After the disguises and traps of the traitors were exposed at the banquet, all of Chen's brothers' schemes from the Yi Dynasty collapsed completely.
The replacement delegation—including Xiao Lin—had no choice but to prepare for their return home, their emotions a tangled mess: anger, shame, and one more thing—heartbreak over Sri.
Yes. Since that banquet night, when Sri handled the conflict with such composure and elegance, Xiao Lin had fallen for her instantly.
From then on, every time Chen tried to speak to Sri, Xiao Lin appeared like a fire alarm.
Example :
Chen : "Srimadu, may I—"
Xiao Lin (suddenly, from behind a flower pot): "DON'T BOTHER HER! She's reviewing battle formations!"
Chen : "Xiao Lin… do you want me to make you part of a battle formation?"
Once, Mei Lin pulled Xiao Lin aside and spoke gently :
"Xiao Lin, believe me. You admire Sri because she's extraordinary. But Sri can only be tamed by someone as insane as Chen."
Xiao Lin replied with burning hope :
"Then I'll learn to be even crazier than Chen."
Mei Lin sighed. "Heavens… another victim."
Naturally, Chen could not tolerate Sri's attention being stolen by Xiao Lin.
"You may try to steal the throne of the Yi Dynasty. But if you try to take Sri from me… I will unleash cultural-social punishment on you!"
Han Yue : "What kind of phrase is that?"
Chen : "A phrase born from a threatened heart, Han Yue!"
In the days before Xiao Lin's departure, Chen snuck into his chamber and:
Replaced all his hair oil with rancid fish oil.Placed a fake poetry book "from Sri" on his desk—with the dedication : For an admirer I will never acknowledge.Hid a vicious rooster beneath his bed, which crowed at two in the morning without fail.
By the final two days, Xiao Lin slept with a bamboo helmet on his head and eyes like swollen panda bears.
Sri : "Why do your eyes look so swollen?"
Xiao Lin (glancing at Chen) : "Because… love is… painful."
Chen : "Love? That's an allergic reaction. Obviously."
Hours before the ship set sail, Xiao Lin approached Sri with watery eyes.
"Sri… I know you'll never choose me. But may I at least… ask for protection?"
Sri raised an eyebrow. "Protection from whom?"
"From… him." (glancing at Chen, who was peeling an apple with an expression like he wanted to slice the world)
Sri thought for a moment. Then smiled softly.
"Very well. I'll give you a talisman against misfortune. But I can't guarantee its success if the misfortune is named Chen Lu Han."
Xiao Lin thought that once he returned to sea, everything would be peaceful—far from Chen.
He even started sleeping early.
But for three nights in a row :
His pillow always ended up on the deck.His blanket mysteriously transformed into Sri's uniform (no one knew who placed it).Someone played a flute recording of a love song—off-key—labeled: A Ballad of Diplomatic Heartbreak.
Xiao Lin woke screaming :
"LU HAN, YOU SCOUNDREL! I'M COMING BACK TO MEDANG TO KILL YOU!"
As Xiao Lin's ship disappeared beyond the harbor, Chen stood at the dock with a satisfied expression.
Mei Lin eyed him.
"Is Your Highness satisfied now that you've eliminated your rival?"
Chen replied,
"No. I've merely restored the balance of the universe… because Sri's focus is once again on me alone."
Han Yue : "Your Highness is also aware that karma might restore that balance by throwing you into the sea, yes?"
Chen shrugged.
"So be it. As long as I drown in Srimadu's embrace."