Demanding Payment

In a flash, Xu Qi'an seemed to return to the scene when he first met Lin'an. Back then, she was just like that, like a noble canary, beautiful and proud.

This was her usual attitude when meeting strangers. But later, she started chattering away, revealing a simple and lively side. Despite being a complete weakling, she acted like a combative little hen.

It's like a princess taking off her heavy armor, revealing the little girl inside.

Lin'an is still Lin'an, it hasn't changed, except that I am the favored one. Xu Qi'an imitated Xu Erlang's voice, bowed, and said:

"I have come to visit Your Highness on behalf of my elder brother."

Lin'an maintained her aloof and reserved demeanor, but her amorous peach blossom eyes dimmed, and her voice unconsciously softened. "Won't he... won't he come by himself?"

Xu Qi'an shook his head. "Your Highness, how dare my elder brother come to see you? The moment he steps into the palace or the capital, His Majesty could turn around and behead him."

Even if you don't come to see me, why won't you even reply to my letter? Lin'an nodded slightly and said softly, "How is your elder brother doing lately?"

When she said this, her eyes were focused and her expression was serious. It wasn't just a polite greeting; she genuinely cared about Xu Qi'an's recent situation.

Lin'an is an emotional girl; if you tease her, she'll giggle. If you prank her, she'll scratch you playfully. Unlike Huaiqing, who is too intelligent and aloof.

If you tease her, you'll only embarrass yourself.

So, Xu Qi'an couldn't resist teasing her, saying, "Big brother, you've been doing well lately. Besides cultivating, you've been traveling around all day. You just went to Jianzhou a while ago."

"That's good, that's good."

Lin'an nodded reservedly, pursed her lips, and tentatively asked like a reluctant little girl, "Has he... has he mentioned the recent court intrigues these past few days? Hmm, has he been troubled by them?"

She also wanted to ask if they had gone to Wei Yuan for help.

However, considering that Xu Erlang usually works at the Hanlin Academy, he may not know about these things.

However, if Xu Qi'an really took her request to heart, he would definitely inquire from various sources and think of a plan. Xu Erlang, who was an official in the court, would certainly be one of the people he consulted.

Seeing her expectant look, Xu Qi'an shook his head. "My elder brother is no longer a Silver Gong (a high-ranking official), he said he's too lazy to deal with court affairs. Why did Your Highness suddenly ask about it?"

"I... I was just asking casually."

Lin'an forced a smile. She sensed the man's perfunctory attitude, his distance and indifference, and her heart suddenly felt very sad and frustrated.

She remembered Xu Qi'an saying that he would serve her like a slave for the rest of his life. Although there was an element of joking in those words, the importance he showed to her was undeniable in Lin'an at the time.

It's a happy and blissful thing when a man you admire holds you in an important place in his heart.

But suddenly, you realize that what that man said and did before might have been perfunctory, or even a lie. He doesn't care about you at all now.

Her nose stung, and tears almost welled up. Lin'an felt a pang of pain in her heart, but she forced herself to say, "I'm tired. If Lord Xu has nothing else to say..."

Before he could finish speaking, a palace maid entered with light, quick steps, her voice clear and crisp. "His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived."

Lin'an lowered her head in a fluster, composed herself, and when she looked up again, she was all smiles, showing no trace of sadness. She quickly said, "Please invite the Crown Prince in."

Why is the Crown Prince here? Don't kick me out, or I'll be in big trouble. My wife hates me. Xu Qi'an wanted to curse.

The Crown Prince, dressed in splendid robes, strode in. His first notice was not of Lin'an, but of Xu Qi'an, much like how a beautiful woman's first attention is always drawn to a woman who is more beautiful than herself.

The crown prince now feels the same way.

Although he was the crown prince, of noble birth, of excellent lineage, and of exceptional appearance, he paled in comparison to this junior scholar.

Especially today, dressed in a magnificent sky-blue robe, he exudes an air of nobility and arrogance that is in no way inferior to mine, while his spirit and energy far surpass mine.

"Lord Xu is here too."

The crown prince smiled and quickly dismissed his minor displeasure, though he was a little surprised that his younger sister and Xu Xinnian had no connection whatsoever.

Perfect timing, he's Xu Qi'an's cousin. I'll win him over to my side first, then Xu Qi'an won't dare to disobey me.

The Crown Prince immediately took his seat and began a warm conversation with Xu Xinnian.

After some casual conversation, the Crown Prince casually steered the conversation to matters of the court, and said with a smile:

"We were fooled! We were fooled! We thought the Wang faction would suffer a major blow this time, but unexpectedly, things took a turn for the better. Yuan Xiong was demoted to Right Censor-in-Chief, and Qin Yuandao, the Vice Minister of War, was so angry that he fell ill in bed."

He started the conversation, then looked at Xu Qi'an, hoping he would continue the discussion.

A common problem among young officials is their fondness for pontificating on state affairs and commenting on matters of state, especially among newly appointed scholars who have just entered the imperial examinations.

Xu Qi'an smiled calmly and casually replied, "The struggles in the imperial court are unpredictable and anything can happen."

Lin'an listened listlessly, wanting only to be alone. However, this was Shaoyin Palace, and as the hostess, she had to stay and accompany the guests. It would be impolite to leave and abandon her "guests."

It seems there's still some wariness. The Crown Prince's eyes flashed, and he abandoned all pretense, getting straight to the point:

"I have heard that the reason why the royal party was able to gather the ministers and pass through smoothly is entirely due to Lord Xu's efforts."

Biao Biao suddenly turned her head and stared straight at Xu Qi'an.

His Highness the Crown Prince is truly a master of witty banter. Xu Qi'an glanced at Lin'an and replied calmly, "Non-Self achievement, it's my elder brother's."

Sure enough, upon hearing his words, Lin'an's breathing quickened suddenly. "Lord Xu, what did you say? What do you mean it's all your elder brother's doing? In the court infighting a while ago, Xu... Xu Ningyan was also involved?"

The Crown Prince took over the conversation and said:

"Lin'an, you don't know this yet, do you? It is said that Duke Cao left behind some secret letters before his death, which clearly and plainly describe his crimes of embezzlement, bribery, and misappropriation of tribute over the years, as well as who conspired with him and who participated in them."

"Xu Qi'an obtained this evidence from somewhere. It is precisely because of this evidence that the Wang faction was able to weather this crisis. What I'm telling you is all confidential; you must not divulge it to anyone outside Lin'an."

Lin'an leaned forward slightly, her gaze fixed intently on Xu Qi'an, unblinking, her tone urgent:

Why would Xu Ningyan, the dog, help the Wang faction?

She could feel her heart pounding wildly, like someone eagerly anticipating something while simultaneously fearing the outcome. She felt both anxious and expectant.

Ha, Lin'an's heart is beating so fast? If I said, "Big Brother is trying to form an alliance with Chief Minister Wang," would she burst into tears on the spot?

Xu Qi'an smiled and said, "My elder brother said that His Highness Lin'an sent someone to convey a message that he will do his best to complete whatever His Highness Lin'an wants to do, even though he is no longer a Silver Gong and his abilities are limited."

"For me, for me," Lin'an murmured to himself.

She was like a lost traveler in the wilderness who saw a light, and her heart suddenly calmed down; her eyes curved into a smile, and the corners of her mouth turned up.

That kind of heartfelt joy couldn't be hidden.

The Crown Prince glanced at his younger sister, who had suddenly become as radiant as a flower, without changing his expression, and then extended an invitation. "Tomorrow, the Imperial Palace will host a banquet outside the palace. Would Lord Xu do me the honor of attending?"

Xu Qi'an agreed, "It would be impolite to refuse."

The Crown Prince smiled, seeing that "Xu Xinnian" showed no intention of leaving, and thought to himself that it wouldn't be too late to talk to Lin'an about it tomorrow.

She immediately stood up and said, "I'll have someone deliver an invitation to your residence today. I was just passing by and had some free time, so I came to sit for a while. I still have some business to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."

Lin'an rose and, together with Xu Qi'an, saw the Crown Prince off from the hospital. Watching his departing figure, she raised her rounded chin and smiled faintly:

"Does Lord Xu have anything else to say?"

Xu Qi'an said in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, "Your Highness, I've missed you so much."

Lin'an's delicate body suddenly stiffened, and surprise, astonishment, and excitement flashed in her amorous peach blossom eyes, while a captivating blush rose on her round, fair face.

Her thick eyelashes fluttered a few times. Suppressing her joy and excitement, she forced herself to remain calm and said, "Lord Xu, I have many things to ask you. Let's go inside and talk."

Returning to the reception room, she calmly ordered, "You may all leave."

The palace maid standing in the hall bowed and left the reception room.

After the servants left, the woman's expression immediately changed. She put her hands on her hips, glared at them, puffed out her cheeks, and angrily said, "You dog servant, why didn't you reply to my letter? Why didn't you come to see me?"

"Is Your Highness missing me so much that you can't eat or sleep?" Xu Qi'an dropped his pretense and asked with a grin.

"You, you mustn't be talking nonsense. It's precisely because of you that I miss you."

Lin'an quickly denied it. She was an unmarried princess, pure and innocent, and could not possibly admit to such a shameful thing as missing a man.

Xu Qi'an stared at her and said softly, "But I miss Your Highness so much that I can't eat or sleep, and I wish I could sprout wings and fly into the palace."

Even if His Majesty were to draw his bow and shoot me down, I would die without regret as long as I could see Your Highness.

The pretty girl's face flushed red instantly, and she stammered, "You... you... you can't speak to me like that."

She suddenly felt flustered. Such a bold and explicit statement was something she had never experienced before. She felt like a guinea pig forced into a corner.

"Your Highness, come, let me tell you about the interesting things that happened in Jianzhou these past few days."

Xu Qi'an grabbed her small hand and pulled her to sit down at the table.

Lin'an resisted slightly, then let him hold her hand, bowing her head slightly with a smug look on her face.

Time passed by, and soon it was lunchtime.

Lin'an only stopped when a palace maid called out from the courtyard, still wanting more; she desperately needed company.

"I can't let you have lunch at Shaoyin Palace. I'll be moving to Lin'an Prefecture tomorrow. You dog servant, can you come again?" Her gentle eyes held expectation and a hint of pleading.

"I will." Xu Qi'an squeezed her soft little hand.

Lin'an immediately smiled, her smile possessing a captivating charm; she was a girl with an inner allure.

"Wait a minute, I have something for you."

She lifted her skirt and rose, leaving the reception room. After a long while, she had the palace maids return carrying trays of gold, silver, and jade artifacts.

"You may all step back."

After dismissing the palace maids, she chattered on and on. "Now that you've lost your official position, I don't know if you have any other means of making a living. It's always good to have more gold and silver on hand. There are many valuable items in Shaoyin Palace, but I don't need them."

Huaiqing said that you might leave the capital in the future, and I... I don't know if I'll ever see you again.

She didn't continue speaking, but glanced at him, actually wanting to see what he looked like again, but he was currently disguised as her cousin.

This is Shaoyin Palace, the imperial palace, and we cannot arbitrarily allow him to remove his disguise.

Lin'an could only keep his hopes to himself.

"Oh, right, this storybook is quite interesting. You... you should take it home and take a look." After hesitating for a while, she mustered up her courage and took the storybook out of her sleeve.

Xu Qi'an packed his things, put the fragments of the Earth Book inside, walked to the hall entrance, hesitated for a moment, and then reached out and wiped his face for a moment.

Your Highness!

He turned around with a smile.

She wore a sky-blue brocade robe embroidered with light blue cloud patterns, her jade pendants jingled, her hair was tied up with a hollowed-out gold crown, and she wore cloud-patterned boots.

Lin'an was momentarily stunned.

The next day, Xu Qi'an and Xu Xinnian rode in Miss Wang's carriage into the imperial city, where they were driven by a coachman to the Prince's residence.

Xu Qi'an sat on a soft couch covered with wool, flipping through a storybook.

"The Great Sage of Love, what kind of nonsense books are these? Why is Big Brother reading such frivolous books?" Xu Xinnian asked curiously.

My elder brother, that crude and uncouth brute, never reads a book.

"The book tells the story of a minor Demon Race who falls in love with a celestial princess. Because this love is forbidden, the Demon Race is banished to the mortal realm to serve as a slave. Later, the Demon Race storms the celestial court, abducts the princess, and they live a simple life together."

Xu Qi'an's smile was somewhat complicated.

This was written by Zhong Li, a tool he had originally commissioned, for Lin'an. Now, Lin'an is giving him the storybook; the implication is self-evident.

During the conversation, the carriage stopped outside the Prince's Mansion.

The steward of the Prince's mansion was already waiting at the gate. As soon as the carriage stopped, he led the two into the mansion.

Xu Xinnian stayed in the reception room, where Wang Simu kept him company. Xu Qi'an keenly noticed the hint of resentment in Miss Wang's gaze.

"Are you blaming me for beating up your sweetheart? Bah! What business is it of yours if I hit my own little brother?" he thought to himself, following the butler to the Prime Minister's study.

In the luxurious and spacious study, the white-haired Chief Minister Wang, dressed in dark casual clothes, sat behind his desk, holding a book in his hand.

"Your Excellency, Grand Secretary," Xu Qi'an bowed.

"Please have a seat, Lord Xu."

The Grand Secretary Wang put down his book, looked at him with slightly weathered eyes, and smiled, "Lord Xu is a martial artist, so I won't keep you in suspense any longer."

No, your words clearly reveal your contempt for warriors. Xu Qi'an thought to himself, he came to the Prince's mansion today to ask the Chief Minister for "reward".

"If there's anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to ask, Lord Xu."

Xu Qi'an paused for a moment, then said, "Two things. First, I need to go to the Ministry of Personnel's archives to review the files. Second, there's an old case I'd like to inquire about with Chief Minister Wang."

PS: There's a star-up event for Biao Biao in the book review section. You can reply to the posts first, and then give Biao Biao hearts, gifts, and write about important events to increase her star value and receive Qidian coins.