The agreement was signed by all three parties, the defense passed, and the diploma was in hand. His future looked bright. Then, in a single moment, he transmigrated and became a hostage in an enemy state?!
Shi Lin glanced at the enemy army before him, a vast, imposing sea of soldiers, then at the frail and elderly people who had come to see him off...
Fine. It was only three years in the State of Yan. He'd already spent five years in the second boss's department. The core principle was simple: "Read the room and seize your chance." Once was hard, twice was easy!
And so, the third prince of Liang, praised by all for his refined elegance, went to Yan...
At a flowing-water banquet where scholars and refined gentlemen gathered
Everyone: Inviting the hostage from Liang to this banquet is clearly an excuse to put him in his place.
Shi Lin: Get out of here. What a great chance to meet leading scholars in the field.
At a grand royal hunt
Everyone: We hear that hostage is only good with documents. He can't ride or shoot at all, hahaha! A clear sign of how weak Liang's army is.
Shi Lin: Get out of here. Free skill training? Of course I'm going. It'd be a waste not to.
At the year-end royal banquet, where the King of Yan hosted his officials
Everyone: Liang can't repay its debt this year. Who knows what the King of Yan will do to the hostage?
Shi Lin: Get out of here. Isn't the point of the annual banquet to eat and drink? I'll eat my fill, then lounge at home for three days!
The young attendant wept quietly behind him. "Third Prince... You've endured so much humiliation for Liang. You've truly given so much. Sob, sob."
Shi Lin: "? Who are you talking about?"
Three years later, his term as a hostage was over. Shi Lin: Great, I can go home! ...Wait, why are you stopping me?!
Some rich playboy: You've treated me so sincerely that I understand how you feel. Stay here, and everything I own will be yours!
Some general: If not for you, I would have been caught in the king's suspicions long ago. You have done me a kindness beyond measure. Stay by my side, and I'll do everything I can to protect you for life!
Some young lord of a prominent family: Third Prince, you are a brilliant writer, capable of leaving a literary legacy. Why return to the vortex of imperial power struggles?
Even more absurd was one prince: Don't go. Marry me.
Brief, direct, and earth-shattering.
Shi Lin was speechless. This damn hostage thing comes with an extended graduation, too?!
Theme: Eat well, drink well, and live without worries
