Through some negotiating skill, Lu Jian managed to help Lin Xiao secure a good house that was priced around 300,000 to 400,000 Low Grade Spirit Stones. He could pay it off by himself but Princess Lan Yi Hua insisted on splitting it in half because it would be their house and not just his.
Besides, he still needed some money to prepare for the betrothal gifts.
Lin Xiao's face was rigid when the matter of betrothal gifts was mentioned. He had absolutely no idea what he should prepare. He didn't have any experience in this matter, ah!
"You can present her with a gift that can astound her." Lu Jian looked at Lin Xiao and tried to advise him.
"…Who do you think is more knowledgeable about the world between me and Princess Lan Yi Hua?" Lin Xiao glared at Lu Jian.
Hearing that, Lu Jian shut up. Naturally, it would be Princess Lan Yi Hua. She had been living in the palace ever since she was young. Even though she was not favored, she had seen countless treasures and probably many others.
On the other hand, Lin Xiao had rarely seen any treasure and even the amount of treasure he had in his hand… was terribly poor. He didn't even know what he should give to Princess Lan Yi Hua to impress her anymore.
"Well, work hard, Big Bro."
Lin Xiao: "…"
They all returned back to Fan Family Residence for the night and there was no longer any accident. However, it was clear by the next morning that Fan Ling and Fan Pei's relationship turned for the worst as the two of them showed their hostility openly to each other.
"Did something happen at night?" Lin Xiao asked clueless.
Lin Yun smiled bitterly. "They have some argument at night. Do you not notice it, Big Bro?"
"No."
Last night, Lin Xiao consulted with Lin Hu about what kind of betrothal gift that would be suitable for him to give to Princess Lan Yi Hua. The dragon did have a lot of knowledge but many things he suggested was unrealistic for the current Lin Xiao. He had to think for a better method.
Lu Jian sighed. "They'll always argue no matter what. The conflict is just escalated further because of some outside force."
Outside force = succession matter.
Lin Xiao narrowed his eyes. "Hmm, since I have already given my word, shouldn't I try to strive to become a worthy person for the support of nobles?"
"Brother?"
"Master?"
Seeing them looking at him, Lin Xiao let out a low laugh. He shrugged. "His Majesty has been asking for my audience to him. It'll be impolite of me to not respond."
The other four changed their expression when they heard what Lin Xiao planned to do. It was true that after that Imperial Edict, the Emperor wanted to meet with Lin Xiao but if that particular Emperor knew of Lin Xiao's true identity, it would be a big problem.
Lu Jian and Fan Ling were only worried that Lin Xiao would cause trouble.
But Lin Yun and Princess Lan Yi Hua were worried that the Emperor would choose to kill Lin Xiao because of his intention to keep the throne for himself. They couldn't possibly do nothing, could they?
"Do you need us…?"
"Prince Lin Yan is in the palace, right?" Lin Xiao blinked his eyes.
Lu Jian paused for a moment before nodding. Not long ago, he received news that Prince Lin Yan had returned back to the capital city. If Prince Lin Yan was to be in the palace, it would be the best for Lin Xiao.
"Yes."
"In that case, it should be fine."
"You…" Princess Lan Yi Hua hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Please be careful."
"Don't worry too much. I'll be fine."
Lin Xiao grinned. He walked out of Fan Family Residence and walked towards the palace with the others. Ever since he arrived in the capital city, he had been curious about what kind of person the Emperor was. He was someone who stood at the very top, the one who could dictate a person's fate with just a word.
He naturally had some expectation.
Besides, Lin Xiao knew that if he really wanted to build his power, he could not stay completely nameless.
Just like Prince Lin Bo Wang.
Many people knew that he had the qualification to become the Emperor but he never made any earth shattering move and often laid low.
Lin Xiao himself couldn't possibly completely turn invisible but he could make himself less impressive.
Probably.
There were already too many problems Lin Xiao created for himself.
Clang!
The guards blocked the way towards the road that was near the Imperial Palace. Not everyone was allowed to pass by the road.
"Prince Lin Xiao wished to request an audience with His Majesty." Lin Xiao then turned to look at the others. "Wait here for me."
The others nodded.
At their current identity, it was implausible for them to request an audience along with Lin Xiao, so the four of them didn't try to seek for trouble. Lu Jian's family was quite low while Fan Ling's family was pretty good but the one who could possibly request an audience within her family was her grandfather alone.
Lin Yun naturally didn't want to seek trouble so he chose to stay silent. Princess Lan Yi Hua was a royalty from another kingdom and her position as the princess was fairly low. It would be hard to request for an audience.
The guards were stunned when they heard him called himself as a prince. After all, Lin Xiao never changed his attire from his casual clothes.
Sensing their gazes, Lin Xiao smiled coldly.
He took out the pendant he was wearing, which instantly caused the guard to swiftly move. That was an irrefutable evidence that someone was of royal family.
"P…Please wait for a moment. We'll inform His Majesty."
"Please." Lin Xiao smiled and acted polite.
Fan Ling snorted when she saw the guards' reaction. They were too used to judge people based on appearance.
