"Yes?"
"You'll have to meet with the others from other kingdoms." Princess Lan Yi Hua pursed her lips. She naturally knew that if Lin Xiao were to meet with those from other kingdoms, he might not be able to be himself. After all, he would be representing Sun Kingdom to welcome them.
"Nah, I'll be fine." Lin Xiao grinned. "Why should I bother too much about them? If they don't like me personally, there's nothing that I can do to change my personality so much."
Princess Lan Yi Hua was speechless.
She poked her husband. "Don't create enemies out of nowhere. I know you're a very lively person but try to make friends with them. You might need their help too."
"Alright, alright," Lin Xiao replied helplessly.
Time passed swiftly and the time when Lin Xiao and the others were summoned to the palace drew near. This time, Princess Lan Yi Hua paid special attention to his appearance and helped him to wear tailored robes.
Unlike his usual days where Lin Xiao would not care much about his appearance, this time, he was wearing long white robe. There were faint cloud markings on the sleeve, which looked like it was alive. Right now, Lin Xiao looked like a proper prince rather than the usual annoying man he was.
Princess Lan Yi Hua nodded as she looked at his appearance. "Try to behave, ok?"
"I'm not that bad, right?" Lin Xiao was speechless.
Hearing that, Princess Lan Yi Hua chose not to answer. She would be coming with him and naturally, she was dressed for the occasion. Wearing long white dress, Princess Lan Yi Hua's clothes were similar to Lin Xiao but modelled for women. It was clear that they were a pair just from a distance away.
"Any reason for choosing white?" Lin Xiao asked when they made their way to the palace.
Princess Lan Yi Hua passed a look at Lin Xiao. "It'll make you look a bit weaker."
"Huh?"
Lin Xiao was stunned but when he arrived at the palace, he came to understand what she meant. Prince Lin Bo Wang was wearing black clothes and looked inconspicuous in the crowd. If not for the faint menacing aura around him, no one would be able to notice him.
On the other hand, Prince Lin Fei was wearing red robe, color of nobility. It was clear that he was trying to say that he was the best one amongst the royal family just from his arrogant stance. The last one, Prince Lin Hong, was wearing purple robe, which made him look quite regal.
In contrast, Lin Xiao wearing white did make him look a bit white even though it instead changed his image to be more elegant.
'I didn't know clothes can be so deceiving…' Lin Xiao was speechless.
Princess Lan Yi Hua merely smiled faintly as the two of them gave their greetings to the Emperor. After that, they walked to the side, waiting for the instruction.
The Emperor swept his gaze across them before he spoke out, "Lin Hong, Lin Xiao."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The two of them quickly cupped their fist as a way to indicate that they heard him. Looking at the Emperor, Lin Xiao could faintly notice the strong aura around the aged man. It seemed that even though the Emperor was no longer as powerful as before, he was still someone that was worthy of respect.
Golden Core Stage 3.
After advancing to Golden Core Stage 1, Lin Xiao could now gauge the Emperor's strength.
It was above him, nevertheless and defeating him was not something that he would be able to do by himself. Besides, the one who will do this task was not him but someone else.
"The entourage from Jade Snow Kingdom and Bing Yue Kingdom will pass through the border soon. You two will be the one who will greet them first."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Prince Lin Hong looked respectful but his eyes shone with ruthless glint. Finally, he got a chance to prove that he could do this right. Those people from the two kingdoms would not be able to look down on him.
"Lin Xiao will meet those from Jade Snow Kingdom while Lin Hong will meet those from Bing Yue Kingdom."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Emperor then looked towards the other two princes. "Upon their arrival in the Capital City, Lin Fei will bring those from Jade Snow Kingdom to the palace and entertain them while Lin Bo Wang will bring those from Bing Yue Kingdom in."
The other two princes quickly bowed down and kneeled. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Prince Lin Hong's eyes gleamed when he heard the instruction. His hand clenched into a fist as he understood that the Emperor was not trusting him fully. By making him and Lin Xiao be the first two to greet, their task was simply to give first impression and to lead them back to the Capital City.
It was like they were nothing more than escort.
The one who would have to work harder would be those who were setting up the banquet, in which fall to Prince Lin Bo Wang and Prince Lin Fei. How could he not understand the Emperor's intention?
It was very clear.
He wanted to make Prince Lin Bo Wang and Prince Lin Fei had good relationship with those from other kingdoms. That way, they would be leaning more towards them and when either one of them become the Crown Prince, they would have substantial backing.
Damn it!
Lin Hong swore internally but he showed nothing on the surface.
The Emperor said a few more words before sending them out as he didn't have any intention to make them stay there. Also, Lin Hong and Lin Xiao were given Transportation Token to be used to transport those entourages.
After he was done, the four princes were kicked out of the hall.
"Let's go back," Lin Xiao said while playing with his token. He didn't think that he would actually be acknowledged like this. It was not bad.
