Lu Yan was stunned. He had done a great service in subduing the barbarians?
They really promoted me?
He's the prefect! This is incredible news!
Who cares about the reason? Getting promoted is the only thing that matters!
He suppressed his overwhelming joy and kowtowed in gratitude:
"My lord, thank you Lord for your kindness!"
After the imperial decree was read, the entire Shannan County was in an uproar.
The people sang and danced to celebrate this joyous day.
The promotion from county to prefecture is a momentous occasion!
Lu Yan pretended to be calm on the surface, but he was overjoyed inside.
He immediately gave the order to prepare a grand banquet.
A banquet was held for all the people of the city to celebrate this glorious moment together.
Inside the county government office, Lu Yan couldn't stop smiling as he looked at the mountain of congratulatory gifts.
"My lord, this promotion is truly a wonderful thing!"
"Now our Shannan Prefecture is about to reach a new level!"
"Of course!" Lu Yan said smugly, waving his fan.
"This prefect will make Shannan Prefecture the most prosperous place in the Great Tong Dynasty!"
"Your Excellency is wise!" the advisor quickly flattered.
Lu Yan was filled with mixed emotions.
It's truly not easy for someone to rise from an unknown county magistrate to where they are today!
However, this is far from enough!
His goal is not just to become a minor prefect!
Just as I was immersed in joy, a guard rushed in to report:
"My lord, Princess Mingyue of Beixiang Kingdom requests an audience!"
Lu Yan almost spat out the wine in his mouth.
Princess Mingyue?
Why is this woman here?
Although he had met Princess Mingyue a few times before, this woman was willful and capricious.
He always acted superior, which gave him a real headache.
Could they be here to interrogate me?
After all, he had teased her quite a bit before.
Lu Yan stroked his chin, pondering Princess Mingyue's purpose.
This spoiled princess never comes to the temple without a reason; she must be up to no good.
As he pondered this, he instructed his servants to serve him the finest tea and snacks, as he still needed to maintain appearances.
Before long, Princess Mingyue, surrounded by a group of maids, gracefully walked in.
She was wearing a pale yellow palace dress today.
Her skin was even more fair than snow, her eyes were bright and her teeth were white, making her a truly charming and lovely beauty.
But those slightly raised eyebrows carried a hint of barely perceptible arrogance.
"Lord Lu, how have you been?"
Princess Mingyue's voice was clear and melodious, yet it carried a hint of sarcasm.
Lu Yan stood up and gave a forced, insincere bow:
"I was unaware of the princess's arrival and apologize for not welcoming her properly."
Princess Mingyue naturally understood the hidden meaning in his words.
His expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.
She gave a soft hum, walked straight to the head of the table and sat down, then slowly said:
"I have come here today for two reasons, firstly to congratulate Lord Lu on his promotion, and secondly..."
She paused, her beautiful eyes sweeping over Lu Yan with a hint of provocation.
"Secondly, we've come to demand an explanation."
Lu Yan thought to himself:
Here they come! They really are here to settle scores! He feigned ignorance:
"What does the princess mean by 'the explanation'?"
"Hmph! Lord Lu, you must have a bad memory. Have you forgotten how you 'tease' this princess before?"
When Princess Mingyue said the word "teasing," her tone became more forceful, and her pretty face flushed slightly.
Lu Yan chuckled inwardly. This little girl still holds grudges!
He feigned surprise and said:
"Your Highness, you are mistaken. How could I, a humble official, dare to harass you?"
"It was just a joke with the princess."
"A joke? You..."
Princess Mingyue was so angry that her eyebrows furrowed, and she was about to lash out.
But then she suddenly remembered Lu Yan's current status and swallowed the words that were about to come out.
She took a deep breath, suppressing her anger, and put on a smiling face:
"Lord Lu is right. I was being too sensitive."
Looking at Princess Mingyue's forced smile.
Lu Yan was secretly pleased; even this little girl had her moments of being outmaneuvered!
He stopped teasing her and said seriously:
"Princess, you have come from afar and must be tired from your journey. Why don't you rest for a while first, and I will host a banquet tonight to welcome you back and wash away the dust of your journey?"
Princess Mingyue nodded, which was taken as her consent.
At the banquet, Princess Mingyue frequently raised her glass to toast Lu Yan.
She had hoped that the alcohol would make Lu Yan reveal some of his true feelings.
Unexpectedly, Lu Yan had an amazing alcohol tolerance.
After a few drinks, she remained unfazed, but she herself was slightly tipsy.
"Lord Lu, you are truly an extraordinary person."
Princess Mingyue's eyes were glazed over, and her tone became much softer.
"I have never seen anyone like you."
"Oh? Which aspect is the princess referring to?"
Lu Yan asked with great interest.
"You...you are incredibly courageous and exceptionally intelligent. You can even easily handle a tricky matter like subduing barbarians..."
Princess Mingyue's voice grew softer and softer until it was almost a murmur.
Lu Yan looked at her shy appearance.
A thought suddenly struck him: Could it be that this girl has fallen for him?
A wicked smile crept across his lips as he leaned closer to Princess Mingyue and whispered:
"Your Highness flatters me. I am but a lucky commoner."
Princess Mingyue felt his hot breath, and her heart suddenly raced.
She instinctively tried to back away, but he grabbed her wrist.
"Princess, you are drunk."
Lu Yan's voice was deep and magnetic, with a hint of seduction.
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