"Thank you for the praise, Prince Bailong!" Lu Fan cupped his fists and smiled.
Just then, several figures slowly approached. Prince Yunhai, accompanied by Feilong, arrived and looked at Lu Fan. "I wondered who it was! I didn't expect it to be you. You've truly surprised me!"
"Prince Yunhai!"
Lu Fan cupped his fists with a tone of deference. He dared not be disrespectful to a prince, for such beings were not to be trifled with. If he wished to deal with Lu Fan, it would likely be in an instant.
"I appreciate you. I hope you won't dwell too much on our previous misunderstanding!" Prince Yunhai said with a smile. "My estate is in need of a strategist. Would you be willing to join? I promise to treat you well and you won't be disappointed!"
"Fifth Brother, if I recall correctly, your attitude wasn't like this just now!"
Prince Bailong said softly, "Why has it changed so much? It's rather jarring!"
"It can't be helped. He's a talent, and I think highly of him!" Prince Yunhai smiled. "Is there a problem?"
"Of course not!" Prince Bailong smiled. "However, I have the same idea. I'd like him to become a strategist in my estate. I wonder if Mr. Lu is willing!"
Prince Bailong's words were delicate, and his expression appeared even more sincere, even referring to Lu Fan as Mr. Lu, which showed Prince Bailong's intentions.
Princess Beimei stood to the side, slightly moved. Even she hadn't expected things to turn out this way, catching everyone off guard. These were all princes, and no one could afford to offend any of them. No matter what Lu Fan said, it was likely to be useless.
"Third Brother, that's not fair. I spoke first. How can you snatch my person!" Prince Yunhai frowned. "Besides, if Third Brother wants to make him a strategist, does it mean you're concerned about royal power? That really doesn't match your reputation. As everyone knows, the Third Prince has no interest in royal power. How could this be!"
Faced with these words, Prince Bailong smiled. "While that may be true, I'm afraid things are not as simple as you think. I'm not asking him to become a strategist in my estate for the sake of royal power. Please don't misunderstand!"
"That sounds good, but the reality is likely different!"
Prince Yunhai was somewhat displeased but didn't say much more. After all, the Third Prince was his elder brother. Saying more would only cause unnecessary trouble.
"The choice is yours now. Are you willing to join my Third Brother, or are you willing to join me?"
Prince Yunhai looked at Lu Fan, his expression becoming more serious, and his words holding no reservations as he looked directly at Lu Fan.
"Ahem... Isn't this a bit too direct!"
Princess Beimei chuckled awkwardly. "I think there's no need to get so worked up about this. He's quite good on his own, and he doesn't want to be anyone's strategist. I suggest you all stop arguing!"
"That won't do. You must choose one, or I won't stop!" Prince Yunhai's eyes were serious as he looked at Lu Fan again, with a hint of threat, as if he wouldn't rest until Lu Fan made a choice.
"I appreciate the kindness of both princes, but my main reason for coming to the imperial city is to see the Tianlu. I have no intention of becoming anyone's strategist!" Lu Fan stated frankly. "Furthermore, seeing you two princes arguing like this is damaging your brotherly affection. It would be better to stop here and avoid further trouble!"
"You're quite eloquent!" Prince Yunhai smiled faintly. "But according to what you just said, you haven't made a choice. In that case, you've offended both me and Third Brother!"
"Fifth Brother, don't make it difficult for him. He's my friend. If you keep talking like this, I'm going to get angry!" Princess Beimei interjected. "After all, this is his prerogative!"
"Princess Beimei, don't forget, I am the prince!" Prince Yunhai narrowed his eyes. "Moreover, this is the Imperial Capital, not the Royal City. Do you really think your words carry weight within the Imperial Capital?"
"You..."
Princess Beimei frowned. Prince Yunhai's words made her very angry. This was indeed the Imperial Capital, but she was still a princess. Although not as high as a prince, she was still a member of the royal family.
"Fifth Brother, speaking like that is not appropriate, is it?" Prince 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 he then complains to Father King, you'll be in deep trouble."
"Don't try to act like a tiger borrowing its might here!"
Prince Yunhai said directly, "I don't need your involvement 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 act against me?" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "May I ask what crime I have committed to warrant Prince Yunhai's personal intervention?"
"You have committed the crime of offense. Not taking me seriously is your sin!"
Yunhai said coldly, "I originally didn't plan to act against you, but you are so ignorant of heaven and earth, and you don't even take me seriously. How can I tolerate that!"
Faced with these words, a cold glint appeared in Lu Fan's eyes, along with a hint of displeasure. His expression became indifferent, as if Prince Yunhai's actions had completely angered him.
"What, you're not happy?" Prince Yunhai burst into laughter. "You're unhappy just because I might act against you? You truly don't know 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, and you dare to be presumptuous in front of me?"
"Prince Yunhai, please conduct yourself with dignity!" Lu Fan's expression was indifferent. "Even if you are a prince, you cannot disregard the law. There are laws and regulations throughout the Heavenly Court. If you truly wish to move against me, you would do well to consider it!"
"Ignorant of heaven and earth!" Prince Yunhai instantly made his move, rushing towards Lu Fan, his heart filled with anger. Lu Fan's words had completely provoked him.
Faced with the scene, Lu Fan remained unfazed, his expression even more indifferent, as if he didn't take Prince Yunhai seriously at all.
Just as Yunhai was about to strike Lu Fan, Prince Bailong 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 or not, I will not allow anyone to harm him!"
"Third Brother, are you determined to interfere in this matter?" Yunhai's voice was cold, filled with great displeasure.
"Naturally!" Prince Bailong stated without reservation, his words even more frigid.