The emperor was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.
He hurriedly rose to keep him from leaving. "Young Master Lu, are you leaving already?"
"Great Tang owes its present state largely to your tremendous contributions, Young Master Lu. I have yet to properly host a banquet in your honor. Why not stay a few more days?"
"Thank you for Your Majesty's kind intentions."
Lu Changfeng smiled gently and shook his head. "No banquet lasts forever."
"Besides, my return this time is also to report the matters here to my clan."
"Though Great Tang now possesses the strength to protect itself, its foundations remain shallow."
"The Lu Clan is willing to form an alliance with Great Tang, exchange what we have, and stand together against foreign enemies."
"There are many details involved, and I must return to handle them personally."
The emperor was overjoyed upon hearing this.
Jiang Yuechu had mentioned it to him before.
Though the Lu Clan was nothing worth mentioning in the Eastern Region,
to Great Tang,
they were clearly a powerful source of support!
If Great Tang could befriend them at the very outset... the benefits needed no explanation.
"Since that is the case, I shall not insist on keeping you."
The emperor said solemnly, "Great Tang will never forget Young Master Lu's immense kindness!"
"If there is ever a place where Great Tang may be of use, simply speak. I shall not refuse!"
Lu Changfeng nodded slightly, then turned his gaze toward Jiang Yuechu.
A trace of complexity flickered in his eyes.
There was reverence and gratitude, as well as a few regrets too vague to name.
If this princess had been born into the Lu Clan...
even if he had offered up the position of clan head with both hands, he would have done so