The Imperial Palace, Xu Jiujiu. (Seeking recommendations, seeking collections)

Xu Jiawei, sitting in the carriage, glanced at the boy without a word, merely casting his gaze out the window.

The carriage left the outskirts of the city and headed toward Star Luo City. The forest scenery on both sides of the road gradually faded, replaced by the cries of street vendors and the chatter of pedestrians.

About half an hour later, Liu Lin, sitting inside the carriage, felt it come to a slow stop.

Immediately, the respectful voice of Count Su came from outside: "Your Majesty, we have arrived at the Imperial Palace. Please, you and young Master Liu, step down."

Inside the carriage, Xu Jiawei looked at Liu Lin with a smile.

"Let's go, Liu Lin. We've reached the Imperial Palace; let us disembark."

With that, Xu Jiawei stood up first and walked toward the outside of the carriage. Hearing Xu Jiawei's words, Liu Lin acknowledged him and followed closely behind, stepping out of the carriage.

After stepping down, Liu Lin looked up, and upon seeing the architecture of the Star Luo Imperial Palace, his eyes filled with admiration.

The Star Luo Imperial Palace was located in the very center of Star Luo City. Its towering walls, constructed of massive stones, stood imposing with red walls and golden tiles.

The pillars outside the palace were all carved with patterns of stars and crowns. Despite the passage of time, the interior of the palace remained true to its ancient aesthetic, with no excessive soul guidance devices added to alter its character.

Noticing Liu Lin's look of astonishment, Xu Jiawei raised the corners of his mouth, offered a reminder, and then strode toward the palace.

"Stop staring. You'll be able to see it every day soon enough. Now, it is time for you to enter the hall with Me."

Hearing Xu Jiawei's words, Liu Lin snapped back to reality and followed Xu Jiawei and Count Su toward the palace ahead.

Inside the palace, a group of ministers stood on both sides, whispering to one another about the reason for their urgent summons.

About forty minutes ago, their communication soul guidance devices had received a message from the palace, ordering them to arrive at the main hall within half an hour for an important discussion.

Just as the crowd was deliberating, the eunuch standing outside the door shouted inside.

"His Majesty arrives!"

Upon hearing the eunuch's announcement, the crowd instantly fell silent, waiting respectfully for the Emperor of Star Luo, Xu Jiawei.

Subsequently, the eunuch outside opened the main gates of the palace to welcome Xu Jiawei's arrival.

"Welcome, Your Majesty!"

As soon as the ministers saw Xu Jiawei enter the palace, they bowed in unison.

Standing behind Xu Jiawei and Count Su, Liu Lin couldn't help but click his tongue in secret at the sight.

It's truly more shocking to see it in person. No wonder so many people fight tooth and nail for this chair.

Xu Jiawei nodded slightly, then strode to the dragon throne and sat down, scanning the ministers below.

"Ministers, rise. I have summoned you here today to announce a matter."

As he spoke, Xu Jiawei's gaze fell upon Liu Lin. His previously easygoing expression vanished, replaced by the majesty unique to a monarch.

"Minister Su, bring it out and read it," Xu Jiawei said to Count Su, who was standing beside Liu Lin.

Hearing the command, Count Su stepped forward quickly, took out the imperial decree he had already prepared in the carriage, and unfolded it with both hands.

He cleared his throat and began to read the decree, which had been written according to Xu Jiawei's wishes.

While reading, Count Su even channeled his soul power so that every word he spoke could be heard by everyone in the palace.

After hearing the decree, the expressions on the faces of the ministers were quite colorful.

Seeing the child following His Majesty, they had guessed it likely had something to do with him. But no one expected this child to ascend to the heavens in a single step and be named a member of the royal clan.

Some of the old foxes, upon hearing this news, suppressed the shock in their hearts and began calculating how to use their daughters or other means to get close to Liu Lin.

Liu Lin performed a standard Star Luo Empire salute and accepted the imperial decree from Count Su's hands.

"Your subject, Liu Lin, thanks Your Majesty."

"It is nothing, rise."

"With that, there is nothing left for you here. I have other matters to discuss, so let Eunuch Liu take you to the residence I have arranged for you."

"Oh, right. Once the meeting concludes, I shall come to see you. Be prepared."

Sitting on the dragon throne, Xu Jiawei waved his hand, signaling for Eunuch Liu to escort him away.

Eunuch Liu, standing to the right of the dragon throne, bowed to Xu Jiawei and walked toward the palace exit.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I shall await your arrival."

Hearing Xu Jiawei's words, Liu Lin bowed to him and left the palace with Eunuch Liu.

Once outside the palace, Liu Lin felt the warm sun shining upon him and let out a long sigh of relief.

He truly hadn't expected that after Xu Jiawei announced he was being made a Viscount and betrothed to Princess Xu Jiujiu, the way those ministers looked at him would change entirely, as if they were viewing him as a peerless treasure.

Liu Lin followed Eunuch Liu for about twenty minutes before the eunuch stopped in front of an exquisite courtyard and bowed to him.

"Viscount Liu, this is your residence."

Seeing this, Liu Lin nodded, stepped past Eunuch Liu, and opened the courtyard gate.

The courtyard was not large, but it was laid out quite exquisitely. Several trees unique to the Star Luo Empire were planted within, emitting a faint, refreshing fragrance.

Moreover, as it was currently autumn, the falling leaves created a unique and picturesque scene.

Liu Lin nodded in satisfaction, feeling that this place was quite good.

Just then, Eunuch Liu spoke with a beaming smile, "Viscount Liu, His Majesty arranged for you to stay here not only because the scenery is pleasant, but also because Her Highness Xu Jiujiu resides right next door."

Liu Lin was not surprised to hear this. Based on what Xu Jiawei had said before bringing him back, he could have guaranteed that Xu Jiujiu's palace would be right beside his own.

"Oh, and Viscount Liu, if there is anything you require, just tell the palace maid nearby; she will assist you. I shall take my leave now." Eunuch Liu gestured toward a palace maid standing in a corner of the small courtyard.

Liu Lin nodded in thanks, and after Eunuch Liu bowed, he retreated.

The palace maid standing in the corner walked over and bowed to Liu Lin.

"This servant, Xiao Xue, greets you, My Lord. I wonder if there is anything you need me to do?"

"No need for formalities. There is nothing for you to do for now; you may go back and rest."

"Understood, then this servant will take her leave." She bowed to Liu Lin once more before heading toward the side hall of the courtyard.

Liu Lin went to a pavilion beside a large tree, took out the book he carried with him, and began to read while waiting for Xu Jiawei to come find him.

On the other side, after Eunuch Liu left Liu Lin's courtyard and was preparing to return to report to His Majesty, he was stopped by a voice.

"Eunuch Liu, who was that person you just brought here?"

When Eunuch Liu heard the voice, he knew exactly who it belonged to. He immediately turned toward the source of the sound and bowed.

"Princess Jiujiu, that is the Viscount specially conferred by your brother, named Liu Lin."

At this moment, outside the courtyard next to Liu Lin's, stood a little girl of about nine years old.

The girl wore a light purple dress, her golden hair cascaded down to her waist, and her azure eyes shimmered with a lively spirit.

(The author quite prefers her appearance in the motion comic.)