Chapter 1608: Greeting Old Friends
When the crowd on the wall sighed over how the Xia Kingdom would soon change, the First Princess led Qin Zhenjiang, Qin Zhulu, and the rest towards Li Luo. The face that was once beautiful and charming now had a sense of regal majesty to it as she had grown into her position of authority over the years.
"It's good to see you after many years, Li Luo and Qing'e. The two of you are even more graceful than before." First Princess Gong Luanyu gave a refreshing smile as she looked at the couple with a thoughtful look in her eyes.
Li Luo clasped his fist respectfully with a smile. "It has been a while since we’ve met, First Princess. No, perhaps it’s more appropriate to call you ‘Your Majesty.’"
She helplessly replied, "Honorable Li Luo, please don't tease me. I'm merely the ruler of a small country. I simply can't bear to receive such praise from someone with your status and background. If you still care about our relationship from the past, you can address me as ‘Luanyu.’"
She had managed the royal court for years at this point and had gained a shrewd nature out of necessity. The moment Li Luo returned with the figurative cavalry, she knew that he was no longer the downtrodden Young Lord of House Luolan. In fact, it wasn't only her—perhaps no emperor or ruler in the entire East Divine Continent would dare to put on airs before him.
That was without even taking his lofty background into consideration. Just the terrifying army he led was more than powerful enough to vanquish the entire Xia Kingdom.
Li Luo grinned as he understood the meaning behind the First Princess' words. "You provided crucial support during the Housemeet, First Princess. That was akin to delivering coal in the deepest winter. Furthermore, you have watched over House Luolan during my absence. This is a favor that I will forever engrave in my heart. When the Xia Kingdom returns to a state of normalcy, it will be up to you and the royal court to restore peace."
He had no interest in letting House Luolan take over the royal court and become the ruler of the Xia Kingdom. If he did so, the pure memories he had of House Luolan would undoubtedly be tainted. As for the elders who wish to broaden their horizons, he could bring them back to the Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li, which was certainly more attractive than remaining here either way.
Jiang Qing'e, on the other hand, gave the First Princess a warm and genial smile, not speaking a word and leaving it all to Li Luo. Li Luo was no longer the Young Lord with a blank palace who required her constant protection. He was now the sixth Lineage Chief of the Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li. As he had emerged victorious at the Housemeet, he was officially the House Lord of House Luolan as well.