gently set the River Lantern on the lake.

She watched it drift farther and farther away.

Lin Changqing casually set his River Lantern on the water. He made no wish.

What wish could a Ninth-Rank Martial Saint Peak expert need a River Lantern to grant?

He might as well grant a wish to the River Lantern himself.

Still, watching Su Wanqing's earnest expression, he found it rather amusing.

The two continued strolling.

When they passed a mask stall, Su Wanqing picked out a white fox mask and put it on.

"Saint Venerable, does it look good?"

She tilted her head and peered at Lin Changqing through the eyeholes.

Lin Changqing chose a black-faced Zhang Fei mask, put it on, and turned to her.

"What do you think?"

Su Wanqing laughed so hard she bent over.

"That's way too ugly! The mighty Prince Wu'an wearing that? People would laugh if they heard about it!"

The two walked and browsed all along the street. The locals moved aside as they passed and bowed respectfully.

But no one came up to bother them.

Everyone knew Prince Wu'an and Princess Yunshu were spending the Flower Deity Festival together. Who would dare spoil their fun?

The night grew late, and the lanterns gradually went dark.

There were fewer and fewer people on the street.

Su Wanqing stood at the entrance to Prince Wu'an Mansion, still holding her Rabbit Lantern, her face full of reluctance to part.

"Saint Venerable, thank you for tonight. This was the happiest Flower Deity Festival I've ever had."

Lin Changqing swung down from Golden Radiance's back and smiled.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Get some rest soon."

Su Wanqing nodded, then looked at Lin Changqing once more before reluctantly mounting Golden Radiance.

Golden Radiance broke into a gallop, carrying her toward the Imperial Palace on hooves wreathed in Golden Thunder.

Only after her figure vanished into the night did Lin Changqing turn and enter the mansion.

Lin Long, Lin Hu, Lin Que, and Lin Wu had already returned to the mansion and were waiting for him in the front courtyard.

"Your Lordship."

The four clasped their fists in unison.

Lin Changqing nodded and called Uncle Liu over.

"Uncle Liu, these four are all trusted subordinates of mine. Don't neglect them. Arrange several of the best guest rooms for them. They'll be staying here from now on."

Uncle Liu quickly agreed and led the four to settle in the rear courtyard.

Lin Changqing returned to his room.

He was in a good mood tonight, and it didn't take long for him to fall asleep.

Meanwhile, the lights were still burning in the Imperial Study of the Imperial Palace.

Su Gan sat behind the Dragon Desk, but his hand had stopped moving over the memorials.

His brows were tightly furrowed, and a trace of lingering murderous intent remained in his eyes.

Sixth Ancestor had just returned in person to report everything that had happened that night.

The six nodes of the Blood Sacrifice Array had all been placed in the busiest parts of the city during the Flower Deity Festival.

Twenty-three martial artists had been abducted. Twelve of them had already been forcibly transformed by evil magic, and when they were rescued, they were barely alive.

If Prince Wu'an hadn't discovered the enemy's scheme in advance, if he hadn't tracked down every remnant of the Holy Sect lurking in the Capital City—

Once the array was activated, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

Even with the Boundless Saint Emperor and several Ninth-Rank Martial Saints hidden in the shadows, the entire Capital City would have been plunged into misery if a Demon Saint's avatar had descended through the Blood Sacrifice.

"The Holy Demon God Sect..."

Su Gan tapped his fingers lightly on the Dragon Desk, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Just then, a light, quick set of footsteps sounded outside the hall.

Su Wanqing walked in, a smile still lingering on her face.

"Father Emperor, it's so late. Why haven't you retired?"

When Su Gan saw his daughter, the murderous intent in his eyes vanished at once, replaced by an affectionate smile.

"I was waiting for you to come back and report how things went."

He beckoned Su Wanqing over, his tone teasing.

"Sixth Ancestor told me Prince Wu'an wiped out those demon remnants. Not one of them escaped. Was the Flower Deity Festival affected?"

Su Wanqing shook her head and sat beside Su Gan.

"It's fine. The people never knew what happened. Everyone had a wonderful time."

Su Gan nodded, then asked, "How did things go between you and Prince Wu'an tonight? How does he feel about you now? I'm still waiting to arrange your marriage."

Su Wanqing's cheeks turned red at once.

"Father Emperor!"

She pressed her lips together, her voice growing softer.

"Saint Venerable... has been very kind to me."

"He accompanied me all along the street tonight. He even bought me a Rabbit Lantern and released River Lanterns with me."

She lowered her gaze to the Rabbit Lantern in her hands, which was still lit, and couldn't help smiling.

"And today, he even put his arm around my waist first..."

Su Gan's smile deepened when he heard that.

"Good! Good!"

He repeated the word twice, his brows brimming with delight.

"At this rate, it won't be long before my Great Yu Dynasty gains a Ninth-Rank Martial Saint Peak for a son-in-law!"

He patted Su Wanqing's hand and advised her earnestly.

"Wanqing, I know you're shy."

"But you can't just sit around waiting for everything. You need to take the initiative and find more chances to spend time together. How are your lessons with Nanny Wang coming along?"

Su Wanqing knew exactly what her Father Emperor meant.

Her cheeks flushed all the way to the roots of her neck, and even the tips of her ears burned.

But she still nodded gently.

"Your daughter... Your daughter has learned a little."

Su Gan nodded with satisfaction.

"That's good."

"Nanny Wang is the most experienced instructress in the palace. Learn as much as you can from her."

"This concerns whether you'll be able to hold on to Prince Wu'an's heart after your marriage is arranged. A peerless prodigy like him has exceedingly high standards."

"A pretty face alone won't be enough. You'll need some skill, too. Do you understand what I mean?"

Blushing, Su Wanqing nodded again.

"Your daughter understands. Your daughter will... keep learning from Nanny Wang."

Su Gan laughed heartily and waved a hand.

"All right, it's late. Go get some rest. You should spend more time with Prince Wu'an tomorrow."

Su Wanqing bowed, then left the Imperial Study, carrying her Rabbit Lantern.

As she stepped out of the hall, her cheeks were still rosy.

But she couldn't hide the smile at the corners of her mouth.

The next day.

Lin Changqing still woke naturally.

Sunlight streamed through the carved lattice windows, warm and bright.

He stretched, washed up, and enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast.

Then he went to the rear courtyard.

Lin Long, Lin Hu, Lin Que, and Lin Wu were sitting cross-legged in the courtyard, meditating and cultivating.

Blue, white, scarlet, and azure Spiritual Power flowed around them, bathing the entire courtyard in shimmering light.

Golden Radiance lay beside the hot spring pool, basking in the sun with half-closed eyes.

Lin Changqing stood beneath the covered walkway and watched them for a while. An idea suddenly came to him.

All military and civil affairs, as well as taxation, in his fief of Yu Province were under his sole authority.

But so far, he hadn't sent anyone to manage them.

He hadn't had any suitable candidates before.

Now things were different.

Lin Long and the others were all early Ninth-tier Martial Saints. Any one of them could command the room.

Besides, all four were bound to his soul. They were absolutely loyal and would never harbor divided loyalties.

There could be no better people to send to manage the fief.

Lin Changqing walked into the courtyard. The four immediately stopped cultivating, rose, and clasped their fists.

"Your Lordship."

"There's no need to be so formal. I have something I'd like you to handle."

Lin Changqing stood with his hands behind his back, his tone casual.

"I have sole authority over military and civil affairs, as well as taxation, in my fief of Yu Province. I've left things on hold because I had no suitable candidates. Which of you is willing to go to Yu Province and oversee my fief?"

The four exchanged glances.

Lin Hu spoke first, his voice booming.

"Your Lordship, I'm a rough fellow. I'm good at fighting, but if I had to manage the fief, I'd probably scare those civil officials to death. I'd be better off staying by your side to protect you."

Lin Que clasped her fists as well.

"Your Lordship, I'd also rather stay by your side and serve you. There are too many trivial matters to deal with in the fief, and I'm afraid I wouldn't handle them well."

Lin Wu scratched his head and gave an honest grin.

"Your Lordship, same here. But if someone's needed to guard the cities in the fief, I can go whenever you say."

Lin Changqing nodded without pressing them.

His gaze fell on Lin Long.

Lin Long was the steadiest of the four, meticulous in thought and possessed of a general's bearing.

As expected.

Lin Long hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and clasped his fists.

"Your Lordship, I'm willing to go to Yu Province."

His voice was steady and strong.

"The fief is the foundation of your power. Someone needs to oversee it."

"Since my three brothers want to stay by your side, I'll make the trip. I'll make sure your fief in Yu Province is properly managed and won't let you down."

Lin Changqing nodded in satisfaction.

"Good. Thanks for taking this on."

"Once you're in Yu Province, you'll have full authority over military and civil affairs, as well as taxation. If you run into any trouble you can't resolve, send me a message directly."

"Yes, Your Lordship."

Lin Long clasped his fists solemnly.

Just then, Uncle Liu hurried into the rear courtyard.

"Your Highness, Princess Yunshu has arrived. She's brought an Imperial Edict."

Lin Changqing raised an eyebrow.

Another decree?

Had the emperor gotten hooked on handing out rewards?

He went to the main hall. Su Wanqing was still dressed in dazzling finery.

When she saw Lin Changqing enter, her face blossomed with a smile, but she quickly put on a solemn expression.

"Prince Wu'an, receive the decree."

Lin Changqing remained standing to receive the decree.

Su Wanqing unfolded the Imperial Edict and read aloud.

"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Last night, Prince Wu'an once again took action, thwarting the Holy Demon God Sect's plot during the Flower Deity Festival and protecting the million people of the Capital City."

"His service benefits the state and will bring blessings for generations to come."

"We hereby bestow ten thousand Top-grade Spirit Crystals, fifty eighth-rank spirit medicines, thirty eighth-rank Pills, two hundred bolts of brocade, and fifty jars of imperial wine, to honor his achievements. So decreed."

Lin Changqing accepted the Imperial Edict, his tone calm.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

He muttered to himself that the Emperor had rewarded him again, just as expected.

Though it wasn't as generous as the last reward, it was still quite substantial.

Ten thousand Top-grade Spirit Crystals were a small sum to him, but they would always come in handy.

After Su Wanqing finished reading the Imperial Edict, she had the guards accompanying her carry the reward chests into Prince Wu'an Mansion.

Only after the guards had all left did she move closer to Lin Changqing, returning to her lively, girlish self.

"Saint Venerable, did you rest well last night?"

"Quite well."

Lin Changqing nodded, then casually asked,

"Would you like to come in and sit for a while?"

Su Wanqing's eyes lit up at once.

"Sure, sure!"

She followed Lin Changqing into the front hall and sat down. Uncle Liu, ever quick to read the room, brought out tea and pastries.

Lin Changqing lifted his teacup and took a sip before saying casually,

"By the way, there's something I'd like to ask you for help with."

Su Wanqing quickly set down the osmanthus cake she'd just taken a bite of and sat up straight.

"Tell me, Saint Venerable! What is it?"

"My fief in Yu Province needs someone to manage it."

"Lin Long was one of my followers when I lived in seclusion. I intend to send him to Yu Province as Governor, to manage my fief on my behalf. I'll need an Imperial Edict and an appointment document."

At once, Su Wanqing nodded so vigorously her head bobbed like a pecking chicken.

"No problem! Leave it to me!"

Her answer was brisk and decisive, with a hint of eager excitement at the chance to prove herself.

"I'll go back to the palace and talk to Father Emperor in a bit. He'll definitely agree."

"Lin Long is your man, Saint Venerable, and the fief is yours. It's up to you who you send to manage it. I'll handle Father Emperor—just wait for the good news."

Watching her thump her chest in assurance, Lin Changqing chuckled.

"Then I'll leave you to it."

Su Wanqing shook her head, a sweet smile appearing on her face.

"It's no trouble at all. What matters to you matters to me."

She paused, then added,

"Father Emperor will definitely agree, too. These days, he can't wait to do more things for you."

Lin Changqing took another sip of tea.

"Very well, then. I'll wait to hear the good news."

The two chatted for a while longer before Su Wanqing finally rose to take her leave, reluctant to go.

Once she was out of the gates of Prince Wu'an Mansion, she headed toward the Imperial Palace with a light step.

A bright smile played on her lips, and she hummed an unfamiliar little tune.

Cuier followed behind her. Seeing how happy her princess was, she couldn't help smiling, too.

The Imperial Palace, Imperial Study.

After hearing his daughter out, Su Gan nodded almost without hesitation.

"Lin Long, Governor of Yu Province, to manage Prince Wu'an's fief on his behalf."

He picked up his vermilion brush and wrote a few lines on the Imperial Edict, his strokes flowing smoothly.

"This is Prince Wu'an's own fief. Whom he chooses to manage it is his right. When I made him a prince, I said that the military, administration, and taxes of Yu Province would all be under his control."

"It's only an appointment decree. Give it to him."

He handed the Imperial Edict to the eunuch beside him, then turned to his daughter.

"But what about the two of you... Any new developments?"

Su Wanqing blushed and spoke softly.

"Oh, Father Emperor! It hasn't been that long. Did you expect something to happen between us in just one morning?"

"The Saint Venerable invited me in for tea today, of his own accord. He even asked me to help him with something."

Su Gan's face broke into a satisfied smile.

"Good. The fact that he came to you for help shows he's comfortable with you. That's a good sign."

He reminded her earnestly,

"Keep at it. I'm waiting for the day I can grant the two of you a marriage."

Su Wanqing nodded, her cheeks still flushed.

The appointment decree was soon drawn up.

Su Wanqing personally carried it back to Prince Wu'an Mansion.

"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Lin Long is hereby appointed Governor of Yu Province, to oversee Prince Wu'an's fief on his behalf and take charge of Yu Province's military, administrative, and tax affairs. All civil and military officials within Yu Province shall be subject to his authority. So decreed."

After reading the decree, Su Wanqing handed it to Lin Long with both hands.

Lin Long knelt on one knee and accepted the decree with both hands.

"Your servant Lin Long accepts the decree and thanks Your Majesty for the grace."

Su Wanqing nodded, then looked at Lin Changqing.

"Saint Venerable, is there anything else you need Father Emperor's help with?"

Lin Changqing shook his head.

"Not for now. Thank you."

Su Wanqing smiled and chatted with Lin Changqing for a few more moments.

Only then did she leave Prince Wu'an Mansion, fully satisfied.