His Majesty the King's face fell. He turned to the source of the voice, his eagle-sharp gaze fixed on the speaker. "Wulan Xiong, what have you to say?"
Wulan Xiong's heart skipped a beat. 'How many years has it been since I saw that look in His Majesty's eyes?' A chill ran down his spine. But he could never resign himself to letting the Ling Family's power grow so much. He had no choice but to brace himself and say, "Your Majesty is wise, but Young Master Ling is still young and has not yet come of age. For Your Majesty to grant such a grand reward... I fear... I fear it is somewhat inappropriate. This... this is against protocol!"
"Against protocol?" The old King snorted through his nose, giving Wulan Xiong a smile that didn't reach his eyes. He said calmly, "Wulan Xiong, have all your years of learning gone to the dogs? Which imperial law dictates an age limit for granting titles and fiefs?"
