Chapter 290: Anyway, Xiao Xun Won’t Be Able to Run Away Later!

Dongma Street, Luo City.

After returning from Spring Breeze Tower, Nong Qin walked alone down the street, her mind clearly elsewhere.

Just moments ago, Nong Qin had received an order from the Saintess of the Ten Thousand Demon Sect.

The Ten Thousand Demon Sect also had two spots for the Rootless Secret Realm.

After all, for a neutral Secret Realm like this, if the Demonic Sects weren’t given a share of the spoils,

Then next time, if a Secret Realm appeared in the Demonic Sects’ territory, the other Sects could forget about entering.

Therefore, everyone would temporarily set aside their hostilities, only to fight to the death once inside the Secret Realm.

This had already become a tacitly accepted rule.

Su Ying would personally head to the Rootless Secret Realm this time, and the other person she was taking was Jiang Nongqin.

Jiang Nongqin was quite surprised that Xiao Ying would bring her along.

Because in terms of strength, she wasn’t actually that strong.

Jiang Nongqin was well aware of this fact.

But since the order had been given, Jiang Nongqin had no reason to refuse.

Furthermore, Jiang Nongqin knew that the primary purpose of gathering the rootless fruit this time was for His Highness to consume it to help recover from his injuries.

Given that, Jiang Nongqin was naturally extremely eager to contribute her strength for His Highness, even if it meant her death.

However, the thought of leaving His Highness for a while made Jiang Nongqin lower her gaze slightly.

Sister Qinger had returned to her family home to visit relatives, and if she left as well, who would look after His Highness?

His Highness would surely find cooking troublesome and order takeout instead.

Sometimes, if His Highness felt it was too late, he might not even want to eat at all.

What could be done about this?

With a worried heart, Jiang Nongqin returned to the courtyard. Just as she opened the gate, a letter fluttered down from the gap in the door.

Opening the envelope, Jiang Nongqin’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Draft Recorder? Is His Highness going to take up a post in the Imperial Capital of Qian Kingdom?

If His Highness goes to the Imperial Capital for work, does that mean I won’t be able to live next door to him anymore?”

Jiang Nongqin knew the position of Draft Recorder was very important, involving imperial secrets. Thus, the residence would be on the outskirts of the Imperial Palace, and she wouldn’t be able to move in with His Highness.

Unless His Highness took her with him and she lived in his manor.

But how could that be possible? Sister Qinger wouldn’t allow it either.

For a moment, the young girl’s heart felt as if it had fallen off a cliff; the heart in her chest seemed to have vanished, leaving her feeling empty.

But soon, Jiang Nongqin’s eyes lit up!

Wait?

She had heard that the Empress of Qian Kingdom was recruiting maidservants with clean backgrounds into the palace.

If His Highness really stayed in the Imperial Palace, and if she also entered the palace…

Then she could live in the palace, and during the day, could she and His Highness—

As she thought about it, the girl’s heart rate quickened, and a faint blush rose to her cheeks.

It seemed that His Highness going to the Imperial Capital for work might not be a bad thing after all.

“This is bad! This is really bad!”

That night, Lin Xun lay in a hostel in the Imperial Capital of Qian Kingdom used to receive officials or envoys entering the capital, his mood very complicated.

Lin Xun knew about the position of Draft Recorder.

But in Lin Xun’s memory, there were supposed to be three Draft Recorders!

Meaning they worked in three shifts.

As an Advanced Qian Kingdom civil servant, a Draft Recorder worked eight hours a day.

Outside of working hours, you could choose to go back to sleep or stay in the Imperial Palace.

But you couldn’t wander around. After all, you weren’t a eunuch, and there were so many concubines, talented ladies, and maidservants in the palace. Wandering around would get you executed!

But that was in the past!

Now! Lin Xun heard from a maidservant that he was the only Draft Recorder!

The maidservants who previously handled the duties of Draft Recorder had all been reassigned!

In other words…

If he really became the Draft Recorder,

He would have to live in the small pavilion next to the Imperial Study 24 hours a day! He would be on call at all times!

To put it simply, it was a 007 schedule.

Lin Xun had never seen a Qian Kingdom official more miserable than himself!

When that maidservant saw Lin Xun’s poor complexion, she even specifically comforted him, saying, “Her Majesty is wise. Two days a week, family members are allowed to be brought into the Imperial Palace, so Mr. Lin can see his family.”

Lin Xun: “…”

Say no more.

Lin Xun felt that even if he were any denser, he would know what Sister Mimi was planning.

Setting aside the 007 schedule for a moment.

Mainly, he was afraid that before he had even been in the job for a few days, he would be devoured by Sister Mimi.

“Calm down! Calm down!”

Lying on the bed, Lin Xun took a deep breath.

“Sister Mimi is easy to fool; I can definitely protect my innocence! If Sister Mimi tries anything forceful, I’ll just run! Even if I have to expose my identity as a Cultivator, I’ll run.

Besides, there’s no need to hide the fact that I’m a Cultivator from Sister Mimi.”

After making the decision to “defend his innocence even unto death” for Qinger’s sake, Lin Xun closed his eyes to sleep.

But with his eyes closed, Lin Xun thought again.

If the other side had too many people and the Imperial Palace Enshrined were too strong, and he was captured, he couldn’t be blamed, right?

Qinger would probably forgive him, right?

Inside the Imperial Study, memorials were stacked on the table like a small mountain.

Since yesterday, the Empress of Qian Kingdom hadn’t looked at a single memorial.

At this moment, the young woman was pacing back and forth in the Imperial Study, her floor-length Dragon robe trailing behind her. The already clean floor was now becoming even more polished.

Seeing the girl’s current state, Le Sha couldn’t help but sigh.

And she said she wouldn’t let male beauty ruin the country.

The person hadn’t even arrived yet, and she was already like this.

If that Lin Pei really entered the palace, wouldn’t she be holding him all day, not letting go for even a moment?

Just as the Empress of Qian Kingdom’s pacing grew faster, the maidservant who had gone to Luo City to deliver the decree entered the Imperial Study, bowing low:

“Reporting to Your Majesty, Mr. Lin Pei of Luo City is already resting at the inn.”

“Xiao Xun.” The Empress of Qian Kingdom’s eyes instantly lit up, like ten thousand lamps suddenly being lit as night falls.

Noticing Le Sha’s gaze, Xia Xiaomeng realized she had lost her composure. She clenched her fist and gave a fake cough, forcing herself to say calmly:

“Lin Pei has arrived?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“In that case, have him enter the palace to have an audience with me.” Xia Xiaomeng felt the little deer in her chest was about to jump out of her throat.

She was finally going to see Xiao Xun!

Back in Luo City, she couldn’t do anything to Xiao Xun.

But now, as long as he entered the Imperial Palace, he would be on her turf, and Xiao Xun would find it impossible to escape.

As soon as Xia Xiaomeng finished speaking, Le Sha closed her eyes helplessly, while the maidservant doubted her own ears.

An audience?

Now?

But it was nighttime.

Although Her Majesty was the sovereign, she was still a woman. Was it really appropriate to have an audience now?

Furthermore, according to etiquette, Mr. Lin was supposed to be publicly appointed in court tomorrow before he could enter the inner palace.

“Your Majesty… really at this— this—”

The maidservant thought Her Majesty was so eager for talent that she was overlooking these details.

The maidservant wanted to remind Her Majesty, but didn’t know how.

If she wasn’t tactful enough, she would be committing an offense against her superior.

“Your Majesty, Mr. Lin is surely exhausted after his long journey. It would be quite inappropriate to have an audience now, and it goes against the rules,”

Le Sha stepped forward and said.

“Even if Your Majesty feels there’s no need for trivial formalities, it would have a significant impact on Mr. Lin’s reputation and his future career.”

“In that case…” Xia Xiaomeng’s brows furrowed slightly, her small hand clutching her yellow robe.

She really wanted Lin Xun to enter the palace immediately; she wanted to hold Xiao Xun and sleep together tonight.

But the thought that she would indeed affect Xiao Xun’s reputation stopped her.

If those censors found out, it would be quite troublesome.

In the end, Xia Xiaomeng could only give up.

It’s fine! Just endure a bit longer! Anyway, Xiao Xun won’t be able to run away later!

“Since that’s the case, let’s follow the previous procedure. Tomorrow at the morning court, have Lin Pei come to report.”

“Yes.”

The maidservant breathed a sigh of relief and quickly withdrew.

“Oh, you.”

Le Sha walked up to Xia Xiaomeng and tapped her forehead with a finger.

“And you said you wouldn’t let male beauty ruin the country. Look at you, what have you become?”

“Master, I miss him.” Xia Xiaomeng pulled on Le Sha’s small hand, looking somewhat aggrieved, her feelings of longing seemingly about to overflow.

Seeing her only Disciple missing a man to such an extent, Le Sha also felt a bit of heartache.

But before Le Sha could open her mouth to comfort her, Xia Xiaomeng quickly pulled Le Sha to the wardrobe:

“Master, what do you think I should wear to see Xiao Xun?

Will this dress be too gaudy?

How about this one? It’s quite elegant. Xiao Xun should like it, but there’s a bit too much fabric.

Master, do you know? Xiao Xun actually really likes a woman’s thighs and slender feet.

Master, do you think if I leave my ankles bare tomorrow, shorten the hem of the skirt, and tie a silk garter around my thigh, Xiao Xun will really like it?”

Watching the girl take out one outfit after another, Le Sha closed her eyes.

Le Sha felt that at this moment, the girl would like nothing more than to tie Lin Pei up, throw him onto the bed, and then crawl under the covers with him.

Le Sha no longer wanted to say anything.

In the early morning, Lin Xun was woken up by a knock on the door.

Lin Xun took out his self-made pocket watch to take a look!

Damn it!

Isn’t it only four o’clock?

It was the middle of winter, and the sun wasn’t even up yet.

Wasn’t the morning court at eight o’clock?

Opening the door, the lead maidservant bowed and said, “Sorry to disturb your rest,” before entering the room quite naturally, without a hint of actually feeling like she was “disturbing” him.

She still looked just as haughty.

Actually, Lin Xun could understand.

This maidservant was named Lin Yuanyuan, the one who had picked Lin Xun up. Only later did Lin Xun learn she was Sister Mimi’s personal maidservant.

As the personal maidservant of the Empress of Qian Kingdom, being haughty was normal.

In fact, they had to be haughty.

Because sometimes, they represented the Empress herself.

Anyway, as far as Lin Xun was concerned, they could be however they wanted, as long as they were loyal to Sister Mimi.

Lin Yuanyuan waved her hand, and in the next moment, several maidservants entered carrying various garments.

Not only that, but Lin Yuanyuan even closed the door and intended to strip Lin Xun of his clothes!

“Wait! What are you doing?”

Lin Xun tried to resist!

But in the end, he chose to just lie there.

Half an incense stick later, the sixth-rank official uniform was already on Lin Xun’s body.

Lin Xun had thought the official uniform would be extremely bulky, but to his surprise, it was actually quite form-fitting! And very slimming!

The snow-white trim and the mutton-fat jade hairpin on his head complemented each other, subtly highlighting his figure.

His smile held a bit of the carefree air of a romantic youth.

His chin was slightly raised, and in the center of his almond-shaped eyes, there was a brilliance like a galaxy.

Dressed in pale green silk robes, he carried a woody fragrance different from orchid or musk.

The clouds at the horizon were slowly receding, leaving a faint, glazed sky.

His posture was elegant, still retaining a lean, frost-like grace.

Lin Xun’s body was very sturdy, yet he had a scholarly air. Standing before everyone, he actually gave off the feeling of a Confucian general.

Lin Xun looked down at himself; except for the clothes being green, everything was quite good.

Looking at Lin Xun’s attire, Lin Yuanyuan and the other maidservants were dazed for a long time.

They hadn’t noticed before, only thinking this man was incredibly casual, even having the feeling of a wild scholar’s unbridled nature.

But they hadn’t expected that once he was dressed up, he would actually look quite handsome!

“Hmph!” Lin Yuanyuan coughed, forcing herself to snap out of it. “Today at court, there are some etiquettes to explain to you. Please remember everything I say next; you must not violate them!”

Over the next two-plus hours, Lin Yuanyuan spoke about the tedious etiquette of attending court.

Hearing it made Lin Xun’s scalp tingle.

Lin Xun never would have thought that attending a court session would involve so much detail.

Even when entering the palace hall, you had to step in with your right foot first; otherwise, you might be impeached!

Damn it! You can even be impeached for that?

At seven o’clock, Lin Xun was led by Lin Yuanyuan toward the Imperial Palace of Qian Kingdom.

As the largest Mortal Dynasty on the Qianye Continent, although it had gone through a period of military chaos, a lean camel is still bigger than a horse, and its strength remained at the top of the Mortal Dynasties of the Qianye Continent.

Furthermore, the Empress of Qian Kingdom was diligent in her governance. Whether it was her methods or policies, they were all extremely enlightened, adapting to the local conditions and the specific situation.

In a very short time, the Qian Kingdom had regained its Origin Qi, and by now, it was even more prosperous than before!

Added to that was the rumor that the immortal from the heavens, the number one beauty under heaven of the Zilin Holy Land, was the younger sister of the Empress of Qian Kingdom, which further added to the security of the Qian Kingdom!

Just walking through the Imperial Palace and seeing those officials heading to court, the confidence on their faces and the briskness of their steps reminded Lin Xun of the Great Tang Dynasty, the world’s leader in his previous life.

This was the kind of confidence that only a sufficiently powerful Dynasty could have!

“Are these Sister Mimi’s subordinates? They look quite good.”

Lin Xun used his Qi Observation Technique to take a look.

A small number of officials had rather turbid Qi, mostly the older officials.

But most of the officials had clear Qi, and almost all of them were young people.

Having clear Qi didn’t mean they had never done anything bad.

No one is perfect; no one has never done something wrong.

For example, stepping on an ant could, in a sense, be considered a bad deed.

However, these people held firm to their beliefs, feeling that what they did was worthy of the world, worthy of the people, and worthy of their own consciences.

Therefore, Qi is born from the heart. Since they had no guilt in their hearts, they were upright.

And that was enough.

Some officials noticed a strange face looking at them; some nodded in greeting, while others ignored him. In any case, basically none of them took Lin Xun to heart.

“Attending court for the first time, it’s inevitable to be nervous. It’s impossible for you to remember all the details of the etiquette, but no matter what, if you treat the monarch with sincerity, there won’t be any major problems.”

Before the Great Hall, Lin Yuanyuan gave her final reminder, still with her haughty little chin tilted up.

“Thank you for the reminder, miss.”

Lin Xun stepped into the Great Hall.

But as soon as he entered, Lin Xun froze for a moment.

Which foot did I just lead with?