The moment he stepped inside, Mo Han saw that more than a dozen ministers were already standing in the room. He recognized most of them, including the Fourth Prince, Long Yun, but there were a few faces he hadn't seen before.

Seeing Mo Han enter, the ministers who knew him immediately offered him warm smiles and nods. Mo Han was currently the most prominent figure in the Tianlong Empire; no one dared to slight him anymore.

The Emperor was also looking at Mo Han with a smile. Just as Mo Han was about to offer a bow, the Emperor spoke, "Duke Mo Han, spare the formalities. Didn't I tell you yesterday? You don't need to bow to me anymore."

Mo Han could only nod upon hearing this. "If that is the Emperor's will, I thank Your Majesty."

The ministers in the hall were astonished by the Emperor's words. To be permitted to dispense with bowing before the Emperor—what an astonishing honor! Since the founding of the Tianlong Empire, no subject had ever enjoyed such privilege. The gazes they directed at Mo Han immediately filled with a degree of envy.

As soon as Mo Han finished speaking, Long Yun, standing at the front of the hall, stepped forward. "There was so much happening yesterday that I didn't have a chance to thank you properly, Your Grace. Long Yun thanks you here for saving my father the Emperor's life."

With that said, Long Yun actually made a move to bend at the waist towards Mo Han. Mo Han inwardly cautioned himself—though Long Yun was outwardly humble and courteous, Mo Han sensed this person was not simple, giving him a distinctly uncomfortable feeling. He quickly raised his hands in a gesture of refusal. "Your Highness the Fourth Prince is too kind. Mo Han merely did what anyone in my position would have done. Your Highness need not be so."

Long Yun, however, spoke with earnest solemnity. "Duke, there is no need for modesty. Saving the life of my father is tantamount to saving the entire Tianlong Empire; therefore, this gesture of respect is rightfully yours to accept."

After concluding his statement, he performed a respectful bow to Mo Han. Seeing this, Mo Han couldn't be bothered to stop him, thinking to himself, If he insists on bowing, that is his own affair.

The Emperor merely watched the scene unfold with a gentle smile, nodding in satisfaction.

Mo Han understood that Long Yun’s true intention was to curry favor with the Emperor to bolster his chances of future succession to the throne. However, Mo Han had little interest in the power struggles of the royal court and chose to ignore the gesture.

Just as Long Yun finished his bow, another young man standing beside him spoke up. "My fourth brother is correct. The Duke’s actions can be said to have salvaged the destiny of the Tianlong Empire; thus, he deserves my respects as well."

With that, he also offered a bow to Mo Han.

Mo Han observed that this man’s attire was similar to the Fourth Prince’s—both wore official imperial robes—and he had referred to the Fourth Prince as "younger brother." Mo Han instantly realized this must be the First Prince, Long Fei. Both Long Fei and Long Yun were widely considered the most likely candidates for the throne, so naturally, seeing Long Yun praised by the Emperor, Long Fei was unwilling to be left behind.

Indeed, after Long Fei finished bowing, Long Yun spoke up to explain to Mo Han, "This is my elder brother, Long Fei. Duke, this is likely the first time you’ve met him."

Mo Han understood his guess was correct. He nodded. "I have long heard of the First Prince's great renown. To meet you today is truly Mo Han's fortune."

The First Prince quickly replied with a smile, "I, too, have long heard of the Duke's heroic deeds and hold you in high esteem. I should have paid you a visit long ago, but I have been tied up with various matters until now. I hope the Duke does not mind the delay."

Mo Han offered polite acknowledgments in return. At this point, the Emperor spoke up. "Duke, what business brings you to the palace this time?" Hearing this, Mo Han immediately responded, "Actually, I have come to request leave from Your Majesty. I have lingered here too long and wish to venture out to gain more experience and broaden my horizons. I hope to receive Your Majesty's permission."

When the Emperor heard Mo Han’s words, his tone shifted to disappointment. "Must the Duke depart so soon? I still hoped to find an opportunity to properly thank you. Can you not stay a while longer?"

Mo Han smiled slightly. "I have actually been here for a considerable time, and I still have many matters left unattended. Therefore, I must regretfully decline Your Majesty's kind offer. I hope Your Majesty can understand."

Hearing this, the Emperor could only reply with a note of disappointment. "Since that is the case, I shall not press the Duke further. However, I hope that when you have taken care of your affairs, you will remember to return. I will be waiting for you here."

Hearing the Emperor’s response, Mo Han quickly nodded. "Your Majesty, rest assured. Once my matters are settled, I will certainly return."

The Emperor then continued, "You saved my life last night, and I have nothing grand to reward you with. How about this: I shall grant you another five hundred mu of fiefdom, bringing your total land holding to one thousand five hundred mu along with your original territory. Do you have any other requests?"

Mo Han immediately expressed his heartfelt gratitude, stating he was already exceedingly satisfied.

One thousand five hundred mu—how vast a territory that truly was! Mo Han had never dared to imagine such a thing before, especially with the land situated near the Imperial City. Thinking of this, Mo Han was nearly giddy with suppressed glee. A sudden thought sparked in his mind: if he opened a real estate company here, wouldn't he make a fortune? No, he must plan this carefully for when he returns. The plan seemed viable; the land was his, a business venture with no initial outlay, hehe.

With this thought, a smile involuntarily touched the corners of Mo Han's mouth.

Just then, the Emperor seemed to recall something and suddenly added, "Oh, speaking of which, I wanted to ask you—you still haven't selected the fiefdom I initially instructed you to choose, have you? Since you are leaving in a few days, perhaps you should settle this matter first?"

Mo Han nodded in response. "To be honest, I am not very familiar with these details. I was planning to ask General Murong to help me select the site, and General Murong can handle the specific planning aspects as well."

The Emperor smiled knowingly. "That is wise. I had forgotten—General Murong also issued an announcement that whoever could cure Miss Murong’s ailment would be betrothed to her. Since you saved Miss Murong, you are practically half a son-in-law to the Murong family. It is certainly appropriate for General Murong to manage this matter."

Mo Han felt a flicker of awkwardness at this, but he didn't voice a rebuttal, offering only a slight smile.

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