"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Yun Chen was startled. He had never expected such a generous gift from the Heaven Dou Imperial Family—or rather, from Xue Ye.
More importantly, he could choose any one item from the Heaven Dou Treasury. Didn't that mean he could get his hands on the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud ahead of time?
It was the Sea God's token of inheritance. Even if Yun Chen failed to meet its requirements today, getting hold of it would still be the best outcome.
Xue Ye's supporters were also watching the expression of Xue Qinghe, whom Qian Renxue was impersonating.
From where they stood, Xue Qinghe's brow furrowed slightly. His gaze swept over the ministers beside Xue Ye. The elderly chancellor, Yuan, gave a faint smile and nodded to him.
That old bastard thinks he can win Yun Chen away from me with a few gifts?
"Here, child. This will let you enter the imperial treasury. Take it."
A jade pendant was placed in Yun Chen's hand. Exquisitely made, it bore dragon and phoenix patterns and was fashioned from weighty jade with gold fittings.
Wow. The imperial family really is loaded. How much could I get for this pendant if I sold it?
Seeing how the pendant had caught Yun Chen's attention, everyone took it for childish fascination. Xue Ye could not help smiling, and he felt even more at ease about the boy. No matter how talented Yun Chen was, he was still only a child.
But Yun Chen's next move froze the smiles on their faces. He spun around and ran toward Xue Qinghe.
"Brother Qinghe, look at this pendant! It's so pretty."
Qian Renxue's heart nearly melted at the sight of adorable little Chen holding up the pendant. What pleased her even more was his gesture: he had made her look good in front of everyone. It was a plain declaration that, for now, the boy favored the crown prince's faction.
Everyone assumed Yun Chen did not even know what the crown prince's faction meant, but that did not matter. His talent and the affection he had shown Qian Renxue had already given her considerably more influence at court.
Still, running over like that breached royal etiquette. Even if only for appearances, Qian Renxue had to offer an explanation.
"Please don't blame him, Father. Chenchen is still young and doesn't know much about royal etiquette. The fault is mine for not teaching him properly. I'll have the maids at the residence instruct him when we return."
"It's all right. Children will be children."
What else could Xue Ye say? He merely waved a hand.
Next came what Yun Chen considered the troublesome part: a social gathering where ministers brought their families to a ball hosted by Xue Ye.
Notably, Qian Renxue, in her role as Xue Qinghe, went the entire evening without a dance partner. Many pretty young women approached her, but she turned them all down.
Hmm... It was rather suspicious. But Xue Qinghe was still young, so it could be explained away for now. Later might be another matter...
In the carriage returning to the Crown Prince's Residence.
"Chenchen... Uncle She will take you to obtain a Martial Soul this afternoon. Be good for him."
Qian Renxue gently stroked Yun Chen's head. He was lying with his head on the lap of the Xue Qinghe she was impersonating.
To be honest, Yun Chen had not wanted to lie against Qian Renxue. Right now, she looked like a grown man, at least on the outside.
But the carriage was cramped, and perhaps because he was a child, Yun Chen really was getting sleepy. So he let Qian Renxue have her way and rested comfortably on her lap.
"Your Highness. Young Master."
When the carriage stopped, She Long and Ci Xue were already waiting outside. Both were Titled Douluo, though officially they were merely two level-seventy Soul Saint guards recruited by Xue Qinghe.
"Mm. Thanks for the effort."
Qian Renxue nodded, took the sleepy Yun Chen by the hand, and stepped down from the carriage. They had just entered the courtyard when a deep, middle-aged voice rang out. Qian Renxue froze.
"Xue'er, did you miss your Grandpa Mighty Lion?"
"Grandpa Mighty Lion."
Qian Renxue whipped her head toward the voice. A tall, imposing middle-aged man stood there quietly.
He looked at her with a kindly expression.
Mighty Lion Douluo? What's he doing here?
From their brief exchange, Yun Chen immediately worked out their relationship and recognized the newcomer as Mighty Lion Douluo.
"This isn't the place to talk... Grandpa Mighty Lion... come with me."
Qian Renxue let go of Yun Chen's hand and spoke to Mighty Lion Douluo in a low voice. Her eyes kept darting toward Yun Chen. Judging by her expression, she was quite nervous.
Yun Chen could feel Mighty Lion Douluo's gaze sweeping over him from time to time. The man was clearly interested in him.
Of course, Yun Chen was interested in him too.
As Mighty Lion Douluo left, he deliberately passed close by Yun Chen, gave his shoulder a light pat, and muttered under his breath.
"Interesting kid. We'll meet again."
Yun Chen winced. He turned to look and saw that the shoulder Mighty Lion Douluo had patted was a little red.
"Young Master, we're ready to leave and obtain your soul ring."
She Long had appeared beside him at some point. Yun Chen turned to meet his eyes. She Long was as respectful as ever, looking every bit the loyal guard.
"Let's go, Uncle She."
In Qian Renxue's study, a burst of golden light suddenly erupted from Xue Qinghe. When it faded, Qian Renxue's face had appeared.
"Grandpa Mighty Lion, did you come alone?"
"Xue'er, it's been far too long."
"Your grandfather is busy at the Worship Hall, so he couldn't come. I came instead."
"All right..."
Qian Renxue puffed out her cheeks, plainly unhappy. But there was nothing she could do except accept it.
"By the way, was what you wrote in your letter true? Does that child really have a Golden-Haired Lion Mastiff Martial Soul?"
"Of course. I confirmed it myself. I also confirmed that he isn't a soul beast in human form. He's truly human."
Mighty Lion Douluo grew even more interested. He raised an eyebrow at Qian Renxue's awkward expression and asked curiously,
"So what are you planning to do with him?"
"Keep him here in the Heaven Dou Empire while you play undercover? Or send him back to Spirit Hall for me to train personally?"
Qian Renxue's face fell. She clasped her hands and rubbed her fingers together incessantly. Clearly, she could not bear the thought of sending Yun Chen back to Spirit Hall.
"You'll have to tell him who you are, too. You can't keep it from him forever, can you?"
"He's still young. If you tell him now, it'll be easier for him to accept later."
Qian Renxue stammered, unable to answer. She had clearly considered the problem but had not found a solution.
"But... he loves the Heaven Dou Empire... I..."
"That's where you're mistaken. He's only a child. His loyalty to the Heaven Dou Empire comes from what he was taught at the orphanage."
"You know he doesn't really understand what it means."
"You could deceive him for now. At the very least, tell him who you really are—or show him what you really look like."
"Then, even when everything comes out in the future, it'll be easier for him to accept."
Before you continue