149 Chapter 149 Real Identity (1/2)
*Cough* While Hu Hai and Lin Xulian are absorbed in their unexpected reunion, they heard a cough that brought them back and remembered that there are other people in the hall. They both snapped their heads towards the direction where the cough came from, only to see that it was actually Hu Hai's father.
”Lin Xulian greets Envoy Hu. It has been a long time. It is this one's honor to see you again.” Lin Xulian said politely while giving envoy Hu a courteous bow.
”No need to be polite, your majesty. This one is called Hu Min. This one is glad and thankful that you are alive and well.” Envoy Hu whose complete name is Hu Min replied her politely.
Lin Xulian's eyes dimmed hearing his address to her. ”You don't have to address me as your majesty, Master Hu. I am no longer the Gonglu country's empress because the empress died during the burning incident.” She said, failing to hide the sadness in her eyes.
Hu Min and Hu Hai are curious as to what had happened to her and the reason why she ”killed” herself. But right now, there are more important matters to do. Hu Min and Hu Hai stood in either side leaving Lin Xulian at the center of the hall. ”Master, my King. This is the young miss, Lin Xulian.”
Lin Xulian suddenly felt nervous facing the intimidating old man in front of her. She also felt at loss on what to do and also guilty because instead of acknowledging and giving respect to the King, she chose to chat right in front of him. Maybe it is because as the empress, she didn't have to bow to anyone. The only time she needed to be polite is when she was facing emperor Xing Wenhe. Old habits die hard.
”Please forgive this one's impudence your majesty. This one forgot her manners and didn't acknowledge your great presence. This lowly one knows that this disrespect is punishable with death, but please punish me with leniency.” Lin Xulian kneeled and said while trying to imitate the servants in the palace whenever they did some mistake.
Caught off guard, the King who is actually nervous about how to welcome his only great granddaughter, got confused why she suddenly apologized. He gave Hu Min a questioning look. ”Is the people from other countries usually this stiff?””Yes my King.” Hu Min replied respectfully.
”Tsk. Those rulers using intimidation to control their people. Treating themselves as Gods by deciding one's life and death to hide their weakness.” He said disapprovingly. He then stood up and gave Lin Xulian a small, almost unnoticeable smile. ”Stand up child. Come here and let me see you.”
Lin Xulian's eyes widened seeing the old King standing up. She didn't notice it earlier but he is really tall and bulky. His face is the only part of him that looks old. But his body and ramrod posture still screamed power and strength. Built wise, he looks like her father Lin Xu. But of course the King is obviously stronger.
Another thing that confused her is why the King is talking to her in a gentle and warm tone. But his face doesn't reflect the emotion, like he is someone with facial paralysis. Just like her big brother Huang. Thinking up to this point, Lin Xulian wanted to laugh. 'Having father's body with big brother Huang's temperament. What an odd combination.' But thanks to these thoughts, Lin Xulian's nervousness vanished and felt an odd connection with the King.