The others were equally puzzled by Ye Liuyun’s presence, unsure of his origins. But given the occasion, it wasn’t appropriate to pry. Only Lin Fengzhi stepped forward to walk and chat with him.

Lin Fengzhi had noticed the Grand Preceptor’s demeanor and the princess’s attitude toward Ye Liuyun, quickly deducing that he must have played a crucial role in aiding her on the battlefield. Though the extent of his help remained unclear, Lin Fengzhi figured it couldn’t hurt to build rapport.

The sight of both the Grand Preceptor and the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard engaging Ye Liuyun in polite conversation only deepened the crowd’s bewilderment.

Lin Chengzhou, the son of Left Chancellor Lin Yao, was particularly irked. The moment he saw Ye Liuyun accompanying the princess, jealousy flared within him. Now, witnessing the Grand Preceptor and Lin Fengzhi greeting him so warmly, his disdain only grew.

As the foremost prodigy of the Willow Forest Dynasty, Lin Chengzhou had recently secluded himself to cultivate, breaking through to the second tier of the Celestial Realm—a feat that placed him among the elite in the kingdom. Unlike other noble scions who indulged in frivolities, he was both scholarly and martial, often assisting his father in court affairs.

In terms of reputation, status, and strength, Lin Chengzhou far surpassed his peers. Many powerful factions already regarded him as the Left Chancellor’s successor, and he himself had cultivated connections with the upper echelons.

Left Chancellor Lin Yao had long ago hinted to Liu Qianzhong about arranging a marriage between Lin Chengzhou and the princess, to which Liu Qianzhong had raised no objection. After all, young men of Lin Chengzhou’s caliber were rare in the Willow Forest Dynasty.

Traditionally, the royal family of the Willow Forest Dynasty married within the Liu and Lin clans, rarely taking outsiders as spouses. Even when princes occasionally married outside the two families, such unions were never primary.

Thus, as the future queen, the princess could only wed someone from the Lin family.

Now, Left Chancellor Lin Yao brought his son forward to congratulate the princess, deliberately positioning Lin Chengzhou beside her. Tall, handsome, and impeccably dressed, Lin Chengzhou made a striking pair with the princess, prompting onlookers to murmur approvingly about the perfect match between a talented scholar and a beautiful maiden.

Lin Chengzhou swelled with pride. "The common folk see things clearly—even they recognize us as a pair! That martial cultivator is nothing more than a supporting character!"

But Liu Yunyao felt uneasy with Lin Chengzhou standing so close. Unable to dismiss him outright, she turned to chat with the Grand Preceptor instead.

Ye Liuyun cast a sidelong glance at Lin Chengzhou. He had overheard the whispers and found the young man’s arrogance laughable. Yet, unwilling to disrupt the celebratory mood, he held his tongue.

With Liu Yunyao now the undisputed heir to the throne, opportunists beyond the Left Chancellor’s faction had also arrived, each presenting their own promising young men. The princess could only sigh inwardly at the relentless politicking. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Amused, Ye Liuyun thought to himself that the crown came with its own burdens. For now, he focused on discussing the poisoned brown lion with Lin Fengzhi, even offering to help Lin Xiaoxiao tame another beast when the opportunity arose.

Lin Fengzhi had invited him to stay at the Governor’s residence again, but Ye Liuyun merely gave a noncommittal response, neither agreeing nor refusing. His current martial cultivator attire would be difficult to explain if he followed Liu Yunyao back to the palace.

Neither he nor Liu Yunyao had considered this issue earlier. He would have to wait and see how she planned to handle it.

As Liu Yunyao made her way back to the royal palace, the crowd surrounding her gradually dispersed. However, those close to her—such as the Grand Preceptor, Lin Fengzhi, the Left Chancellor, and other influential figures—remained by her side.

Lin Chengzhou, noticing that Ye Liuyun showed no intention of leaving, was overcome with jealousy and couldn’t help but speak up. "Who is this man? Is he planning to follow you into the palace?"

His words caught Liu Yunyao, the Grand Preceptor, and the others off guard. They all thought he must have been intoxicated by the people’s praise along the way, daring to meddle in the princess’s affairs.

Ye Liuyun glanced at him with an amused smirk, while the smile on Liu Yunyao’s face instantly turned frosty.

"Since when do I need your permission to bring someone into the palace?" she retorted coldly.

Left Chancellor Lin Yao quickly stepped in to smooth things over for his son. "The princess has just returned from the battlefield. It’s only natural for her to reward her subordinates by bringing them to the palace. There’s no need for you to concern yourself with her safety."

He then turned to the others. "The princess must be exhausted from her journey. Let’s all disperse and allow her to rest."

Taking the hint, the crowd murmured in agreement and prepared to leave.

But Lin Chengzhou, stung by the undisguised mockery in Ye Liuyun’s gaze, felt humiliated—especially in front of Liu Yunyao. To be looked down upon by some insignificant nobody was unbearable.

Indignant, he pressed on, "The princess is about to ascend the throne. Having an unknown martial cultivator by her side, let alone bringing him into the palace, could damage her reputation..."

His words made everyone frown. They all thought to themselves, *Lin Chengzhou is usually more composed—what madness has possessed him today? How dare he threaten the princess with her own reputation!*

"Chengzhou, that’s going too far," the Grand Preceptor interjected, unable to stand by any longer. "Mr. Ye is no outsider!"

He feared Ye Liuyun might lose his temper on the spot. After all, if the man could annihilate the barbarian tribes, what was stopping him from killing a mere member of the Lin family?

"Lin Chengzhou, how dare you!" Liu Yunyao’s face turned livid as she confronted him. "Spreading rumors about me? Tell me, exactly how does this affect my reputation?"

The Left Chancellor inwardly cursed his son’s stupidity and immediately bowed to the princess in apology. "Your Highness, my foolish son has always admired you. His words were meant out of concern, though spoken without thought. I beg for your forgiveness!"

He then turned sharply to Lin Chengzhou and barked, "Apologize to Her Highness at once!" Simultaneously, he sent a furious mental message: *You idiot! The princess’s reputation isn’t something you casually threaten! No matter how much you dislike him, swallow your pride and apologize—then keep your damn mouth shut!*

Forced into a corner, Lin Chengzhou bowed deeply in apology.

Lin Qiwen, who had always held high hopes for the young man, stepped forward to mediate. "Youthful recklessness, Your Highness—pay it no mind! Lin Yao, take him home and confine him until he learns to hold his tongue!"

"Yes, yes, he’ll be severely punished!" The Left Chancellor Lin Yao seized the opportunity to de-escalate, eager to avoid further conflict.

"Let it go, Your Highness," others chimed in. "Today’s a joyous occasion—don’t trouble yourself with his nonsense." Reluctantly, Liu Yunyao relented.

Yet she noticed Ye Liuyun watching Lin Chengzhou with a dangerous, mocking smile—clearly restraining his anger. Deliberately, she approached Ye Liuyun and murmured softly, "Let it pass today. He’s not worth it. Stay with me tonight. I’d like to see who dares spread lies about us."