Heading to the Imperial Palace

Xu Jiawei's voice echoed through the dilapidated orphanage, every word clear and carrying the unquestionable resolve of a sovereign.

Liu Lin was completely stunned by Xu Jiawei's words.

Wait, brother, I'm only six years old. You're setting me up for an engagement this early? I remember in the original story, Xu Jiujiu and Xu Jiawei were over a decade apart; she should only be eight or nine right now.

It wasn't just Liu Lin who froze upon hearing this; even Count Su, who was tasked with drafting the decree, and Wang Wei, standing to the side, were shocked by the statement.

Count Su was a man who had seen his fair share of storms, and he recovered in less than a second, dropping to one knee.

"This old subject obeys the decree."

"Good. Once we return, announce today's events to the entire nation. I want everyone to know that I will never treat the descendants of loyal heroes poorly."

If Wang Wei had been a transmigrator, he would have started singing, "I accidentally trespassed into the royal family..."

In just a short while, Liu Lin had gone from a commoner to a viscount, and even a future consort of the Star Luo royal family, reaching the pinnacle of life in one fell swoop. This made tears of envy stream down Wang Wei's face.

Xu Jiawei looked at the shocked Liu Lin and felt quite satisfied. He then smiled and asked, "What, are you not satisfied?"

"Although my sister is three years your senior, her talent is no less than yours. She has inherited the Star Crown, the martial soul of my Xu family's direct line. In terms of talent and background, she is a worthy match for you."

Although Xu Jiawei felt he had slightly exaggerated his sister's talent, he believed that making Liu Lin his relative and arranging a marriage with his sister was the best way to firmly bind Liu Lin to the Xu family's war chariot.

By making him a relative, even if they encountered danger in the future, Liu Lin would be inclined to help for the sake of his sister.

"I am not dissatisfied, I just feel that we are too young, and I have never even met Princess Xu Jiujiu."

Hearing Liu Lin's concerns, Xu Jiawei laughed heartily and waved his hand dismissively.

"Affection is something that must be cultivated from a young age. Besides, as the saying goes, familiarity breeds love. I believe that as you spend time together in the future, you will come to love one another."

Hearing Xu Jiawei's words, Liu Lin felt momentarily speechless. He understood that Xu Jiawei felt a title wasn't enough, and that making him a member of the royal clan was the best choice.

Liu Lin opened his mouth, but in the end, he could only bow and say, "Liu Lin... thanks Your Majesty for your grace."

If I refuse the decree in public, it would be equivalent to slapping Xu Jiawei in the face, Liu Lin thought. I'll just agree for now. It's not like I'm the one losing out; if Xu Jiujiu wants to break the engagement later, I'll just agree to it then.

Hearing Liu Lin's response, Xu Jiawei stepped forward and patted his shoulder, his tone relaxing slightly.

"Very well, the official business is concluded. Go and say goodbye to the Dean or your little friends; I will wait for you here."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

With that, Liu Lin turned and ran toward the cafeteria.

Watching Liu Lin leave, Xu Jiawei shifted his gaze to Wang Wei, who was standing to the side watching the spectacle.

"Your name is Wang Wei?"

Seeing Xu Jiawei look at him and call his name, Wang Wei immediately dropped to one knee.

"Yes, this humble one is named Wang Wei."

"You have done well in this matter, discovering talent for the Empire." After saying this, Xu Jiawei gave Count Su a look.

Count Su understood immediately, took a ring from his storage soul tool, and tossed it to Wang Wei.

Seeing the ring flying toward him, Wang Wei instinctively caught it with his hand.

"Wang Wei, this is your reward."

Upon hearing this, a gleam of excitement erupted in Wang Wei's eyes.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, Count Su."

Xu Jiawei waved his hand, signaling for Wang Wei to rise.

"Since you have received your reward, you may leave now. There is nothing left for you here."

"Yes, Your Majesty, this subordinate will take his leave." Wang Wei stood up, bowed to both Xu Jiawei and Count Su, and ran out of the orphanage.

On the other side, in the orphanage cafeteria, Liu Lin walked straight toward the kitchen. As he opened the door, he saw Dean Zhang had just finished stir-frying a dish and placed it on the table.

When Dean Zhang saw Liu Lin, her eyes were filled with confusion.

"Little Lin, why are you here? Shouldn't you be waiting for Lord Wang?"

"Also, the fumes are too heavy here; it's not good for your health. Hurry and go back out."

As she spoke, Dean Zhang walked toward Liu Lin, reaching out to pull him away from the kitchen.

Listening to Dean Zhang's concerned words, Liu Lin's eyes turned slightly red.

During the two years he had been at the orphanage, because he possessed memories of his past life, he had been unwilling to play with the other children. This had led Dean Zhang to believe he had psychological barriers, and she often showed him special care.

"Dean Zhang, I am leaving." Liu Lin then recounted everything that had just happened to the Dean.

Upon hearing Liu Lin's words, Dean Zhang stopped her attempt to pull him out of the kitchen.

However, no look of disappointment appeared on her face; instead, she looked very happy. She wiped her hands on her clothes and patted Liu Lin on the head.

"Our Little Lin has made something of himself. I knew long ago that you were different from the others. Now, it is time for you to serve the country. Besides, we aren't that far away, so you can come back to visit anytime."

"And once you're out there, take good care of yourself. Dean Zhang won't be by your side at every moment. Since you're leaving, you should at least taste my cooking first."

With that, Dean Zhang led Liu Lin out of the cafeteria kitchen and had him sit at a dining table. Shortly after, she brought out several dishes and placed them before him.

Liu Lin looked at the meal in front of him and began to eat heartily. Once he finished, he waved goodbye to Dean Zhang once more and left the cafeteria.

Dean Zhang watched Liu Lin's retreating figure, wiping away the tears at the corners of her eyes.

"Little Lin, you've grown up."

Xu Jiawei stood in the courtyard, flipping through a book he carried with him. Seeing Liu Lin emerge, he put the book away.

"Let's go, back to the imperial palace."

Liu Lin nodded at his words and followed Xu Jiawei as they walked toward the exit of the orphanage.

Outside the orphanage gates, several carriages had been waiting for quite some time. Count Su stood before one of the carriages, bowing respectfully as he saw Liu Lin and Xu Jiawei approach.

"Your Majesty, please board."

Xu Jiawei nodded and led Liu Lin onto the carriage.

Once they were both seated, Xu Jiawei gave a command to the outside, and the carriage set off with the group, heading in the direction of the imperial palace in Star Luo City.

As the carriage moved, Liu Lin glanced back at the orphanage gate and saw Dean Zhang standing outside, waving to bid him farewell.

Dean Zhang's back was hunched, and she hadn't even had time to change out of her apron before appearing at the gate to see him off.

Liu Lin's eyes turned slightly red, and he quickly withdrew his gaze, no longer looking in the direction of the orphanage.