Hearing this, Li Ge carefully scrutinized the man before her. His skin wasn't the dull shade typical of men, but rather pale, with fine pores visible in the sunlight. His handsome eyebrows arched elegantly, and his deep, profound eyes were as captivating as a dark pool. His nose was high and straight, and his thin lips were a cherry blossom pink, tempting one to taste them. His entire face was undeniably beautiful, to the point of inciting envy and resentment.
After a long moment, Li Ge nodded affirmatively, repeating herself several times, afraid he wouldn't believe her, "Mo is handsome, even more handsome than me!"
In Li Ge's heart, Mo was the most handsome man in the world.
Li Ge's earnest and adorable manner made Ling Mo chuckle. He pulled her into his arms and said in a low, pleasant voice, "As long as you think so, that's enough."
No one knew the worry hidden in Ling Mo's heart. Nowadays, women favored men with beautiful appearances and distinct personalities. While his own appearance was passable, his cold, lifeless personality was something most women actively avoided. That man, however, possessed a fiery and handsome appearance, and despite his violent temper, women still flocked to him like moths to a flame. Such a likable man must have some way of winning women's hearts. And Li Ge was so pure and kind. The worry he had hidden deep within his heart overcame his reason, prompting him to ask such a ridiculous question.
"Of course, I like Mo the most."
Because the Prince of Linjun was about to arrive, Emperor Ling Ji, with the consent of the Prince of Lanhan, postponed the banquet until Qin Lie's arrival.
Three days later, the Prince of Linjun finally arrived in Chaofeng, amidst the complex emotions of its people.
The Prince of Linjun's reputation was known throughout the world. Many citizens of Chaofeng had already witnessed their nation's supreme Qingyi Prince, and were naturally curious about this Prince of Linjun, who was considered his equal. However, rumors said that the Prince of Linjun was exceptionally handsome but incredibly cruel. Therefore, people both hoped to see the prince with their own eyes and feared provoking him, leading to a gruesome fate. The Prince of Linjun never took the law seriously, acting solely on his own preferences. Even in Chaofeng, he could kill whomever he pleased.
Therefore, in a tavern near Chaoyang Street, the largest street in the capital, people were excitedly discussing the glorious deeds of the Qingyi Prince and the Prince of Linjun. At that moment, someone asked, "This brother is wrong. Even if the Prince of Linjun is powerful, he is still in our Chaofeng. Will our Qingyi Prince just let that prince run rampant?"
The man's question didn't receive any agreement, but rather several scornful glances. Immediately, someone answered, "This brother isn't from the capital, is he? Our Chaofeng Qingyi Prince is the only one who can rival the Prince of Linjun, but he's the type to stay out of things that don't concern him. As long as it doesn't involve him, even if someone attacks Chaofeng, as long as the Qingyi Prince isn't unhappy, he won't intervene."
"That's right. I heard that ten years ago, the Prince of Linjun killed a subordinate of the Qingyi Prince, which angered the Prince, and that's how the war escalated." another person added as an example.
In a corner of the tavern, two men were quietly drinking wine, while eavesdropping on these people's gossip. Of course, only one of them was actually listening. The man with a refined face smiled at the icy man beside him. He took a sip of wine and then said to the other, "Jian Luo, I didn't know that ten years ago, the Lord fought with Qin Lie because of a subordinate. Could it be that the Lord has other forces hidden from us?"
Although it was a question, his face was full of trust in his Lord.
Indeed, these two were Jian Luo and Dongfang Ji, who had been dragged out for some entertainment.
Dongfang Ji's words didn't arouse any interest in Jian Luo. He simply didn't want to stay in the manor and disturb the Lord and Li Ge, so he reluctantly accompanied this gossip-loving Dongfang Ji. Seeing how lively it was outside, if he hadn't been naturally lacking in facial expressions, Jian Luo would have rolled his eyes.
So Qin Lie was just a little more handsome? Was that a reason for the entire capital to discuss him?
Jian Luo's indifference didn't dampen the atmosphere. Dongfang Ji continued to talk to himself, "Now I finally understand what 'three people make a tiger' means. Who is so talented to come up with such a reason? It's really unbelievable. But, Jian Luo, do you think that Qin Lie will wait until after our Lord's wedding to leave?"
"Don't know." The cold reply was all he received.
Dongfang Ji wasn't annoyed. He sighed to himself, "I wonder—"
Before Dongfang Ji could finish speaking, a loud shout suddenly erupted outside, "He's here! He's here!"
The excitement outside infected the tavern. Those who had been discussing just a moment ago fell silent, and then, one by one, they rushed towards the door, shouting, "Finally, we can see the legendary Prince of Linjun!"
A moment later, the once crowded hall was left with only the two men in the corner. Even the tavern waiters stretched their necks to look outside.
This scene made Dongfang Ji scoff, "Is it that exaggerated? That prince is far inferior to our Lord. I want to see if this prince is any more handsome than he was ten years ago."
He was about to pull Jian Luo up.
Before Dongfang Ji could reach him, Jian Luo flicked his hand, and Jian Luo stumbled forward. When Dongfang Ji regained his composure, he could only see Jian Luo's back.
"I'm going back to the manor to have a look." Jian Luo's voice came from a distance.
Shaking his head, Dongfang Ji glanced at the towering figure and waved his fan, following after him. It was better to go back to the manor and see his Lord than to look at that Prince of Linjun.
This street in the capital was wide enough for ten people to stand side by side, and the Prince of Linjun's eight-horse carriage occupied the entire street. Dongfang Ji hadn't had time to catch up with Jian Luo when he was squeezed by the crowd towards the carriage.