Following Bai Lian's directions, Lin Feng found the western wing of the outer palace administration building. It was a more orderly area than the bustling courtyards, with hushed tones and the rustle of parchment filling the air. After a few inquiries, he located Elder Qin's office – a modest room with shelves overflowing with scrolls and a calming scent of sandalwood that Lin Feng thought smelled suspiciously like his grandma's house.
Elder Qin was a man of advanced years, his face etched with the wisdom of countless palace seasons and possibly a few too many late nights reading boring scrolls, Lin Feng mused. His grey hair was neatly tied back, and his eyes, though kind, held a sharp intelligence that made Lin Feng feel like he was being assessed for a particularly difficult exam. He looked up from a scroll as Lin Feng entered, offering a gentle smile. "You must be the new initiate young Bai Lian mentioned," he said, his voice surprisingly resonant despite his age. "She said you were a bit… disoriented."
Lin Feng bowed respectfully, hoping he didn't look too much like a bewildered tourist. "Indeed, esteemed Elder Qin. This humble servant is deeply grateful for your time." He tried to project an air of earnestness, while internally wondering if 'disoriented' was palace code for 'this guy has no clue what's going on.'
As Elder Qin gestured for him to sit on a nearby stool, the familiar shimmer appeared in Lin Feng's vision. But this time, it wasn't focused on Elder Qin's physical appearance. Instead, a window popped up:
[Scanning Subject: Qin Zhong (Senior Eunuch, Outer Palace Administration)]
[Potential Interaction Opportunities:]
(Express sincere gratitude for seeing him): +7 Favorability (Duh, obvious)
(Subtly mention Bai Lian's high regard for him): +10 Favorability (Brownie points? In ancient China?)
(Feign nervousness and emphasize his eagerness to serve the Emperor): +8 Favorability (Worth a shot, gotta look keen)
(Remain silent and await his instructions): 0 Favorability (Might as well be a potted plant at that point)
Lin Feng's eyes widened in astonishment. The system worked on a man! He had assumed it was exclusive to the fairer sex. This was unexpected. Maybe it was a general 'Favor' system? He quickly chose the second option in his mind: (Subtly mention Bai Lian's high regard for him).
[Chosen Interaction: Subtly mention Bai Lian's high regard for him]
[Qin Zhong - Favorability: +10] (Score!)
[Current Favorability: 10]
A small line of text appeared: [Bio Snippet Unlocked: Values loyalty and those who speak well of others.] (So, basically, he likes gossip? Got it.)
"Esteemed Elder Qin," Lin Feng began, his voice carefully modulated to sound appropriately respectful (and hopefully not too much like a modern-day dude trying to be formal). "I was fortunate enough to encounter the kind maid Bai Lian, who spoke of your wisdom and your generous spirit towards newcomers like myself." He watched as a hint of pride – a little like a cat who'd just caught a particularly plump mouse – flickered in Elder Qin's eyes.
The elder eunuch stroked his chin, a pleased expression on his face that suggested he'd heard such compliments many times and still enjoyed every single one. "Bai Lian is a good girl, diligent and kind. Tell me, young one," he said, his gaze sharp enough to cut through butter, "what troubles you?"
Lin Feng then proceeded to explain his predicament, emphasizing his sincere desire to serve the Emperor (and mostly avoid any more blade-related incidents) and his unfortunate separation from his assigned group during the initial processing (blaming non-existent clumsiness seemed like a safe bet). He feigned a bit of nervousness, just as the system had suggested.
Elder Qin listened patiently, nodding occasionally, probably thinking, Another clueless newbie, Lin Feng guessed. When Lin Feng finished, the elder eunuch sighed softly. "The Emperor's grace extends to all within these walls, young one. However, order must be maintained." He leaned forward, his gaze even sharper now, making Lin Feng feel like a particularly undercooked dumpling. "Tell me, do you know of our current Emperor, His Majesty, the Azure Dragon?"
Lin Feng shook his head, feigning ignorance. Azure Dragon? Sounded like a cool anime title. This was his chance to glean some intel about the big boss.
"His Majesty is young, barely twenty years of age," Elder Qin explained, his voice carrying a note of reverence that made Lin Feng wonder if the guy was secretly a fangirl. "A prodigy, some say. He ascended the throne unexpectedly after the sudden illness and passing of the previous Emperor. There were whispers, of course, as there always are when someone kicks the bucket early in a royal family, but His Majesty quickly proved his strength and wisdom, quelling any dissent with decisive action." Lin Feng made a mental note: Don't cross the Azure Dragon.
Elder Qin paused, his gaze distant for a moment, like he was reminiscing about some glorious imperial event or maybe just trying to remember where he'd left his reading glasses. "The world we live in, young one, is vast. The Jade Dynasty holds dominion over a significant portion of the eastern lands, a land rich in resources and ancient traditions – and apparently really good tea, judging by the amount Lin Feng had seen being carted around. We face occasional threats from nomadic tribes to the north – basically, fantasy Mongols, Lin Feng figured – and whispers of unrest in the southern provinces, but under His Majesty's rule, the empire has seen a period of relative peace and prosperity."
"His Majesty… the Azure Dragon," Lin Feng repeated, trying to commit the impressive-sounding title to memory. "What is he like?"
Elder Qin smiled faintly, a genuine, warm smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. "Though young, His Majesty carries himself with the gravitas of a seasoned ruler. He is said to be handsome – the kind of handsome that makes all the palace ladies (and probably a few of the eunuchs, Lin Feng snickered internally) swoon – with piercing eyes that see through deceit and a sharp mind that can unravel the most intricate of plots. He is a patron of the arts and a scholar in his own right, yet he is also a formidable warrior, having personally led troops on several occasions. He is… a complex individual, one who inspires both awe and fierce loyalty."
As Elder Qin spoke of the Emperor, Lin Feng couldn't help but feel a flicker of interest. This young ruler was the key to… well, everything, really. Getting a decent job, avoiding more near-castration experiences, and potentially unlocking more of this crazy system. His adventure had truly just begun, and apparently, the Azure Dragon was someone he needed to keep on his radar – though preferably from a safe distance.