"We'll know when we see,"
Lu Fan's expression was indifferent, as if he was quite certain of this. How could he not sense Princess Linglong's affection for him? Now that he was captured and held at the Eighth Prince's estate, Princess Linglong would certainly not let this go.
Duan Tianya, with his keen intellect, had likely already informed her of this.
After leaving the dungeon, Baihu was filled with worry. "What this kid said earlier isn't entirely without reason. What should I do now?"
"Your Highness, you must not be intimidated by him!" Tian Lao advised. "There is only one princess, but countless驸马 (fù mǎ - princes consort). This kid thinks too highly of himself. Princess Linglong is a person of such stature; how could she personally come for him!"
"I don't think this is that simple!" Qing Long shook his head. "Your Highness should make plans early."
After speaking, Qing Long turned and left. He did not approve of Baihu's actions.
Baihu stood there, his brow furrowed, a hint of worry on his face.
"If Your Highness is still concerned, inform the Prince," Tian Lao suggested. "The Prince dotes on his son. He always believed that Bai Xi was killed by Lu Fan. At that time, the Prince will personally take action."
"No!"
Baihu waved his hand. "If Father Emperor questions me later, this kid will surely reveal the truth. Father Emperor might not believe me, and it could backfire."
Tian Lao gave an awkward smile and had nothing more to say. Just as Baihu had said, this matter had its pros and cons.
Before long, the entire Bai Long Dynasty was thrown into an uproar. The Li family patriarch, leading numerous troops, did not return to the imperial city but instead advanced towards the Eighth Prince's estate, causing everyone to become suspicious.
The imperial family had long been dissatisfied with the various princes. Did they intend to use this opportunity to strike at the heart of the kingdom and eliminate these powerful vassal kings? If that were the case, the Bai Long Dynasty would undoubtedly descend into unprecedented turmoil.
Upon realizing this, everyone felt the immense danger and fear.
Meanwhile, in the imperial city, the Dragon Emperor sat in the center of the grand hall. Upon receiving the order, his brow furrowed slightly. "What is going on? Why are the armies advancing towards the Eighth Prince's estate?"
"This..."
In the hall, numerous court officials debated heatedly, unaware of what was happening. Their hearts were filled with fear, as they knew very well that the armies advancing towards the Eighth Prince's estate could, if mishandled, lead to endless disaster.
"Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance. Someone must intercept them!" The Zhao family patriarch spoke. "If this causes turmoil within the royal family, the Bai Long Dynasty may not survive, leading to internal and external crises."
"This matter needs to be investigated!" The Dragon Emperor waved his hand. "I do not believe the Li family would betray the imperial family and instigate conflict!"
"According to reliable intelligence, Princess Linglong is also involved. This matter is likely more complex than it appears," the Lin family patriarch stated. "Your Majesty should make plans accordingly."
The Dragon Emperor remained silent, sitting on his throne with an even more indifferent expression. As their elder brother, how could he control the royal family if he lacked such composure?
He wanted to see for himself why the armies were marching towards the Eighth Prince's estate.
At the same time, in the royal city, the Eighth Prince was handling official business when a small soldier rushed in. "Bad news, terrible news! Many generals from Jiulong City are marching towards the Eighth Prince's estate. The force is vast, with countless soldiers!"
"How is this possible!"
The Eighth Prince abruptly stood up. "Are you sure you're not mistaken?"
"The information is absolutely correct. I implore Your Highness to decide!" the soldier said quickly.
In an instant, many generals within the Eighth Prince's estate appeared, already clad in armor. "Your Highness, it seems the imperial family is making a move against our estate. We cannot sit idly by!"
"Do not be rash!" The Eighth Prince waved his hand. "We still need to ascertain what is truly happening!"
"This matter is quite clear. The imperial family has repelled the Jiutian Dynasty, and now their armies are on the move, naturally targeting the various vassal kings!" a general stated.
Other generals nodded in agreement. This was their shared understanding, as under normal circumstances, armies would not be marching towards the Eighth Prince's estate.
The Eighth Prince stood in place, his expression solemn, as if deep in thought. He furrowed his brow.
"Your Highness, we cannot hesitate any longer. We must quickly assemble our troops; only then will we have room to maneuver!"
Another general spoke up, a surge of fighting spirit in his voice. "We swear to defend the royal city with our lives and will not surrender easily."
"If that is the case, then go and prepare!" The Eighth Prince nodded.
At this point, even he was unsure of what was happening. The best course of action was to assemble his army. If the imperial family truly intended to act, they would be prepared to respond.
Before long, the news of the Eighth Prince's estate mobilizing troops spread, and everyone's nerves tightened. If the two great powers were to clash, it would inevitably result in mutual destruction, which would be troublesome.
Shortly thereafter, the Li family patriarch, leading many generals, arrived at the gates of the Eighth Prince's city. Princess Linglong was also by his side, her expression indifferent.
"What is this? We have come to the Eighth Prince's estate, yet there is no one to greet us? Instead, the city gates are closed tight!" the Li family patriarch said coldly.
"Patriarch Li, my Prince has been waiting for a long time," an elder said, cupping his fist. "But may I ask why the Li family has come with such a large army to the estate?"
"I want to see my Royal Uncle!"
Princess Linglong said coldly. "Go and inform him now!"
"Princess Linglong, my Prince has ordered that if the Princess has business, she may enter the estate directly! As for that million-strong army, it would be best not to make any rash moves," the elder chuckled lightly.
"That is natural!" Princess Linglong nodded slightly and then proceeded into the city.
"Princess!" Old Master Li frowned. "I will accompany you. That way, the Princess's safety can be ensured."
"You guarding outside is the true way to ensure my safety!" Princess Linglong waved her hand. "I am fine alone; you don't need to come with me."
Old Master Li considered it carefully before nodding slightly. Just as Princess Linglong had said, it was most suitable for him to guard the perimeter from the outside, thereby deterring the Eighth Prince's estate.
Before long, Princess Linglong and a few others arrived at the Eighth Prince's estate. The Eighth Prince had been waiting for a long time.
"Royal Uncle, it has been a long time!"
Princess Linglong approached with a smile, appearing completely natural.
"Indeed, it has been a long time. You've grown so much, my girl," the Eighth Prince smiled. "However, bringing a million troops to my estate, you're not here just to see me, are you?"
"My Royal Uncle is indeed perceptive, seeing through it with a single remark." Princess Linglong smiled faintly. "The matter has come to this, so I won't beat around the bush. As long as Royal Uncle hands over the驸马, I will not cause any trouble."