The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 804 Unusual Thoughts (3)

Chapter 804: Chapter 804 Unusual Thoughts (3)

It was not the hour for court meetings when the National Master entered the Imperial Palace, and the emperor immediately guessed his purpose. Remembering the National Master’s firm opposition to the peace talks, his eyebrows furrowed at once.

Alhatu’s expression also changed slightly.

"Lady Lin rarely visits our North Country; Alhatu, why don’t you show her around our Imperial Palace? Oh, and take her to your mother’s palace. Perhaps she might make a friend of Qiqige." The emperor’s hesitation was momentary before he resumed his hearty demeanor.

"As Your Majesty commands." Alhatu, having achieved his wish, could not stop smiling.

The emperor’s suggestion held no interest for Lin Ziyin. As a science student, she had little interest in ancient architecture. However, given her current status as a captive, it was not her place to voice any opinions.

"Thank you." Lin Ziyin thanked him perfunctorily before she and Alhatu walked out.

Just outside the study, they ran into the somber-faced National Master.

"National Master." Alhatu greeted first with a smile.

Though the two belonged to different factions and Alhatu was the second prince of North Country, the National Master held an especially high stature in North Country. Even someone like Alhatu could not afford to act dismissive in the National Master’s presence.

Alhatu was clever; as long as he had not openly broken with Brukan, he would not offend the National Master publicly.

"Second Prince, is this the Princess Consort Lin?" The National Master stared at Lin Ziyin, his gaze anything but friendly.

Had anyone else been scrutinized like this, they would have lost their composure. But Lin Ziyin was unfazed and stood calmly aside. Even when the National Master mentioned her name, she did not pay much attention.

Alhatu had thought the National Master would not openly expose Lin Ziyin’s identity, but the National Master was direct, catching him off guard. He responded with a smile, "Indeed, National Master, you are well-informed; she is the Princess Consort from the Northern Land."

Lin Ziyin inwardly chuckled at Alhatu’s cunning and gave a mental thumbs up.

"Well-informed," a nice compliment implying the National Master was clever. A harsher interpretation would be mocking the National Master’s ulterior motives and his excessive concern with palace affairs.

After hearing Alhatu’s words, the National Master’s face visibly darkened. However, he did not lose his temper but coldly replied, "The renowned Princess Consort Lin gracing our North Country with a visit. Even if I wanted to remain ignorant, it would be difficult."

Now addressed directly, with ongoing sarcasm targeted at her, Lin Ziyin felt it improper to remain silent any longer, so she said smilingly, "I didn’t realize I had such a reputation in North Country. Being the daily concern of the National Master is truly an honor."

She emphasized the word "honor" particularly strongly.

The true art of irritation is to laugh while your adversary rages. Facing the cheerful demeanor of Alhatu and Lin Ziyin, the National Master almost lost his composure but managed to stay calm, experienced as he was, "I look forward to seeing the illustrious performance of Princess Consort Lin."

Considering her a mere jester? Lin Ziyin retorted, "Speaking of performances, I believe no one can surpass the National Master. Since arriving in North Country, what has struck me most is the people’s admiration for you. When in Rome, as they say. Now, I too keep a daily eye on the National Master’s conduct."

Alhatu, witnessing their verbal spar, felt a secret satisfaction, having not seen the National Master suffer a setback in a long time. Today, the National Master indeed stumbled in front of Lin Ziyin.