Feng Ziqian then told Lin Jin he had tried hiring other Rank 4 beast appraisers but all of them turned him down mercilessly. Of course, they didn’t reject him outright because they had to mind the third prince’s reputation. Hence, they gave all kinds of excuses not to meet him.
Still, their reason for doing so couldn’t have been any more obvious. They weren’t fools. If they chose to go with Feng Ziqian at a time like this, that would be equivalent to taking sides in the princes’ war for the Heavenly Spiral’s throne.
No one should be hasty in taking sides, and even more so when the contender seemed incapable of winning. Feng Ziqian probably had the lowest chances of securing the throne right now, so who in the right mind would go with him?
Rank 4 beast appraisers may be reputable, but they would never make enemies if they could help it. Especially when they risked provoking other more powerful princes, among whom one would one day rise to become emperor.
It simply wasn’t a good deal.
Hence, it made sense that Feng Ziqian faced such rejection. As a matter of fact, it would have been even more shocking if he managed to find a Rank 4 beast appraiser who was willing to help him.
Lin Jin only understood after pondering for a bit. Now that Feng Ziqian had come all this way to beg for his assistance, Lin Jin would appear traitorous if he were to reject the young price again.
There was no doubt that this banquet was a proving ground for both the princes and their nation. Feng Ziqian mentioned that Thousand Island Country had brought over the rarest of rare beasts, so if the appraiser tagging along couldn’t tell what those creatures were, Heavenly Spiral Kingdom would be greatly humiliated.
“My eldest brother managed to hire State Preceptor Sima Qing and another Rank 4 beast appraiser. My second brother also hired two Rank 4 beast appraisers. If I can’t hire even one person, my father might think I’m useless. If that happens, I would have to forget about winning the heart of Thousand Island’s princess.”
Feng Ziqian spoke with a helpless expression.
Lin Jin seemed to be enjoying his woes when he asked, “So, are you afraid of your father finding you useless, or are you terrified of failing to win the princess’ affection?”
Feng Ziqian stared blankly at Lin Jin. “Is there a difference? They’re practically the same thing to me. But to be honest, I don’t really mind if the princess doesn’t fall for me. I just don’t want to be looked down upon. At least I have to show some worth, but if I can’t even hire one Rank 4 appraiser, I won’t be able to show anything at all. If that’s the case, I’d rather not attend the banquet tonight.”
By now, Lin Jin had already made up his mind about helping Feng Ziqian. After all, Feng Ziqian was a guest of the Visitation Hall and his ally.
It was only natural to assist one’s ally during times of need.
Also, to borrow Daojun’s Hieroglyphic, he needed Feng Ziqian to make the arrangements so Feng Ziqian could definitely be trusted. However, if the price were to fade into obscurity, Heavenly Spiral’s emperor probably wouldn’t give him the time of day.
Be it for Feng Ziqian or himself, Lin Jin had to help the prince out.
Hence, after giving it a thought, Lin Jin nodded. “I’ll help you.”
The banquet couldn’t go on until late anyway. He would just have to enter the Visitation Hall after midnight, so there was still time for that.
Upon hearing this, Feng Ziqian became ecstatic.
Of course, the best outcome he had hoped for was to invite both Curator and Appraiser Lin to attend with him. That would be a spectacular show of power.
Especially now when Curator’s reputation was on the rise. Many people in Heavenly Spiral Kingdom knew of him and some even wanted to get acquainted with him. If Curator attended the event, Feng Ziqian’s honor would surely soar to greater heights.
However, it was a pity Curator couldn’t make it so he could only have Appraiser Lin. Although he didn’t get his wish, Appraiser Lin Jin was a Rank 4 beast appraiser so that was enough to turn the tide in his favor.
At least, that was what he hoped for.
However, Appraiser Lin alone wouldn’t be enough so Feng Ziqian planned to take his leave now to seek out other Rank 4 appraisers. It would be great if he could hire one, but in case he couldn’t, he just had to hire a Rank 3 instead.
Suddenly, he heard a female voice call out, “I’m going too!”
This ‘I’m going too’ wasn’t a question nor was it a probe. Rather, it was announced with much resolution and authority.
Feng Ziqian looked over, confused. “Mrs. Lin, do you want to come too?”
That female voice belonged to Shu Xiaolou.
Fearful of Shu Xiaolou killing off the blockhead Feng Ziqian in a fit of anger, Lin Jin quickly tugged Feng Ziqian’s sleeve and coughed. Then, he solemnly introduced, “Third Prince, this is a senior of our academy, Senior Shu.”
Senior Shu?
Feng Ziqian was dumbstruck. He thought Lin Jin was just pulling his leg.
“Greet her, quickly. You should know that if your father was here, even he would be extra respectful of Senior Shu,” Lin Jin explained sternly. He was right because Shu Xiaolou was a Rank 5 beast appraiser.
She was perhaps the greatest beast appraiser in all of Heavenly Spiral Academy so it was a no-brainer that she had a high status. Having lived for over five hundred years, even Zhong Zifeng would show her respect and tread carefully around.
Feng Ziqian still found it unbelievable but fortunately, he wasn’t a stubborn character. Since Appraiser Lin had put it that way, he would trust him a little.
“Greeting, Senior Shu. My name is Feng Ziqian. Please forgive me for my impudence.”
Feng Ziqian knew just what to say. No, he understood that he had made an error; Appraiser Lin wasn’t trying to hide his wife in the house. His thoughts were interrupted by Lin Jin saying, “Congratulations, Third Prince.”
“Is there a merry occasion?” Feng Ziqian looked confused.
Lin Jin answered, “Of course! Since Senior Shu is willing to lend her support to you, Third Prince will surely enjoy the highest prestige in the banquet. No one will even come close to what you have. Not only will your father hold you in higher regard, but the princess of Thousand Island Country will surely look your way as well.”
“Really?” Feng Ziqian was obviously skeptical. However, Lin Jin had spoken with so much sincerity that even if Feng Ziqian knew it wasn’t true, he couldn’t help feeling excited. Compared to before, he now looked forward to tonight’s event.
“Of course it’s true.” Lin Jin cast Shu Xiaolou a glance but her expression remained indifferent.
“Alright then!” Feng Ziqian didn’t dwell too much on it. Since Lin Jin was being so sincere and enthusiastic, Feng Ziqian’s faith in him grew slightly. He may not succeed in hiring other Rank 4 appraisers anyway, so why not accept this arrangement?
Perhaps, he could turn the tables and shine tonight as Lin Jin claimed he would?
“Um, Appraiser Lin, S-Senior Shu, I’ll go and get ready now. I will send someone over later to escort both of you to the venue. Don’t worry, the carriage has been prepared.” Feng Ziqian clearly had other matters to attend to so he bid Lin Jin farewell and left hastily.
Once Feng Ziqian was gone, Lin Jin asked Shu Xiaolou out of curiosity, “Why are you going too?”
Shu Xiaolou definitely didn’t do it for Feng Ziqian, so Lin Jin figured she only wanted to join in the fun since he was going too.
Alas, Shu Xiaolou answered seriously, “I heard that Thousand Island Country has many rare beasts that are not found in United Continent. I’ll be able to learn new things if I attend the banquet.”
Her tone made it sound like she was going for serious business.
“Then, change into something else,” suggested Lin Jin because Shu Xiaolou’s bright red dress was too flashy for the occasion. Yet, Shu Xiaolou misunderstood him.
“Oh, true. I do seem a little less intimidating like this so let’s go with another body.” Having said that, Shu Xiaolou vanished. Shortly after, Shu Xiaolou reappeared in her other-worldly old man appearance.
