Inside the carriage, Xu Jiawei glanced at the boy without saying a word, then turned his gaze out the window.
The carriage left the outskirts and headed toward Star Luo City. The scenery in the woods lining the road gradually gave way to the cries of street vendors and the chatter of passersby.
About half an hour later, Liu Lin, seated inside the carriage, felt it slowly come to a stop.
A moment later, Count Su's respectful voice came from outside. "Your Majesty, we've arrived at the imperial palace. Please bring the young Master Liu down."
Inside the carriage, Xu Jiawei looked at Liu Lin with a smile.
"Come on, Liu Lin. We're at the imperial palace. Let's get down."
With that, Xu Jiawei stood first and headed out of the carriage. Hearing him, Liu Lin answered and followed close behind.
After getting down, Liu Lin looked up at the buildings of the Star Luo Imperial Palace, admiration showing in his eyes.
The Star Luo Imperial Palace stood at the very center of Star Luo City. Its towering walls were built of massive stone, with red walls and golden tiles.
The pillars outside the palace were carved with stars and crowns. Though the years had brought change, the palace still retained its old-world beauty, and no excessive Soul Tools had been added to alter it.
Noticing Liu Lin's astonished expression, Xu Jiawei's lips curved upward. He reminded him with a few words, then strode toward the palace.
"Stop staring. You'll see it every day from now on. Now come into the hall with me."
At Xu Jiawei's words, Liu Lin came back to himself and followed him and Count Su toward the palace ahead.
Inside the hall, the ministers stood in two rows, quietly discussing why they had been summoned to a meeting.
About forty minutes earlier, their communication Soul Tools had received a message from the palace ordering them to reach the main hall within half an hour. Something needed to be discussed.
As they were talking, the eunuch standing outside the door called in loudly.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
At the eunuch's announcement, everyone fell silent at once and respectfully awaited Xu Jiawei, the Star Luo Emperor.
The eunuch outside then opened the main doors of the hall to welcome Xu Jiawei.
"Welcome, Your Majesty!"
As soon as Xu Jiawei entered the hall, all the ministers bowed to him in unison.
Liu Lin, standing behind Xu Jiawei and Count Su, couldn't help but marvel at the sight.
Seeing it with your own eyes really is more impressive. No wonder so many people fight tooth and nail for that throne.
Xu Jiawei gave a slight nod, then strode to the dragon throne and sat down, surveying the ministers below.
"Rise, my ministers. I have called you here today to announce something."
As he spoke, Xu Jiawei's gaze fell on Liu Lin. The amiable expression disappeared, replaced by the majesty of a ruler.
"Minister Su, read it aloud," Xu Jiawei said to Count Su, who stood beside Liu Lin.
At Xu Jiawei's command, Count Su quickly stepped forward and took out the imperial edict he had written in the carriage. He unfolded it with both hands.
After clearing his throat, he began reading the edict, written according to Xu Jiawei's instructions.
As Count Su read, he even used his Soul Power to ensure that everyone in the hall could hear every word.
After hearing the edict, the expressions on the ministers' faces were quite something.
Seeing a child behind His Majesty, they had guessed the announcement was probably about him. But none of them had expected the boy to rise to the heavens in a single leap and become a member of the imperial family.
Some old foxes suppressed their shock at the news and began plotting how to get their daughters—or someone else—close to Liu Lin.
Liu Lin performed a proper Star Luo Empire salute, then accepted the imperial edict from Count Su.
"Your subject, Liu Lin, thanks Your Majesty."
"It's nothing. You may dispense with the formalities."
"There is nothing more for you here. I still have a few matters to discuss. Let Eunuch Liu take you to the residence I've arranged for you."
"Oh, and once the meeting is over, I'll come see you. Be ready."
Xu Jiawei, seated on the dragon throne, waved a hand to signal Eunuch Liu to escort him out of the hall.
Eunuch Liu, standing to the right of the throne, bowed to Xu Jiawei and then headed for the doors.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I'll await your visit."
Hearing Xu Jiawei's words, Liu Lin bowed to him and left the hall with Eunuch Liu.
Once outside, Liu Lin felt the warm sun shining down on him and let out a long breath.
He hadn't expected the ministers' attitude toward him to change so much after Xu Jiawei announced that he would make him a viscount and betroth him to Princess Xu Jiujiu. They looked at him as if he were a priceless treasure.
Liu Lin followed Eunuch Liu for about twenty minutes. Eunuch Liu stopped in front of a beautifully appointed courtyard and bowed to him.
"Viscount Liu, this is your residence."
Liu Lin nodded, passed Eunuch Liu, and opened the courtyard gate.
The courtyard wasn't large, but it was arranged with great care. Several trees unique to the Star Luo Empire grew inside, giving off a faint fragrance.
It was autumn, and fallen leaves covered the ground, creating a distinctive view.
Liu Lin nodded with satisfaction. He thought the place was quite nice.
Just then, Eunuch Liu said with a beaming smile, "Viscount Liu, His Majesty didn't assign you this residence just because of the scenery. Her Highness Princess Xu Jiujiu lives right next door."
Liu Lin wasn't surprised to hear this. Judging by what Xu Jiawei had said before bringing him back, he'd been certain that Princess Xu Jiujiu's palace would be right beside his.
"Oh, and one more thing, Viscount Liu. If there's anything you need, tell the palace maid next door. She'll help you. I'll take my leave now." Eunuch Liu pointed to the palace maid standing in a corner of the courtyard.
Liu Lin nodded his thanks. Eunuch Liu bowed and left.
The palace maid standing in the corner came over and bowed to Liu Lin.
"This servant is Xiao Xue. Greetings, my lord. Is there anything you need me to do?"
"You may rise. I don't need anything for now. Go get some rest."
"Then this servant will take her leave." She bowed to Liu Lin again, then headed toward the side hall in the courtyard.
Liu Lin went to a pavilion beside a large tree, took out the book he had brought with him, and began reading as he waited for Xu Jiawei to come see him.
Meanwhile, after leaving Liu Lin's residence, Eunuch Liu was about to return to report to His Majesty when a voice called out to him.
"Eunuch Liu, who was the person you just escorted?"
At the sound of the voice, Eunuch Liu immediately knew who it belonged to. He turned toward its source and bowed.
"Princess Jiujiu, he is the viscount your elder brother just ennobled. His name is Liu Lin."
At that moment, a little girl of about nine stood outside the neighboring courtyard.
She wore a light-purple dress, her golden hair falling to her waist. A lively sparkle shone in her deep-blue eyes.
(The author prefers the way she looks in the motion comic.)