"Your Majesty, you're going in person?" Count Su was slightly taken aback by those words and asked in surprise.
Xu Jiawei rose from behind his desk and stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His voice was firm. "I've only just ascended the throne, and I have no capable people at my disposal. He's the son of loyal martyrs, exceptionally talented, and without any ties.
"For a genius like him, if I don't go in person, why would he wholeheartedly stay and serve the Star Luo Empire?"
Then he looked at Su Yi and said two words, leaving no room for argument.
"Prepare a carriage."
Hearing the emperor's words, the eunuch standing nearby called out toward the outside:
"Prepare a carriage! His Majesty is going out."
After hearing Xu Jiawei's explanation, Count Su immediately knelt and bowed. "Your Majesty is right. I was foolish before."
About five minutes later, a eunuch entered the palace and reported that everything was ready and they could depart at once.
Xu Jiawei gave a slight nod, then left the palace with Count Su and his guards, heading for the orphanage in the outskirts of the city.
At the orphanage on the outskirts of Star Luo City.
After watching Dean Zhang disappear into the dining hall, Liu Lin saw that Wang Wei still hadn't returned and decided to go to his room for a book to read.
But just as he turned and started toward his room, he heard a rush of hurried footsteps approaching him.
At the sound, Liu Lin stopped and turned around. Wang Wei had appeared behind him.
Liu Lin turned to face Wang Wei's fiery gaze and strategically took a step back.
"Lord Wang, what are you...?"
As soon as Wang Wei entered the courtyard, he ran toward Liu Lin. Seeing that he was still there, Wang Wei breathed a sigh of relief.
He was just about to say something when he noticed Liu Lin take a step back and saw the look in his eyes.
Only then did Wang Wei realize he'd just acted like... He coughed twice, then put on the same solemn expression he'd had when he first met Liu Lin.
"It's nothing. I'm just happy for you. The higher-ups said I'm to stay here and protect you. They'll send someone to fetch you soon."
Hearing Wang Wei's words, Liu Lin almost rolled his eyes.
Do you really think I'm six years old? Maybe you are happy for me a little, but the rest is because I brought you a good performance review and your superiors rewarded you.
"Then, Lord Wang, I'm going back to my room to get a book. Are you coming with me?"
"I'll go with you, in case anything happens."
Liu Lin didn't know what to say. He simply headed straight for his room.
About three minutes later, he returned with the History of the Star Luo Empire and sat beside the large tree in the courtyard. He opened the book and began reading intently.
Throughout the entire time Liu Lin went to get the book and came back, Wang Wei stayed glued to his side, afraid he'd vanish from sight—and take all the resources meant for Wang Wei with him.
Wang Wei valued Liu Lin above everything now. Even if his wife came looking for him to be intimate, he'd refuse her righteously.
Liu Lin glanced at Wang Wei, who stood beside him like a tree stump, then lowered his head and continued reading.
About half an hour later, a uniform march of footsteps suddenly sounded outside the orphanage.
The moment Wang Wei heard them, his eyes lit up. He hurried to the entrance to welcome the visitors. Liu Lin put down his book and headed for the orphanage gate as well.
The orphanage's shabby gate swung open.
A crowd surged in from outside, led by a young man dressed in pale gold everyday clothes.
He looked to be in his early twenties. Though youthful in appearance, he possessed the bearing of someone long accustomed to high office.
Count Su followed behind him, his manner respectful.
When Wang Wei saw the young man's face, his legs went weak and he slid to his knees before him.
"Y-Your Majesty?!"
He'd never dreamed that His Majesty would come in person.
Xu Jiawei waved for him to get up, then looked past him at Liu Lin.
Hearing Wang Wei's form of address for the young man, Liu Lin was shocked. When he looked at Xu Jiawei, he realized Xu Jiawei was studying him too.
Xu Jiawei walked past Wang Wei and headed toward Liu Lin. Count Su started to follow, but Xu Jiawei waved a hand to stop him.
At Xu Jiawei's gesture, Count Su and the guards behind him all stopped at the gate.
Xu Jiawei walked up to Liu Lin and smiled at the six-year-old boy before him.
"Are you Liu Lin?"
"...I am." Liu Lin looked up at the young man and nodded in answer to Xu Jiawei's question.
"Did you come to take me away?"
"Yes, I came to take you with me. You have Twin Martial Souls and Innate Full Soul Power. You're worth bringing back and nurturing myself." Xu Jiawei didn't beat around the bush; he answered directly.
After speaking, Xu Jiawei surveyed the dilapidated orphanage: the mottled courtyard walls and the gate long gone without repairs.
"Your parents laid down their lives for the country, yet I let you live here for two years. I wronged you." Xu Jiawei's voice wasn't loud, but Liu Lin heard every word clearly.
Liu Lin was stunned for a moment.
The emperor was apologizing to him?
Before Liu Lin could react, Xu Jiawei spoke again.
"Liu Lin, I came here today specifically for you. The Star Luo Empire hasn't seen a genius like you in a long time. Even when geniuses do appear, Shrek Academy takes them away."
"I've only recently ascended the throne, and my foundation in court is still shaky. I need geniuses. I need people I can trust to give the Star Luo Empire a chance to survive in its war with the Sun Moon Empire."
"You're the son of loyal martyrs, so I can trust you. I came today to ask if you're willing to become the sharpest blade in my hand."
Liu Lin fell silent for a long time.
Looking at the young emperor before him, he could sense the sincerity in Xu Jiawei's words, even if they also held a measure of calculation.
But he didn't resent it. An emperor willing to set aside his dignity and come to fetch him in person, then apologize before his subordinates to a child of only six—Xu Jiawei had already surpassed many emperors.
As for Xu Jiawei's calculations, it was simply a matter of mutual willingness. Besides, how could an emperor hold on to his throne without political guile?
Liu Lin took a deep breath and knelt on one knee before Xu Jiawei.
"I, Liu Lin, am willing to become the sharpest blade in your hand, serve the Star Luo Empire, and seize that one slender chance of survival for it."
A sharp glint flashed in Xu Jiawei's eyes, and a satisfied smile spread across his face. He personally helped Liu Lin to his feet.
"Good. From now on, you belong to me." He paused and glanced at the dilapidated orphanage. "This orphanage is due for renovation too. Don't worry—I'll arrange for the people here to be looked after."
Hearing Xu Jiawei's words, Liu Lin bowed.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
At that, Xu Jiawei burst into laughter. Then he turned toward the gate.
"Minister Su, issue my decree."
"Liu Lin's parents laid down their lives for the country. Their meritorious service shall pass to their eldest son, Liu Lin, who is hereby granted the title of Viscount Zhongyong. He is also to be betrothed to my youngest sister, Xu Jiujiu."