After saying this, Daisy gave Rou Xue a meaningful smile. Rou Xue quickly changed the subject in a fluster, saying, "Sister Daisy, I'm hungry.
What are we having for breakfast?" Seeing this, Daisy didn't press the issue, smiling as she said, "Breakfast has been ready for a while. Come, let me take you there?
Xue'er, you come along too? Everyone go eat first, and we'll train later." Daisy spoke to Mo Han and the others.
Hearing Daisy's words, Latin and the others acted as if they had found a savior, quickly thanking her profusely, ignoring Mo Han, and practically fleeing toward the dining hall. This sight made Daisy shake her head with a smile, and she said to Mo Han, "How do you train them?
Look how scared you've made them. Really." Hearing this, Mo Han immediately shook his head innocently and said, "Hehe, not at all.
I just want to improve their strength a bit. How is that mistreating them?
These guys are just overreacting. Let's go eat first, or I suspect if we wait for these guys to finish eating, we'll only be left with plain congee." With that, he didn't wait for Daisy or the others and hurried toward the dining hall himself, drawing another smile from Rou Xue.
After everyone finished breakfast, Mo Han and Daisy were chatting pleasantly in the main hall. Just then, Marco rushed in, sweat pouring down his face, gasping for breath, "Your Grace the Duke, hurry...
hurry..." This left everyone puzzled. Daisy quickly said, "Uncle Marco, is there an emergency?
Rest a moment before you speak. Don't rush." Hearing this, Marco quickly took the tea offered by Latin and drank a large gulp.
Catching his breath, he managed to say, "Miss Daisy, if we delay any longer, it will be too late. The Emperor has arrived!
His Imperial Majesty is nearly at the gate; we are waiting for His Grace the Duke to go out and receive him." Hearing Marco's words, everyone in the hall was greatly startled, never expecting the Emperor to come in person. In the minds of the people of this era, the Emperor was equivalent to Heaven itself.
Everyone panicked, and even Mo Han was slightly caught off guard. Why didn't this old Emperor give any warning before coming, so he could at least prepare?
Now everything was so rushed. Thinking of this, Mo Han couldn't help but grumble, "The Emperor could just come whenever.
He doesn't even give a heads-up, pulling a surprise attack like this—it just leaves people scrambling, doesn't it?" Hearing Mo Han mutter this, everyone in the hall looked at him as if he were a monster. Ordinary people would dream of the Emperor visiting their home just so their family could achieve glory, yet Mo Han was complaining about the Emperor's sudden arrival.
Isn't that just asking for trouble? If anyone else heard those words, it could easily become a capital offense.
Murong Feixue quickly interjected, "Big Brother Mo Han. Don't talk nonsense!
It is an honor for the Emperor to grace us with his presence; it's something ordinary people wish for but rarely attain. In my memory, the Emperor rarely leaves the residence.
Even our Murong Manor has only been visited twice by His Majesty. You can see how rare this opportunity is.
If anyone heard what you just said, those ministers would surely charge you with high treason." Daisy also quickly chimed in, "You always talk nonsense. This is something nobles dream of, and you dare speak ill of it?
Hurry up and go welcome His Majesty!" Rebuked by the two beautiful women, Mo Han could only say awkwardly, "Hehe, I was just letting off steam, nothing more. Just saying.
I'll go right now." With that, he quickly left. Daisy and the others immediately instructed Marco to quickly arrange the main hall, and then they followed Mo Han's direction.
According to imperial decree, the entire family must come out to welcome the Emperor. Since Daisy and the others were now considered half-mistresses of the Duke's residence, their presence was naturally required.
As for Rou Xue, she maintained an air of indifference. In her eyes, the human Emperor was probably no different from a commoner.
She wasn't even afraid of her own father, the Holy Dragon Clan Leader, let alone the Emperor of the Sky Dragon Empire. Therefore, she remained unhurriedly seated in the living room, sipping tea, showing no sign of moving.
When Mo Han and the others arrived at the Duke's residence entrance, they found the main gates already wide open. On the expansive street outside the manor, two factions of the Sky Dragon Empire's Imperial Guards were densely arrayed, blocking the entire street.
Civilians and nobles could only stand along the sides of the street, watching from a distance. An imperial procession was not something common people saw often; some might not even encounter it in a lifetime.
Naturally, everyone wanted a glimpse of the Emperor's majesty to satisfy their curiosity, and the street was immediately packed shoulder-to-shoulder. Seeing this formation, Mo Han couldn't help but secretly marvel.
Damn, the Emperor certainly has a different presence when he goes out. Before he's even arrived, the sheer aura is terrifying enough to make the faint-hearted ill.
Heh, perhaps it would be quite nice if I had such a display when I go out, Mo Han mused proudly in his mind. Just then, at the end of the street, a massive procession slowly emerged.
Leading the way were fifty Golden Warriors, entirely encased in golden armor. Even their warhorses were protected by a layer of golden plating.
They moved in formation—ten abreast—occupying more than half of the wide street, five rows in total, presenting a truly magnificent sight. Most peculiar were the warhorses beneath them; as they moved, there was no characteristic clatter of hooves heard, the sound almost imperceptible.
Clearly, the horseshoes must have been specially treated. If this formation were used for a surprise attack, success would be almost guaranteed; any inattentive enemy would certainly suffer losses.
Furthermore, the horses themselves were a head taller than ordinary warhorses, suggesting they were top-tier mounts specially selected. The riders on the horses all wore expressions of intense seriousness, vigilantly scanning their surroundings.
As the horses advanced, the riders' bodies remained utterly still, as if their lower halves were rooted to the saddles. Judging by the aura radiating from them, Mo Han knew these men were at least Sword Masters, with quite a few exhibiting the skill levels of Intermediate and Advanced Sword Masters among them.
The warrior leading the group was particularly striking, possessing a level that surpassed that of a Great Sword Master, his face rugged and intensely focused on the path ahead. It seemed as if the people surrounding him barely existed in his perception—an obviously formidable opponent.
Of course, Mo Han was the exception; with his current Sword Saint strength, he could certainly defeat the leader, though it might take a bit of effort. Such a force was enough to give anyone pause.
Mo Han recalled Murong Feixue mentioning this group to him. These men were known in the Sky Dragon Empire as the elite of the elite, called the 'Golden Knights.' They were handpicked elites chosen from the officers of the Sky Dragon Legion, each possessing skills and reactions that made them one in a hundred.
Unfortunately, their numbers were small, reportedly only eight hundred in total. Otherwise, they might truly be unrivaled in the world.
But even with only eight hundred, they possessed the strength to hold off ten thousand men. They were the Sky Dragon Emperor's final trump card, rarely deployed, usually undergoing specialized training in a secret location.
They would not normally appear unless under the Emperor's specific command. Murong Feixue had only seen them once, long ago when the Emperor visited the Murong family.
Their appearance now suggested the Emperor was showing Mo Han considerable respect. Following closely behind the Golden Knights was a colossal golden carriage, adorned with painted images of soaring dragons.
It was drawn slowly toward the Duke's residence by twenty-four magnificent, tall horses, making steady progress. Surrounding the carriage were numerous soldiers from the Sky Dragon Knights of the Sky Dragon Legion, acting as guards.
No one but the Emperor's personal transport commanded such an imposing escort. Mo Han had seen this carriage before, during Murong Feixue's marriage selection tournament.
No one else dared use a dragon motif; even the highest-ranking Dukes in the Empire only used up to twelve warhorses. No one dared hitch twenty-four horses to a carriage, as it would be seen as courting death—'a centenarian hanging himself, wishing for a short life.' The honor guard alone numbered several hundred, not to mention the Sky Dragon soldiers guarding the streets on both sides.
A single trip by the Emperor was truly a massive undertaking, involving no fewer than several thousand people. It was undeniably magnificent.
The golden carriage slowly drew up before the entrance of the Duke's residence. Seeing this, Mo Han dared not delay, quickly stepping forward.
He bowed respectfully toward the carriage and announced, "Your subject Mo Han greets Your Majesty. May His Majesty live ten thousand, ten thousand, ten thousand years." Following Mo Han, Daisy and the others behind him bowed respectfully to the Emperor.
Mo Han was also someone who understood the importance of context. It didn't matter if he was casual normally, but with so many people present, he absolutely had to observe proper etiquette.
Otherwise, if the Emperor lost face, it would reflect poorly on him. Moreover, the Emperor had genuinely treated him well, so Mo Han offered this bow willingly, and it was the first time he referred to himself as 'subject' rather than 'I.' The Emperor's authoritative voice sounded from within the carriage: "Prince Mo Han, rise quickly.
Heh heh, didn't I tell you that you would be exempt from kneeling when you see me? Why did you forget?
Stand up." Hearing the Emperor address Mo Han as Prince, Daisy and the others were astonished, wondering when Mo Han had become a Prince. Wasn't he a Duke?
However, it couldn't entirely be blamed on Mo Han. Daisy and Murong Feixue had been absent after Mo Han returned yesterday, and when he did return, Rou Xue caused such a stir that he never managed to inform Daisy and the others.
Thus, they naturally were unaware. Mo Han quickly expressed his thanks.
Then, the Emperor stepped down from the carriage and said with a smile, "Heh heh, I've arrived uninvited today. Prince, you don't blame me for being too sudden, do you?" Hearing this, Mo Han recalled his earlier complaints and felt a flicker of embarrassment.
He quickly replied, "Your Majesty is joking. Your coming here is Mo Han's honor; how could it be sudden?
Please, Your Majesty, enter quickly." With that, he stepped aside to clear a path, indicating the Emperor should enter first. The Emperor smiled and replied, "Heh heh, of course, I must enter.
But before we go in, I have one more matter to attend to." Seeing the puzzled looks on Mo Han and the others, the Emperor smiled and said, "Has the Prince forgotten? Didn't I promise to confer the title of Prince upon you yesterday?
Today, I am here to fulfill that promise, heh heh." After saying this, the Emperor waved his hand grandly. Immediately, several guards from the Golden Knights carried an object covered with a red cloth toward the entrance of the Duke's residence, stopping only when they reached the doorway.
Observing Mo Han's confused gaze, the Emperor, showing a rare hint of playfulness, said, "Prince, take a guess what is inside?" Mo Han had actually guessed that the item was likely a plaque or something similar, but seeing the Emperor in such a good mood, he didn't want to interrupt his enthusiasm. He could only feign confusion and reply, "Your Majesty is the true Son of Heaven, whose actions are often unexpected and can cause great shock.
How could Mo Han possibly guess? Your Majesty rates Mo Han too highly." Hearing Mo Han's reply, the Emperor looked at him meaningfully, a faint smile playing on his lips.
He said, "I didn't expect the Prince had learned the art of flattery as well, heh heh. This is quite beyond my expectations." The Emperor had clearly seen through Mo Han's intention, which was why he said those words.
Mo Han chuckled sheepishly upon hearing this and replied, "What is Your Majesty saying? Mo Han doesn't understand.
Everything Mo Han says is the plain truth; where is the flattery?" Seeing this, the Emperor said no more, only offering a slight smile. Then, the Emperor slowly walked toward the object covered by the red cloth.
He reached out and pulled the cloth away. Beneath it was a golden plaque engraved with flowing, majestic characters: 'Prince Kang's Manor.' Beside the plaque was the Emperor's personal inscription.
The Emperor then said cheerfully, "I now formally confer upon you the title of Prince Kang. The meaning is my hope that Prince Kang will bring days of happiness and peace to the countless people of the Sky Dragon Empire.
I hope you will not disappoint my expectations." This action by the Emperor was quite unexpected for Mo Han. Hearing this, Mo Han quickly replied with a look of deep gratitude, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your high regard.
Mo Han will certainly exert every effort and will never fail to meet Your Majesty's expectations." The Emperor laughed and said, "Enough standing outside; let's go inside to talk." With that, he took the lead, heading toward the residence which had now been formally renamed the Prince's Manor. Mo Han quickly followed, guiding everyone into the manor.
The Emperor proceeded directly into the main hall, which Marco had already ordered to be redecorated and prepared. Just as he was about to take the main seat, he saw a young man dressed in white already sitting there in a relaxed manner, sipping tea.
Upon seeing the Emperor arrive, he showed no sign of welcoming him, remaining self-occupied as if he hadn't noticed the assembled party. Mo Han immediately recognized the person: it could only be Rou Xue, the Princess of the Holy Dragon Clan.
He couldn't help but feel anxious. This girl—her Holy Dragon Clan might not fear the Sky Dragon Empire, but he was now a Prince of that empire.
Her sitting there like that was clearly an insult to him. Just then, Marco spoke to Mo Han with a look of panic, "Your Grace the Duke, please forgive me.
I already asked Princess Rou Xue to leave, but she simply wouldn't listen to me. Furthermore, she is a distinguished guest of Your Grace and Miss Daisy, so I had no recourse.
Mo Han waved his hand, indicating he understood, and was about to speak when he heard the Emperor ask Mo Han with a smile, "May I ask who this young lady in the hall is?" With the Emperor's eyesight, he could naturally tell at a glance that Rou Xue was disguised as a man, which prompted his inquiry. Feeling somewhat awkward, Mo Han walked to the Emperor's side and whispered, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this person is the princess involved in the plan I mentioned to you yesterday.
However, her cultivation is profound, and she is unfamiliar with the etiquette of our human race, so I am temporarily at a loss on how to handle her. I beg Your Majesty's indulgence; I will go ask her to leave immediately." As Mo Han finished speaking, ready to move, the Emperor smiled and spoke, "So that is the case.
No need. Let her sit if she wishes; it is only a seat.
Isn't there another seat next to her? I shall sit there." Mo Han actually knew that once the Emperor learned of Rou Xue's true identity, he wouldn't let her leave, which was why Mo Han had deliberately said what he did.
Otherwise, forcing Mo Han to ask this 'she-dragon' to depart was something he had absolutely no confidence in handling; who knew if Rou Xue would cooperate? Besides, Mo Han couldn't defeat her right now.
Fortunately, the outcome was as Mo Han had anticipated: upon hearing of Rou Xue's identity as a Dragon Clan Princess, the Emperor intervened to stop Mo Han.