"Thank you for the compliment, Prince Bailong!" Lu Fan cupped his fists, a smile on his face.
However, at that moment, several figures approached slowly. Prince Yunhai, accompanied by Feilong, arrived. His gaze fell upon Lu Fan. "I wondered who it was! I didn't expect it to be you. This truly surprises me!"
"Prince Yunhai!"
Lu Fan cupped his fists again, showing deference. He dared not be disrespectful to a prince. Such an existence was not to be trifled with; dealing with him would likely be a matter of moments.
"I appreciate you. I hope you don't take our previous misunderstanding to heart!" Prince Yunhai said with a smile. "My estate is in need of a strategist. Would you be willing to join? I assure you, you will be well-treated and will not be disappointed!"
"Fifth Brother, if my memory serves me correctly, you weren't quite this amiable just now!" Prince Bailong said softly. "What has changed? It's rather disorienting!"
"It can't be helped. This is a talent, and I am very optimistic about him!" Prince Yunhai chuckled. "Is there a problem?"
"Of course not!" Prince Bailong smiled. "However, I happen to have the same idea as you. I wish for him to become a strategist in my estate. I wonder if Mr. Lu would be willing!"
Bailong's words were delicate, and his demeanor was even more serious. Referring to Lu Fan as "Mr. Lu" clearly indicated Bailong's intentions.
Princess Beimei stood to the side, her heart subtly stirred. Even she hadn't expected things to unfold this way, catching her off guard. These were all princes, and each one was someone not to be offended. No matter what Lu Fan said, it would likely be of no use.
"Third Brother, that's not being fair. I spoke first. How can you snatch my person!" Prince Yunhai frowned. "Besides, if Third Brother intends to make him a strategist, does that mean you are concerned with royal power? That doesn't align with your reputation. As everyone knows, Third Prince has no interest in royal power, so why would you do this!"
Faced with these words, Bailong smiled. "While that may be true, I'm afraid things are not as simple as you think. My reason for making him a strategist in my estate is not for royal power. Please do not misunderstand!"
"You say it nicely, but I suspect the reality is different!" Prince Yunhai was somewhat displeased but didn't say much more. After all, Third Prince was his elder brother. Saying too much would only lead to unnecessary trouble.
"The choice is yours now. Are you willing to come with my Third Brother, or are you willing to come with me?" Prince Yunhai looked at Lu Fan, his expression becoming more serious. His words were direct, and his gaze was fixed on Lu Fan.
"Ahem... Isn't this a bit too direct!" Princess Beimei gave an awkward smile. "I think there's no need to dwell on this. He's quite fine on his own and doesn't wish to be anyone's strategist. I suggest you few stop arguing!"
"That won't do. A choice must be made, or I won't give up!" Prince Yunhai's eyes were serious. He looked at Lu Fan again, with a hint of threat, as if he wouldn't rest until Lu Fan made a decision.
"I appreciate the kindness of both princes, but my primary reason for coming to the Imperial City is to see this Heavenly Road. I have no intention of becoming anyone's strategist!" Lu Fan stated frankly. "Moreover, seeing you two princes argue like this, isn't it harming your brotherly affection? It would be better to stop here, to avoid further complications!"
"You're quite eloquent, aren't you!" Prince Yunhai smiled faintly. "But according to what you just said, you haven't made a choice. In that case, you've offended both Third Brother and me!"
"Fifth Brother, don't make things difficult for him. He's my friend. If you continue to speak like this, I will get angry!" Princess Beimei interjected. "After all, this is his right!"
"Princess Beimei, don't forget, I am the prince!" Yunhai narrowed his eyes. "Moreover, this is the Imperial Capital, not a royal city. Do you truly believe that within this Imperial Capital, your word holds sway?"
"You..." Princess Beimei frowned. Yunhai's words further enraged her. This was indeed the Imperial City, but she was a princess nonetheless. While not as esteemed as a prince, she was still a member of the royal family.
"Fifth Brother, speaking like that is probably not appropriate?" Bailong said coldly. "She is the only daughter of the Ninth Royal Uncle. If the Ninth Royal Uncle finds out, what will he think? If she then complains to Father King, you'll likely be in a lot of trouble."
"Stop acting like a tiger borrowing its might!" Prince Yunhai said directly. "I don't need your interference in my affairs. Although you are my Third Brother, we are both princes, and you have no right to meddle in my business!"
"Prince Yunhai, are you implying you intend to make a move against me?" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "May I ask what crime I have committed that warrants Prince Yunhai's personal intervention?"
"You have committed the crime of disrespect. By not taking me seriously, you have sinned!" Yunhai said coldly. "I originally had no intention of laying a hand on you, but since you are so ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth, and don't even regard me as important, how can I tolerate it!"
Faced with these words, Lu Fan's eyes glinted with coldness and a hint of displeasure. His expression became indifferent, as if Prince Yunhai's actions had completely angered him.
"What, you're unhappy?" Prince Yunhai burst into laughter. "You're unhappy just because I might make a move against you? Truly ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth! Don't you know that in the entire Heavenly Court, no one dares to defy me? You are merely a commoner, daring to act presumptuously before me!"
"Prince Yunhai, please conduct yourself with dignity!" Lu Fan said indifferently. "Even if you are a prince, you cannot disregard the law. Within the entire Heavenly Court, there are rules and regulations. If you truly wish to harm me, you will have to reconsider!"
"Ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth!" Prince Yunhai instantly attacked, rushing towards Lu Fan with a surge of anger. Lu Fan's words had completely provoked him.
Facing this scene, Lu Fan remained unfazed, his expression growing more indifferent, as if he did not take Prince Yunhai seriously at all.
Just as Yunhai was about to strike Lu Fan, Bailong instantly intervened, blocking Yunhai directly. "Enough! You are the Fifth Prince of the royal family, how can you be so reckless? He is Princess Beimei's friend, and therefore my friend. Regardless of whether he wishes to become my strategist, I will not allow anyone to harm him!"
"Third Brother, are you insistent on interfering in this matter?" Yunhai's voice was icy, filled with great dissatisfaction.
"Naturally!" Bailong did not hesitate, his words were cold.