Lin Xiao wanted to reject the idea. For one, he doesn’t want to get entangled with the Emperor’s matter. Secondly, he hasn’t fed Wang Lan, Wang Fan and Wang Zan yet. They usually ate at Wei Shi. He was just about to vocally reject it when he heard Long Yinlian speak.
“I still have three other children waiting at home so I will not be able to accompany the Lord for the tour. My little disciple will also have to follow me home, but I will ask my eldest disciple to accompany you.”
When Lin Xiao heard the first sentence, he felt relieved, but the second sentence made him turn to his master, wanting to protest yet unable to. In the end, he could only sigh. “I will accompany you. But I don’t want your money,” Lin Xiao told the ‘disguised’ Qin Yijun.
Though Lin Xiao actually liked to earn money, receiving money from the Emperor is something that he couldn’t bring himself to accept. He didn’t know why but when it comes to the Emperor, Lin Xiao could sense that something within himself became restless. And it scared him to not know what is wrong with himself.
“Also, I will have to send my shizun back home first,” he added.
“There’s no need for that, Xiao-er,” Long Yinlian said with a chuckle. “I have Xiao Shen with me. I won’t get lost.”
“Then take General Bai with you?” Lin Xiao suggested.
Long Yinlian knew that Lin Xiao is only worried for him. But taking the General with him would mean less protection for the Emperor. “Is it alright if I talk with my disciple alone?” Long Yinlian asked.
Qin Yijun already understood that there was a small problem, and he was suddenly worried that his plan might fail. He raked his brain until he reached a simple solution that won’t cause any suspicion.
“Actually, there is no need for that. Zh-I also understands his worry for his master. We can just go and send you home first,” he suggested. “Don’t worry, it won’t be a problem at all.”
The Emperor had already said that it won’t be a problem, so what can they, his loyal subject do?
Just like that, Sun Chengmei closed her shop and she made sure to carry a weapon with her. A hidden weapon in the shape of an umbrella. During the trip to the Xia family residence, Long Yinlian couldn’t help but gave Lin Xiao several advice.
“Xiao-er, remember that if there are any troubles, protect His Majesty first,” he said in a low whisper. “If it gets too dangerous, drag him away from the scene.”
“Lin Xiao understands,” he replied but based on his tone, Long Yinlian could sense that his disciple is actually sulking.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Raising his hand, he gently pats Lin Xiao on the head. “Because of how I am, there are things that I lacked to provide for you,” Long Yinlian murmured softly. “Shizun may have failed you on multiple occasion.”
“No,” came Lin Xiao’s immediate reply. “No matter what, Shizun has never failed Lin Xiao. When Lin Xiao did not have anyone, Shizun was there.”
“Shizun, to me, you are not just a master. You are the father that Lin Xiao never had,” he added in a very low voice. But of course, Long Yinlian heard it loud and clear.
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“Xiao-er, you are my son. Even if we do not share the same flesh and blood, even if I cannot put your name on the Long Family Ancestral Record, you are still my son,” Long Yinlian said with a smile.
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By the time they arrived at Xia Family residence, the time had just entered Wei Shi. Both Long Yinlian and Xia Yushen parted ways from the group and Long Yinlian made sure to remind Lin Xiao what he had told him earlier. He also made sure to give Lin Xiao the small dagger that he kept with him as another form of assurance.
“Shizun doesn’t need to worry. Lin Xiao remembers,” Lin Xiao said with a smile on his face. Then, he squats down as he speak to Xia Yushen in a hushed whisper. “Ah’Shen, make sure you take care of Shizun. If anyone dares to try and bully him, you know what to do.”
“Ah’Shen knows! I will make sure to report to big brother Lin!”
This exchange naturally was heard by Long Yinlian who can only shake his head. After making sure that both master and disciple entered the gate, only then did Lin Xiao turn around to face the rest of the group.
“Shall we start? Where are we going? I must say, I have to return before Zi Shi at the latest,” Lin Xiao informed them.
“Of course. Don’t worry. I don’t plan to stay out until Hai Shi. Since I will be staying at Bai Family residence for a while, it wouldn’t be good to return late at night,” Qin Yijun replied.
This was the first time that Bai Minghai heard that the Emperor would stay at their residence. But before he could open his mouth to ask, Bai Chenyi had already pinched his arm, hard enough for it to bruise for several days. “Hold your tongue if you don’t want to anger our ‘distant cousin’.”
And thus, just as they had planned before, the group proceeded to walk towards the main streets, then went on to the direction of the outer district. The Capital is indeed huge, it really lives up to its name as Qin Empire’s Imperial City. But when they reached to the outer district, there was a huge disparity compared to the middle district, let alone the inner district. Even so, the streets weren’t as bad as one would think.
The people in the outer district still live comfortably but there was something within the surrounding ambience that gives out a grim atmosphere. Lin Xiao had only stepped into the outer district once before, and that was when they first came to the city. Back then, it was already quite late, and they were rushing to the Xia Family residence, so he didn’t notice the situation here.
“Why does everyone look… dispirited?” Lin Xiao couldn’t help but voice out.
“There was a series of abduction that happened recently. In the past three days, young children had gone missing,” Sun Chengmei replied.
“And the officials did nothing about this?” as Lin Xiao asked this, his eyes couldn’t help but land on Qin Yijun’s figure.
Qin Yijun who was still in disguise only looked back at Lin Xiao before giving him a smile. “Such a big case, naturally it has reached the ears of the Emperor. But if it couldn’t be solved in just a few days, then there must’ve been some rats scurrying around in the court, trying to wrap a cotton cloth over the Emperor’s eyes.”
“So…” Lin Xiao then walked over closely and looked up at Qin Yijun. Then in a very low voice, Lin Xiao spoke up: “His Majesty coming here is actually trying to investigate this matter?”
The already exposed Qin Yijun who came out only to see Lin Xiao: “…”
Raising his fist up to his lips, Qin Yijun let out a cough twice. “En. I don’t know what Lord Lin is trying to say. Please don’t implicate this humble general. Bearing the burden of raising a rebellion is something this general is unable to do.”
Seeing how the Emperor only feigned ignorance, Lin Xiao didn’t bother to press on the topic. Instead, he turned to Bai Chenyi and Bai Minghai. “Since it is like this, are we still going to ‘tour’ around?”
Lin Xiao’s tone clearly has a hint of disapproval and Qin Yijun could sense it. ‘It seems that he didn’t like the idea of playing when there is a problem like this. Just as expected, though you lost your memories, you are still the Ming-er that I remember.’
“How about this. Since the Emperor encountered a problem, how about we help alleviate some of that burden. Chenyi, Minghai, this can also be considered your meritorious deeds if you can uncover the problem,” Qin Yijun suggested. Since Lin Xiao had already found out his identity, he felt that if he were to play when the outer district is still plagued with trouble, it would make Lin Xiao have a bad impression of him.
He still remembered how Li Fangming had told him to be a good Emperor, so he plans to show him just how good of an Emperor he is. “Minghai and Sister Sun, you’ll be in a group. I heard that there is a Mercenary Outpost here. Maybe they have information on recent cases. Chenyi, you go find the nearby Guard’s Outpost and get some information on the person in charge.”
Hearing the series of orders coming from the Emperor’s lips, the three in cahoots wondered if he had forgotten that he is currently disguised as Bai Ruohan. But they couldn’t ask out loud, so they could only silently accept the order.
“The two of us will go and ask around. The locals might also have information that was not being reported to the Emperor.”
And just like that, Qin Yijun smoothly paired himself up with Lin Xiao.
Author’s note: I have 3 important announcements, please at least read announcement 1 >.<
Announcement 1:
I know I just recently made an announcement about a new project. But, this author has something shameless to ask. A big favour from the beloved readers.
A few days ago, I joined a writing contest using an old story of mine (which was also created during another writing contest). I was wondering if any readers would be kind enough to vote for the story. The story settings are gaming and e-sports.
Here is a short snippet on one of the chapters:
“Qinglong, are you sure you’re giving me this?” Li Shenyang asked.
“En. Don’t want it?”
“I want, ah! But… why are you giving me this?”
“Because I want you.”
As usual, yes. It is BL.
If you guys are interested in helping, here is the link to the contest: http://www.tapread.com/activity/visioncontest
And here is the link to the story: http://www.tapread.com/book/detail/688
PS: You can leave a like multiple times 
Announcement 2:
If any of you are interested in epub/ebook version of this story (The Emperor and His Thief), would you please answer this form?
Google Form
Announcement 3:
If you like the story so far, please leave a comment! I know I am slow, but each comment is like a fuel to my motivation!
YES an update i really like this work of urs author i’ve said it many times i’ll say it again i reeeeeally like this novel very much i hope u continue this one till the end😆😆 I’m gonna start reading ur other works where can i read them pls tell
Haha the emperor knows his ruse has been seen through but he’s still trying to play it out. So cute! I hope to see our Lin Xiao showing off his heroic side against those kidnappers soon!
I like this story….😍😍😍
Smooth move in the end. I knew he was gonna do that^.^
Really enjoying your work! Im really loving QY! Keep it up!
Thanks for your hard work. Can’t wait to find out how he will react when he starts to get his memories back.
The story is so gud , I’m excited. And I’ve voted for that , and also added it to to my reading list . 😍😍
I really like this novel, Author, great job so far. Added to my reading list. Will take a look at other works,
Really love the emperor and Shizun Long.
😍😍