After returning to the capital, Lin Feilu went all over the palace and chose the most suitable gifts for everyone. Seeing the happy smiles on their faces when they received the gifts gave her a sense of accomplishment.

Now that the situation in the court was stable, Prime Minister Ruan had returned to his hometown as the Ruan family had wholly given up the idea of winning the war for the throne.

Lin Qing’s status as the Crown Prince was completely stable, but he had never been a rash person either. Now, he just needed to abide by his duty and retain his sharpness. By waiting patiently, that position would be his sooner or later. Before that happened, there was absolutely no need to cause Emperor Lin to be dissatisfied or jealous of the Crown Prince. Then again, Lin Qing himself was too much of a filial son even to consider such a thing.

Without anything holding him back any longer, Lin Ting announced his departure to Emperor Lin after bidding his farewells one by one.

As King Qi, he still held an official position in the court, but this resignation meant his complete farewell to the officialdom.

According to Emperor Lin’s wishes, as long as the Ruan family halted their attempts, Lin Ting, as King Qi, would still be able to participate in the politics of the royal court. After all, he was the eldest son, who was both erudite and talented. The child that had a heart big enough for the world, paired with amazing talents and practical skills.

However, Lin Ting was determined to leave. Considering his previous depressive mental state, Emperor Lin couldn’t force him to stay, so he could only agree.

Lin Feilu originally wanted to stay with him for another month and leave after his 15th birthday, but she didn’t insist much, thinking that there was a girl in red waiting atop the Qin Mountains. Since Xiaobai and Xiaohei have been there, they sent Lin Ting on his way to the Qin Mountains after deciding on a date.

The day before he left, Lin Jingyuan held a banquet in his mansion as a farewell to his Eldest Imperial Brother. The royal siblings in the palace, including Lin Qing, all came to participate.

Lin Jingyuan was good at doing stuff like this, after all. Thus, King Jing’s Residence was full of hilarity all day long.

But outside the usually-deserted King Qi’s Residence, a girl in red came that evening.

The girl led a black horse and carried a broadsword on her back. Her long hair was fastened in a high bun with a wooden hairpin, revealing her fair and slender neck. Her expression on her face was indifferent, but her eyes were pure as she gazed at the mansion in front of her with curiosity.

The guards at the door saw her lingering around for a long time. Since she had a broadsword strapped to her body, the guards looked at each other and walked over, vigilantly armed with sabres,”Who are you? Why are you lingering around here?”

Yan Xin gave them a greeting by palming her fist, “These two soldiers, I’m here to find someone. Can I inquire if His Highness King Qi is in the residence?”

Her appearance was fatigued, and she did not look like the nobles in the capital at all, but the guards under Lin Ting were not rogues. They remained businesslike and unbiased, “His Highness is not currently in residence. Do you have the permitted Slip of Greeting required to see His Highness?”

Yan Xin shook her head.

The guard continued, “Then you should go to Jing Zhaoyin to get registered first. Leave the motive or any other information about your visit there, and someone will verify it. After three days, you will receive the invitation should your visit be approved.”

Yan Xin didn’t know that there were so many rules in the capital. However, she understood that when in Rome, do as the Romans do(1). Hence, she naturally had to abide by the rules here.

(T/N: It means that one should follow the traditions, customs, or rules in a place that is being visited)