"Lu Fan, it's me!" Princess Linglong's voice rang out. "I've come to save you."
Lu Fan, who had been hiding within the Divine Dragon Cauldron, emerged upon hearing the shout. He looked at Princess Linglong before him, a look of joy on his face. "I thought you wouldn't come!"
"How could I not? You are my驸马 (fù mǎ - imperial son-in-law). I will never allow anyone to harm you!" Princess Linglong's voice was cold, and her words carried a subtle implication. If it weren't for Baihu's reckless actions, things wouldn't have escalated like this. Su Dan Xiao Shuo Wang.
"Imperial Uncle," Princess Linglong said with a smile, "the驸马 is safe now. However, while we were on campaign against the Nine Heavens Dynasty, the Baihu Heir attacked us. If this news reaches the Imperial City, how will Imperial Uncle explain it?"
"Please forgive my anger, Princess. I will certainly provide you with an explanation for this matter and will not allow the驸马 to be wronged!" The Eighth Prince said repeatedly. "It is also highly inappropriate for the army to be stationed here. Why don't you return to the capital first? Upon our return, I will personally come to apologize."
"Since Imperial Uncle has said so, I have nothing more to say!" Princess Linglong nodded slightly. "However, speaking of which, the Baihu Heir's actions were truly inexcusable."
"The Princess speaks the truth!" The Eighth Prince quickly nodded, his expression becoming even more solemn. He dared not show any negligence. Although Princess Linglong was a junior before him, with the current situation, the Eighth Prince's estate was clearly in the wrong.
"Are we just leaving like this?" Lu Fan shrugged. "If it weren't for the protection of the Divine Emperor Cauldron, I would likely have met my end."
"Rest assured,驸马, we will provide a satisfactory explanation for this matter!" The Eighth Prince quickly clasped his fists. He naturally dared not offend Lu Fan, whose status was now extraordinary and who was a meritorious official. He had achieved remarkable feats in the battles against the Nine Heavens Dynasty.
Lu Fan didn't say much more. This was an area under the Eighth Prince's jurisdiction. If he tried to act here, he would gain no advantage and would likely backfire. Therefore, he wouldn't be so foolish.
After Lu Fan and his companions departed, the Eighth Prince entered the main hall. Baihu was also present, kneeling on the ground, not daring to speak, seemingly aware of his mistake.
"You unfilial son, what is going on!" The Eighth Prince's expression was cold. "Let me tell you, the current 驸马 is not what he used to be, and he is also Princess Linglong's 驸马. Do you know the trouble you have caused!"
"Father, this 驸马 is the one who harmed Bai Xi. This revenge cannot go unavenged," Baihu said repeatedly. "I also know that my actions will anger the entire imperial family, but he killed Bai Xi, who was my own brother."
"How is that possible? The 驸马 is the one who killed Bai Xi?" The Eighth Prince looked astonished.
"There is absolutely no mistake!" Baihu stated directly. "If it weren't for that, why would I have dealt with him, even at the risk of offending the imperial family!"
"Why didn't you say so earlier?" The Eighth Prince's face turned ashen. "If that's truly the case, then he and I are sworn enemies."
"Please don't say that. Father must also know that this matter is not trivial. He is now the reigning 驸马. If we offend him, the entire Eighth Prince's estate might suffer disaster!" Baihu said directly. "Therefore, we must plan this carefully."
The Eighth Prince frowned. If what Baihu said was true, this matter was indeed difficult to resolve. Lu Fan was now the 驸马, and if they truly intended to act against him, it would be a slap in the face to the imperial family.
Moreover, Princess Linglong had brought a million-strong army to the royal city for Lu Fan, even willing to fight. Such overwhelming presence was not something an ordinary person could achieve. It was likely that Lu Fan held significant importance in Princess Linglong's heart, otherwise, she wouldn't be like this.
The Li family patriarch, along with his entourage, guarded outside the city. After a long time, they still hadn't seen the princess emerge, and worry began to show.
"Grandfather, why don't we just charge in!" Li Guang suggested. "The princess hasn't come out yet, it's very likely something has happened."
"Don't be too hasty in your actions!" The Li family patriarch waved his hand. "With a million troops beneath this city, the Eighth Prince would not dare to act rashly!"
"That's hard to say!" Li Guang shook his head. "If the Eighth Prince's estate really kidnapped the 驸马, what wouldn't they be capable of!"
The Li family patriarch did not speak further in response to these words, falling into deep thought. Just as Li Guang said, this matter was indeed somewhat peculiar.
Under normal circumstances, how would the Eighth Prince's estate dare to be so audacious as to abduct even the 驸马? If this matter were to reach the Imperial City, wouldn't the Eighth Prince's estate be razed to the ground?
Just as he was speculating, Princess Linglong emerged with Lu Fan in a grand manner, appearing as if nothing had happened. She seemed exceptionally radiant.
"Princess, are you alright?" Old Master Li stepped forward and asked. "It is extremely dangerous within the Eighth Prince's estate."
"Don't worry, I am fine!" Princess Linglong shook her head. "Even if Imperial Uncle wanted to deal with me, he would have to consider this million-strong army. Besides, this should all be a misunderstanding."
"A misunderstanding?" The Li family patriarch was somewhat curious and looked towards Lu Fan. "Could it be that the 驸马 has some grievances with the Eighth Prince's estate? Otherwise, why would this happen?"
"There are indeed some grievances!" Lu Fan nodded. "However, now that things have come to this, there is nothing more to say. Why don't we return to the capital now."
"Everything is according to the Princess's arrangements!" The Li family patriarch looked towards Princess Linglong.
"Return to the capital!" Princess Linglong smiled, quite satisfied. She had initially thought something had happened to Lu Fan, which was why he was so anxious. Now that Lu Fan was safe and sound, she naturally didn't need to worry too much.
Upon reaching the carriage, Princess Linglong looked at Lu Fan. "I didn't expect that I was so important in your heart. Last night, you were taken away by people from the Eighth Prince's estate to save me, am I correct?"
"The Eighth Prince's estate has enmity with me!" Lu Fan smiled. "Their target was originally me, but the Princess merely became bait."
"How did you incur the wrath of the Eighth Prince's estate?" Princess Linglong was somewhat surprised. Under normal circumstances, the Eighth Prince's estate was part of the imperial family, and Lu Fan shouldn't have had such audacity.
"This is a long story, but this Baihu is ruthless, not even sparing his own brother. He cannot be allowed to live," Lu Fan said without reservation.
"He is, after all, the Heir of the Eighth Prince's estate!" Princess Linglong frowned. "Even I cannot do anything about him."
"It's alright, there will always be a way to deal with him!" Lu Fan waved his hand, not paying it much mind. After all, his strength was gradually improving, and he would likely enter the Venerable realm soon. At that time, dealing with people from the Eighth Prince's estate would not be difficult. Lu Fan was confident about this.