The Marquis Mansion’s Elite Class

The Little Demon King immediately stood up and retorted, "Impossible! How can the Duke of State Protection's merits be credited to the Prince of Southern Pacification? If we go by this logic, wouldn't sons never need to achieve anything on their own? Fathers fight battles, then come home and dump all the glory on their sons?"

Prime Minister Shen, seeing his anger, quickly replied, "Your Majesty, please calm down. This old subject was merely predicting that such a situation might arise—not that it definitely will. Perhaps the Duke of State Protection himself would disapprove of the Prince's actions if he knew?"

Chu Jincheng huffed and sat back down, scribbling the words "Rejected" on the document while muttering, "He'd better not side with the Prince of Southern Pacification, or I'll never acknowledge him as my uncle again!"

The fuming little brat pressed his brush down harder than usual.

After ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‍Prime Minister Shen left with the memorials, the Little Demon King slumped on the throne, his face a picture of displeasure.

Prime Minister Shen's words echoed in his mind.

"The Duke of State Protection and the Prince of Southern Pacification are very close."

Close… just how close?

Luo Jingfeng had once said that he was the most important person to him.

Surely, the "most important" title could only belong to one person, right?

There couldn't be two, could there?

The Little Demon King pulled out a token, gripping it tightly. Luo Jingfeng had given it to him before leaving, entrusting him with 30,000 troops in case of emergencies.

If he'd handed over his soldiers, didn't that mean he was the most important?

Jincheng wasn't so sure.

He had never felt so insecure before. He even began reflecting on whether he had treated Luo Jingfeng poorly—if his uncle didn't feel any familial warmth from him, would he turn to his elder brother instead?

"When he returns, I'll treat him better. That way… he'll choose me, right?" Jincheng mused, already scheming ways to win favor.

With no clear ideas, he started recalling how Luo Jingfeng had treated him in the past. When they first met, the Luo family had sent him many gifts—delicacies, toys, and… the purpleheart bow.

It was a small bow specially crafted by Luo Jingfeng from rare purpleheart wood, tailored to his ten-year-old frame. But back then, he had despised Luo Jingfeng and casually gifted it to Shen Yibai.

The memory jolted him upright. "Eunuch Huang! Summon Shen Yibai for an audience!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Shen Yibai, still a lowly seventh-rank official in the Ministry of Justice, was overjoyed at the private summons, hoping for a major assignment that would earn him a promotion.

Lately, Wei Xinglu had gone to the border for peace talks and would surely be rewarded upon his return. Shen Yibai refused to fall too far behind his peers.

"Your Majesty, what task do you have for me?" Shen Yibai rubbed his hands eagerly. "This subject is desperate to serve you!"

The Little Demon King cleared his throat. "Nothing urgent. That purpleheart bow the Duke of State Protection gave me—do you still have it?"

"Ah?" Shen Yibai blinked. "I do. It's at my place, untouched. I was afraid the Duke would smash me into paste if he ever found out."

Jincheng scratched his forehead. "Return it to me. I'll give you another bow in exchange."

Shen Yibai blurted, "Also made of purpleheart wood?"

Chu Jincheng: "…"

Shen Yibai: "…"

The two brothers fell silent. Shen Yibai understood.

The palace's treasures couldn't compare to the Duke's. The Emperor was reclaiming his purpleheart bow with a lesser substitute.

Shen Yibai wailed, "Your Majesty! I thought you had a grand mission for me! Instead, I get nothing—and lose the bow too! You're too cruel!"

The Little Demon King guiltily offered, "The Ministry of Justice hasn't had any major cases lately. Why not review their records? See if there are any wrongful convictions?"

Shen Yibai slumped. "That's like fishing for a needle in the ocean!"

With a straight face, the Little Demon King coaxed, "Nonsense! There must be some! Think about it—if you expose a corrupt official, their position opens up. Doesn't that mean a promotion for you?"

Shen Yibai's eyes lit up. "…That makes sense!"

Relieved, the Little Demon King grinned. "Go on, then. If you hit a snag, come to me. I'll back you up!"

"Yes!" Pumped up, Shen Yibai marched off with newfound determination.

Once Shen Yibai was appeased, the Little Demon King reclaimed the purpleheart bow.

Though the purpleheart wood was precious, Luo Jingfeng had crafted it for his ten-year-old self. Now twelve, the bow felt slightly small but still usable.

When Luo Jingfeng returned, he'd ask him to teach archery.

Spending time together would strengthen their bond.

With that thought, he turned to Eunuch Huang again. "Tell the Imperial Wardrobe to prepare a set of casual robes for the Duke of State Protection—in grape purple. I want a matching set, identical in color and pattern, so everyone can tell we're family."

Eunuch Huang was baffled. "Ah?"

Since when had the Emperor grown so close to the Duke?

Chu Jincheng urged, "Hurry."

Eunuch Huang hesitated. "But… the Imperial Wardrobe doesn't know the Duke's measurements…"

"Ask Madam Luo at the Luo residence."

"…Understood." Baffled but obedient, Eunuch Huang arranged everything and placed the items in the Emperor's chambers.

On the day Luo Jingfeng returned, the capital erupted in celebration.

Drums and gongs filled the air as crowds lined the streets, cheering for the triumphant army.

Chu Jincheng stood at the palace gates with his officials, awaiting their hero.

Before long, the leading figure appeared—clad in battle armor, radiating pride. The lofty Duke of State Protection strode forward, head held high, exuding confidence and defiance.

After over a year at war, Luo Jingfeng was visibly eager to see his nephew. His steps quickened as he approached.

Unable to wait, the Little Demon King broke protocol and dashed forward, throwing himself into Luo Jingfeng's arms under countless stunned gazes.

"Uncle, I missed you so much!" he exclaimed, beaming up at him.

The officials nearly dropped their jaws.

What… what was this?

Hadn't the Emperor and the Duke always clashed? How had a year apart made them so affectionate?

Had letters secretly mended their strained relationship?

Even Luo Jingfeng was stunned.

He stood frozen, letting his nephew cling to him, brows furrowed in disbelief.

Though he had always longed for Jincheng's affection, now that it was here, it felt surreal—like a dream.

In a voice only they could hear, he whispered cautiously, "Cheng'er? What's wrong? Did someone bully you?"

"No, no! Who would dare?" The Little Demon King grinned brightly. "Welcome home, our great hero—Duke of State Protection!"

At twelve, the boy had grown taller, his lively dark eyes sparkling with unspoken words, brimming with infectious joy.

Luo Jingfeng was momentarily stunned, then burst into hearty laughter. "Hahaha! Many thanks to Your Majesty for this welcome. I have conquered two more cities for you, along with eight years' worth of reparations for the ceasefire. May Your Majesty reign eternally in peace, with prosperity across the land and no troubles to disturb the realm. I, Luo Jingfeng, have fulfilled my duty with honor!"