Lin Tianjiao's brow creased. "What? Is something wrong?"
She kept her face calm, but inside she was on pins and needles. Her nephew had always loved books and hated swords; he'd finally agreed to train, and she was terrified he'd back out again.
"Tomorrow it is," Lin Feng said with a shrug, steeling himself. "If someone wants to bite my dick off, let them try. Head in or head out—still getting chopped either way."
"Good boy." Lin Tianjiao actually bounced to her feet, excitement sparkling in her eyes. "I've already spoken to the dean. Tomorrow morning I'll take you to War Tiger Academy myself."
"Aunt, one more thing," Lin Feng said quickly.
"Anything. Name it. If it's within my power, consider it done."
Right now she'd probably climb the palace roof and lasso the moon if he asked.
"You're sending me to War Tiger, right? That covers battle-qi and martial skills—no problem. But I'm completely blind when it comes to magic. 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.' Could you get me a full set of magic textbooks? Even if I don't practice it, I need to understand what those robe-wearing freaks can do."
Lin Tianjiao's eyes lit up like he'd just recited poetry. "Know your enemy—beautifully said! I'll swing by Sacred Light Academy this afternoon. Old Pol still owes me favors; he'll hand over whatever I ask for."
"Perfect. Then I'll head to War Tiger with you tomorrow."
"I'll go pack for Young Master!" Little Leaf chirped.
"No need," Lin Tianjiao said proudly. "Tuition, dorm, uniforms—everything's taken care of. All you have to do is show up."
Lin Feng laughed inwardly. The emperor isn't worried, but the eunuch is panicking—except in this case the "eunuch" was his over-eager aunt.
Out loud he bowed politely bowed. "Thank you, Aunt. Truly."
"Thank you?" She snorted. "I'm the one who should be thanking you. If you'd actually trained Tiger's Roar all these years, would that magic-practicing Second Prince have been able to knock you flat with one punch?"
Lin Feng scratched his head sheepishly. "So you already knew?"
"Hmph. Think those fairy tales fool me? As long as you're unharmed, I'll let it slide. But if they ever actually hurt you…" Her voice dropped to winter ice. "Without an heir, the Lin name might as well vanish. I'd drown the entire Zhou clan in blood and call it even."
Lin Feng felt a chill crawl up his spine. Note to self: never, ever piss off Aunt Tianjiao.
"Don't be angry, Aunt. They're just clowns jumping on tables. I'll collect every debt with interest—don't worry."
"Clowns on tables." She gave a short, proud laugh. "Exactly what they were when the Lin family was at its peak."
She stood. "Rest well today. I'll fetch you at dawn."
"Let me see you out—"
"No need. I have business." She waved him off and swept away, Lan Zhu at her heels.
Most consorts traveled with a parade of guards and maids. Lin Tianjiao was the exception—born and raised in a military clan, now a Battle King herself. Even the imperial bodyguards couldn't last three moves against her. She only ever brought Lan Zhu.
Once she was gone, Lin Feng turned to Little Leaf. "The Second Prince practices magic?"
"Yes. He, Third Princess, and a few other royals are all at Sacred Light Academy."
Lin Feng's mood soured. "So I won't even bump into them at War Tiger."
Great. My beautiful revenge plot just got postponed.
Little Leaf mistook his scowl for fear. "Young Master, don't worry! The two academies only meet for friendly spars. You'll be safe."
"Safe?" He barked a laugh. "I'm not afraid—I'm pissed I won't get to pay them back anytime soon."
"But Young Master, please don't be reckless! Rumor says Second Prince just broke through to early-stage Magus."
"Relax. I'm not suicidal. When I move, I'll have absolute certainty."
Little Leaf's eyes welled up. "Just… be careful. Without you, no one in this palace will stand up for us anymore. Even Her Highness has it rough—the empress is always badmouthing her to His Majesty."
Lin Feng sighed, the cynicism of two lifetimes weighing on him. "That's what happens when a great house falls—warm when you're on top, freezing once you slip."
"As long as Young Master rises again and revives the Lin clan, everything will be all right," she said fervently.
He softened. "Tomorrow you should move back to the general's mansion. I won't be in the palace much anymore—just occasional visits to see Aunt. I don't want you getting bullied here alone."
"No!" Tears spilled over. "I'll wait right here. Otherwise I'll never see you!"
Lin Feng's heart twisted. He hated seeing girls cry. Without thinking he pulled her into his arms and patted her back. "Hey, hey, no crying. If you don't want to leave, I'll talk to Aunt. You can serve her directly. I'll still see you every time I visit, okay?"
She nodded against his chest, sniffling. "Just… take care of yourself at the academy."
"I will. Now keep talking—tell me which noble brats are at War Tiger."
Little Leaf wiped her eyes, embarrassed. "This servant doesn't know the academy rosters… I'm useless."
"You've been perfect," he said gently, ruffling her hair. "I'm already miles ahead because of you."
After she calmed down, Lin Feng stepped into the courtyard alone, hands behind his back, staring at the sky.
The first real step in this new world is tomorrow. Time to see if I'm a mule or a thoroughbred.
For the consorts of this world, for the princesses of this world—Lin Feng is coming.
He was still grinning like a wolf when, right after lunch, a nasal eunuch voice shredded the afternoon quiet.
"Lin Feng! Receive the imperial edict!"
Here we go again. Kneeling counter: +1. Mental note: collect interest from one imperial woman per kneel.
He dropped to his knees without complaint.
The head eunuch unrolled the yellow silk with theatrical slowness.
"By the grace of Heaven and the Emperor's command: Lin Feng is hereby granted the privilege of free passage through the palace and awarded one gold medallion. Effective immediately, he is appointed private tutor to the Ninth Prince. So it is decreed!"
Lin Feng raised both hands and accepted the scroll and medallion. "This subject receives the decree with gratitude."
The eunuch's painted face split into a wide smile. "Congratulations, Young Master Lin!"
"Thank you, Father-in-Law."
Between giggles he added, "Originally His Majesty only planned the gold medallion. It was Consort Yun who suggested you tutor Ninth Highness—your literary talent is famous throughout the capital, after all. His Majesty graciously agreed."
Lin Feng's grin turned downright villainous. "I'll be sure to thank Consort Yun personally… very soon."
The eunuch left with his entourage, hips swaying like a line of ducks.
Little Leaf poked her head out. "That old fox Liu is never bows to anyone. Why so polite today?"
"Who cares? Free VIP pass to the harem and an all-access badge to Consort Yun's bedroom? I'm not complain