NOVEL NEXT Chapter 125: Chapter 125
**Chapter 125: Husband, You Have Worked Hard**
After exploring the mansion, Zhao Ling realized it was essentially a small palace, sprawling across 5,000 to 6,000 square meters.
The main building had three floors and included a grand hall for meetings, a side hall for entertaining guests, along with gardens, rockeries, and training rooms.
Excluding the servants' quarters, the master's residence housed dozens of master and side bedrooms, all meticulously maintained and ready for occupancy at any time.
This was no surprise, as the mansion had once served as a palace before Xue Ye ascended the throne.
Even Zhao Ling hadn't expected Xue Ye to be so generous, gifting him such a grand estate and allowing renovations at his discretion. He was more than satisfied.
Judging by the mansion's size, lavish decor, and specifications, Zhao Ling estimated that buying it would cost hundreds of thousands—if not millions.
More importantly, acquiring a palace like this was simply impossible.
Considering that Xue Ye had effortlessly given Zhao Ling an annual salary of 5 million gold soul coins, it was evident that the Tiandou royal family was immensely wealthy and had no reason to sell such a palace.
After touring the entire estate, Zhao Ling watched as the attendants left in their carriage. Turning back to the sprawling mansion, he nodded in satisfaction.
'I didn't expect to get such a grand mansion for free so soon after arriving in Tiandou Imperial City. If this had been when I first crossed into the Douluo Continent, forget about owning a mansion like this—even staying in a hotel for free would have been unthinkable. Truly, strength is the ultimate truth.'
As Zhao Ling returned to the courtyard, he saw Ah Yin, Bo Saixi, and Liu Erlong waiting for him.
"Hubby, this mansion is incredible! How much did it cost? Did you buy it, or is it rented?" Ah Yin asked excitedly, her eyes sparkling.
She had never seen such a large, opulent house before. It felt like a dream to think that this luxurious palace was now their home.
"Rented?" Liu Erlong chuckled, covering her mouth and pointing at the plaque above the gate.
"Sister Yin'er, do you know whose mansion this originally was? It used to belong to Emperor Xue Ye when he was a prince. Who would dare rent it out if he hadn't gifted it to Zhao Ling?"
"Wait… so this was Emperor Xue Ye's palace? No wonder…" Ah Yin gasped, giving Zhao Ling an admiring thumbs-up.
"Hubby, you're amazing! You didn't even have to do anything, and you got a mansion like this for free."
"You think he didn't do anything?" Bo Saixi laughed, ruffling Ah Yin's hair playfully.
"Sister Yin'er, you're too innocent. Why do you think Prince Xue Xing asked us to enter the palace together? Let me tell you, the Tiandou royal family wants Zhao Ling and me to serve as royal worshippers.
I refused outright, but Zhao Ling agreed—and even promised to save the newborn prince three times. Without that agreement, there's no way Emperor Xue Ye would have given him this mansion."
Hearing this, Ah Yin looked at Zhao Ling, astonished. She hadn't expected that he, a titled Douluo, would agree to become a worshipper of the Tiandou royal family and pledge to protect the crown prince.
It made sense now—Emperor Xue Ye's gift wasn't just about generosity. It was an exchange for the safety of the crown prince, a deal where the mansion was merely a token.
"Now I see," Ah Yin murmured thoughtfully. "We've only just arrived in Tiandou City, and the royal family has already set their sights on us. But I suppose this solves our housing problem."
Rising onto her toes, she kissed Zhao Ling softly on the lips. "Husband, you've worked so hard…"
"Hard? What's hard about this?" Zhao Ling replied with a carefree smile. "It's just a matter of saving the prince a few times. We get a mansion, 5 million gold soul coins every year, and even the royal family's national treasures. Why wouldn't I do it?"
He gently kissed Ah Yin's forehead and added, "This mansion has so many rooms. Why don't you all pick one you like?"
Zhao Ling's suggestion delighted Ah Yin, but it left Bo Saixi and Liu Erlong momentarily stunned.
Bo Saixi was conflicted. She had originally come to the mainland to find Tang Chen, but now she found herself increasingly drawn to Zhao Ling.
Though she tried convincing herself she was staying to wait for information about Tang Chen, she couldn't deny her growing feelings for Zhao Ling.
These feelings deepened over time, making her torn between her past and her present. Deep down, she suspected that even if she discovered Tang Chen's whereabouts, she might choose to stay by Zhao Ling's side instead.
Resolving her inner turmoil, Bo Saixi nodded and went with Ah Yin to pick a room.
Meanwhile, Liu Erlong hesitated, a look of indecision on her face. Zhao Ling noticed and asked gently, "What's wrong, Erlong? Don't you want to pick a room?"
"No, it's just…" She bit her lip, pausing. "My home is here in Tiandou City. I can return whenever I want, so…"
"Silly girl," Zhao Ling interrupted with a chuckle, flicking her forehead affectionately. "Your home is your home, but there's no reason not to have a room here too. Go on—pick one with the others."
Liu Erlong blushed, stood on tiptoes, and kissed Zhao Ling on the cheek before hurrying off to join Ah Yin and Bo Saixi.
Zhao Ling touched his cheek with a smile, his heart warm.
Shortly after, a middle-aged man appeared, looking sharp and capable. Bowing respectfully, he introduced himself.
"Master, I am Qian Liu, the housekeeper of this mansion. You can call me Liuzi. I came to ask if you and the ladies have had dinner. Would you like me to arrange something?"
Only then did Zhao Ling remember that none of them had eaten.
"Please do," Zhao Ling replied with a nod. "We haven't had dinner yet. Sorry for the trouble."
"It's no trouble at all," Qian Liu said hastily, bowing before leaving to give the kitchen staff instructions.
As he departed, Qian Liu resolved to ensure that everyone in the mansion treated Zhao Ling and his companions with the utmost care.
After all, this man was not only a titled Douluo but also a royal worshipper and a distinguished guest of His Majesty. Offending him would be far worse than offending a member of the royal family, and Qian Liu valued his life far too much to risk that.
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(End of Chapter)