The principal’s invitation was something Lin Fu, as a student, naturally couldn’t refuse, so she had no choice but to turn back and helplessly shrug at Fu Xing, then followed along.
Fu Xing watched helplessly as Xia Zeming whisked his wife away, and even someone as composed as he was stunned.
"Commander?" There was an irrepressible snicker in Randall’s voice.
"Do you think Admiral Xia Zeming did it on purpose?"
"I believe he did," Randall tried hard not to let out a laugh.
"He’s getting back at me; I bet he’s feeling quite smug right now."
"I think so too, according to the traditions of the Fu Family, she should be attending the First Military Command College or the Royal Starship Academy. Now that Lady has become Elbert’s student, it’s like Admiral Xia Zeming has gained another hostage to threaten you."
Fu Xing gave Randall a meaningful look, "You used the word ’hostage’ well."
Xia Zeming followed Fu Xing and Lin Fu back to his quarters, only to find out at the door that it wasn’t just Xia Zeming. In the courtyard, there was also a stranger, a man with a tall and upright figure, sharp and cold eyes, and a very imposing presence.
He was clearly someone who had long held a position of high authority.
Only during the introductions did Lin Fu learn that he was the renowned Duke Mesfield, Mervin’s father.
It seemed that Fu Xing indeed had an important matter to discuss.
The guards who came with Duke Mesfield, including members of Fu Xing’s Guard Team, all withdrew outside, and the courtyard activated a protective field, blocking all probing. Not even the most powerful mainframe could snoop into the conversations within this villa.
At this moment, only Fu Xing, Duke Xia Zeming, Duke Mesfield, and Lin Fu were left in the courtyard.
Three of the Seven Guardian Dukes of the Galaxy Empire had gathered in one place.
The other two were not present, one being because Celia had just ascended to power and had not finished cleaning up the internal strife, thus could not be truly recognized yet.
The other one belonged to the Lance family, and by now the noble circle knew that Duke Stuart’s position was also precarious, and many were speculating whether Lance would end up like Celia. After all, their relationship was extraordinary, and many privately guessed that the two had surely formed an alliance long ago.
Of course, Duke Stuart was no pushover either, and the father and son were now fiercely squabbling internally, so outsiders naturally did not want to get involved.
Therefore, five of the Seven Guardian Dukes were present at the Capital Star.
As for the remaining two, their situation was different; they had their family’s own hereditary rules and never participated in the Capital Star’s struggles.
Duke Mesfield unexpectedly glanced at Lin Fu, not expecting Duke Fuxing to trust Lin Fu to such an extent.
Xia Zeming complained that he hadn’t eaten yet and was very hungry.
Lin Fu simply went to grill meat for them, using the ready ingredients from the refrigerator along with her unique spices, which turned out to be just right for the occasion.
Fu Xing lounged lazily in his chair, watching Lin Fu bustling about from the corner of his eye, and casually spoke up, "Duke Mesfield, how long has it been since you last saw His Majesty the Emperor?"
"Over four hundred days," Duke Mesfield thought for a moment, then chuckled teasingly, "And you, Duke Fuxing? At your wedding, His Majesty had issued an Imperial Decree, so you must have seen him, right?"
To this, Fu Xing shook his head: "No, I haven’t either. It’s been over five hundred days since I last saw His Majesty the Emperor. So it seems our Emperor has not made a public appearance for nearly two years now."