son, don't mess around

On the carriage.

The thin carriage curtain could not block the frost and snow outside, and the cold wind rushed in.

Lin Jiangnian held the paper kite's soft, boneless hand. Her palm was icy cold and had no warmth at all, clearly indicating that she had been outside for a long time.

How could Lin Jiangnian not understand Zhiyuan's thoughts?
She probably came here alone to wait for him after learning that he had entered the palace.

As for the reason, it is self-evident.

Lin Jiangnian felt both moved and guilty, his heart aching terribly. He wanted to say something, but didn't know where to begin.

He understood Zhiyuan's personality and knew her way of doing things. No matter what he said, it would be futile.

Not to mention, the two were actually in a 'cold war' during this period!
Ever since that 'absurd' incident, Zhiyuan has been avoiding Lin Jiangnian. The two have hardly spoken to each other these days, let alone met.

But tonight, after learning that Lin Jiangnian might be in danger, Zhiyuan still came here alone without hesitation.

This affection is enough to demonstrate Lin Jiangnian's place in her heart.

it is more than words.

Lin Jiangnian held the kite tightly in his hands, constantly warming her body with his hot breath.

Inside the carriage, Zhiyuan lowered her eyes slightly, her fair and aloof expression seeming somewhat unnatural. Her gaze shifted away, not landing on Lin Jiangnian.

For her, the atmosphere was somewhat discordant.

After learning that His Highness had left instructions, he rushed into the palace, and Zhiyuan was naturally worried.

But now that she saw the prince completely unharmed before her, Zhiyuan put aside her worries and was replaced by a feeling of disorientation.

She naturally remembered... she should still be angry!
She was still sulking with His Highness and had no intention of forgiving him so easily.

So she remained silent.

No words were spoken.

Inside the carriage, a somber atmosphere slowly permeated the air.

Until Lin Jiangnian spoke, breaking the silence.

"Your Majesty, you are dead!"

The gentle tone of her voice suddenly made Zhiyuan, who was still struggling with her inner turmoil and hesitation, freeze in shock.

Then, she suddenly raised her head.

She couldn't even care less about her 'cold war' and 'sulking' with His Highness anymore; a look of astonishment appeared in her eyes.

But she quickly disappeared again, though the tension and surprise on her face remained: "When?!"

"just now."

Lin Jiangnian sighed and said, "His Majesty has passed away, and the palace is now under the control of the senior. Soon, the world will be in turmoil."

The kite remained silent, but its expression kept changing.

This news was not unexpected for her.

Unexpected, but reasonable.

It was common knowledge among them that His Majesty's health wouldn't hold up for much longer. Even when Lin Jiangnian rushed into the palace tonight, Zhiyuan had already vaguely guessed it.

Only now, having confirmed the news from His Highness... His Majesty has passed away!
The Great Ning Dynasty is about to undergo a major upheaval!

Zhiyuan looked at Lin Jiangnian and asked softly, "What does Your Highness want to do now?"

"Before His Majesty passed away, he had already made arrangements for his affairs and appointed Chancellor Zhao and Elder Li to oversee the country and stabilize the court."

"At the same time, the edict of succession needs to be sent to the front line as soon as possible so that the eldest princess can be ordered to ascend the throne at the front line."

Zhiyuan looked at Lin Jiangnian: "Does Your Highness need to do this?"

"Ah."

Lin Jiangnian nodded: "The entire court is now under the watchful eyes of countless people, and every move we make will be scrutinized. Prime Minister Zhao is worried that the imperial edict will be monitored and something might go wrong on its way."

"Therefore, this matter can only be left to us."

At this point, Lin Jiang chuckled lightly: "I'm afraid no one would have thought that the imperial court and the Prince Lin's mansion, who were originally irreconcilable enemies, would now be on the same side."

Zhiyuan frowned slightly, a hint of worry in her voice as she asked in a cool tone, "Prime Minister Zhao, does he trust His Highness so much?"

That Chancellor Zhao was no ordinary man; he was a key figure in the court supporting the reduction of the power of the princes. Chancellor Zhao had always been the biggest threat to the Prince of Lin's household, and there was a deep-seated conflict between the two.

Now that Prime Minister Zhao has entrusted such an important matter to His Highness, it's hard not to suspect something.

Lin Jiangnian noticed Zhiyuan's worry and shook his head slightly: "We don't need to worry too much about this. Although Prime Minister Zhao is a political enemy of the Prince Lin's Mansion, he is indeed a truly loyal minister who is devoted to the country. Everything he does is for the good of the court, and he has no personal grudges against our Prince Lin's Mansion..."

Speaking of this, Lin Jiangnian suddenly remembered that Prime Minister Zhao had no personal grudges against the Prince of Lin's mansion, but he seemed to have a considerable personal grudge against him, the Prince of Lin's heir...

However, it seems that Prime Minister Zhao is not the kind of person who is petty and disregards the overall situation.

"Our goal with Prime Minister Zhao is to help the eldest princess ascend the throne smoothly. This matter concerns the fate of the court and the safety of the people. Prime Minister Zhao is a smart man and naturally understands the priorities."

Zhiyuan remained calm, silently pondering and digesting the information Lin Jiangnian had given her.

Lin Jiangnian told Zhiyuan everything about Zhao Xiang and Elder Li's plans without reservation.

"Prime Minister Zhao plans to announce the Emperor's death at the morning court session after dawn today. He does this for two reasons: first, to strike first and control the political climate in the court, so as to prevent any unforeseen complications and potential schemes against him; and second, to put pressure on the Princess at the front lines."

Lin Jiangnian narrowed his eyes slightly, seeing through something: "Prime Minister Zhao has always opposed a woman becoming emperor, but now, for the sake of the court's future, he has no choice but to take this step. But we can't guarantee that Prime Minister Zhao won't have other ideas..."

"Time is running out; we must send out this edict of succession as soon as possible."

As he spoke, Lin Jiangnian took out a tightly wrapped imperial edict from his bosom and glanced at it.

This single imperial edict determined the life and death of countless people.

It almost determined the fate of the country.

Right now, it's in his hands.

The taste of power is indeed magical.

Zhiyuan's gaze also fell on the imperial edict: "Whom does Your Highness intend to send to deliver it?"

"This imperial edict is of great importance and must be delivered safely and as quickly as possible."

Lin Jiangnian pondered for a moment and said, "Qingqing is the best choice."

As the commander of the personal guard of the Prince of Lin, Lin Qingqing is undoubtedly Lin Jiangnian's most reliable right-hand woman.

She was thoughtful and highly efficient; she could understand Lin Jiangnian's thoughts with just a glance. Furthermore, her martial arts skills were also quite impressive, making her the most suitable person to escort the imperial edict to the front lines.

However, after Lin Jiangnian made up his mind, he saw that Zhiyuan's gaze lingered on the imperial edict.

Then, she suddenly whispered, "I'll go."

Lin Jiangnian was taken aback, as if he hadn't heard clearly: "What?"

"This imperial edict."

Zhiyuan looked up at Lin Jiangnian and said, "I'll take it over."

Lin Jiangnian heard him clearly this time, but a look of astonishment quickly appeared on his face: "Zhiyuan, you..."

"Qingqing can deliver this imperial edict; how can I let you do it?"

“Didn’t you say that this imperial edict is very important and needs to be sent to the front lines as soon as possible?” Zhiyuan glanced at him, her gaze falling on the edict: “It is most appropriate for me to deliver it.”

"no……"

A paper kite to deliver an imperial edict?
What kind of nonsense is this?
Upon closer reflection, kites are indeed a suitable option.

The journey from the capital to the front lines in Xuzhou isn't far, but heavy snow has blocked the roads, and unexpected situations are bound to arise along the way. However, given Zhiyuan's unfathomable martial arts skills, almost no accidents are likely to occur.

Even if there is any danger, the kite is actually the greatest danger to those dangers.

Furthermore, as Lin Jiangnian's closest maid, Zhiyuan represents the attitude of the Prince Lin's Mansion. Having her deliver the imperial edict to the front lines is tantamount to announcing it to the world, confirming the relationship between the court and the Prince Lin's Mansion.

This would also be a good thing for the Prince Lin's residence!
...Thinking about it, it does make sense.

But the question is... can we really send the kite to deliver it?

Not to mention that Lin Jiangnian was reluctant to let the kite travel a long and arduous journey.

You must know, this is a mission to deliver an imperial edict to the Princess.

It sounds a bit strange to have his woman deliver this kind of thing to another woman.

Lin Jiangnian wasn't worried about the kite; he was more worried about Li Piaomiao.

That woman, she won't do anything reckless, will she?
Just as Lin Jiangnian was trying to come up with a reason to refuse, Zhiyuan had already taken the imperial edict from Lin Jiangnian's hands.

She glanced at the imperial edict, then at Lin Jiangnian: "It's decided then. I will deliver the edict. I will deliver it as soon as possible, so as not to affect Your Highness's and the court's grand plans."

For some reason, Lin Jiangnian sensed something unusual about Zhiyuan's calm and aloof tone.

What emotions are swirling around this young girl in front of me?
Seeing that Zhiyuan was determined, Lin Jiangnian didn't say anything more. He understood Zhiyuan and knew her thoughts. Once she made up her mind, it was generally difficult to change it.

This trip to the front lines in Xuzhou necessitates sending Zhiyuan there.

"Then you need to be careful."

Lin Jiangnian looked at the kite, his tone full of worry and concern: "When you go there this time, in addition to delivering the imperial edict as soon as possible, you should also pay attention to your safety."

"Take that elite guard unit outside the capital with you this time, just in case anything unexpected happens."

Zhiyuan listened quietly to Lin Jiangnian's words and shook her head slightly: "No need, that elite guard was left by the prince to protect His Highness."

"If I say you have to bring it, then you must bring it!"

Lin Jiangnian rarely put on a stern face, not giving Zhiyuan a chance to object, and said sternly, "This trip to the front line is different from others. It's very chaotic there, and there are many rebel spies from the Xu Prince's Mansion. Our Lin Prince's Mansion has such a big grudge against the Xu Prince's Mansion. What if something goes wrong?"

Zhiyuan pursed her lips, wanting to say something in rebuttal, but said nothing. Gradually lowering her eyes, she seemed to acquiesce to Lin Jiangnian's statement.

Seeing that she obediently agreed, Lin Jiangnian finally felt relieved, and his tone softened: "In short, your safety is the most important thing. Protecting yourself is the most important thing. Remember to come back as soon as possible after delivering the imperial edict, and don't cause any unnecessary trouble..."

Lin Jiangnian kept talking, while Zhiyuan listened quietly without saying a word.

After Lin Jiangnian finished giving all his instructions, she looked up at him and suddenly asked, "That's all?"

"Ok?"

Lin Jiangnian asked, "What?"

Paper Kite looked at him calmly: "You...don't you have anything to say to her?"

Lin Jiangnian's eyes met Zhiyuan's, and he was taken aback. Those cold eyes made him realize instantly... the 'she' Zhiyuan was referring to seemed to be the eldest princess?

"say what?"

Zhiyuan shifted her gaze to the outside of the carriage, and after a long while, she said calmly, "Is there anything you want me to tell her?"

"cough……"

Lin Jiangnian was caught off guard and never expected that Zhiyuan would suddenly say such a thing.

What message should she relay to Li Piaomiao?

Is this something a kite could say?
Is this appropriate?

Even Lin Jiangnian was momentarily unsure of what the kite was thinking.

After hesitating for a moment, Lin Jiangnian tentatively asked, "Then, could you say hello to her for me?"

"Tell her to rest assured that there is nothing to worry about in the capital. She can go ahead and do whatever she wants."

Zhiyuan listened quietly and nodded silently. Then, she gave Lin Jiangnian a deep look.

That glance was full of profound meaning.

"I'm leaving!"

At this time, the carriage passed through the capital and arrived at the city gate.

In the dead of night, the city gates, which had been closed long ago, were opened wide by the guards after Lin Jiangnian presented his token.

Zhiyuan got up from the carriage, wrapped her long coat tighter around herself, and stepped out of the carriage.

Outside the city, elite guards had been waiting for some time. Despite the freezing weather, more than a dozen elite cavalry units had been waiting. At the head of the group, on horseback, sat a woman of striking beauty and bearing.

It was Jasmine, who had been dispatched out of the city to mobilize troops earlier, who accompanied Paper Kite on this northward journey to the front lines.

Paper Kite got off the carriage, took two steps, then stopped and looked back at the carriage.

Beside the carriage, Lin Jiangnian walked up to Zhiyuan, looked down, and gazed at the cool and beautiful young face in his line of sight, just as beautiful as when they first met.

The kite didn't speak, but there seemed to be some emotions shining in its bright eyes.

Lin Jiang smiled and gently tidied her hair and adjusted her scarf. Before Zhiyuan could react, he opened his arms and hugged her.

Zhiyuan was caught off guard and had no idea that Lin Jiangnian would hug her in front of so many subordinates in public.

Even though the two of them had already been completely honest with each other, such intimate actions in front of others still made her body stiffen instantly.

Immediately afterwards, a blush quickly appeared on her face, a blush spreading from her cheeks to her ears.

Not far away, Jasmine, sitting on her horse, saw this scene and couldn't help but show a hint of envy in her eyes.

The elite guards nearby, however, wisely looked away.

After a brief moment, Zhiyuan, whose body was tense, finally seemed to come to her senses. She struggled to break free from Lin Jiangnian's embrace, her face full of shame and anger, biting her lower lip tightly.

She glanced at Lin Jiangnian with a resentful look, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she said nothing.

Her face flushed, and she quickly lowered her head.

"I'm leaving..."

Her voice was very soft, as if tinged with a hint of shyness and panic.

He turned and quickly walked to the horse that Jasmine had already led. He mounted the horse, turned around, and rode swiftly into the distance.

It looked like they were running away, giving off a sense of fleeing in panic.

Lin Jiangnian stood there, watching the kite's figure gradually disappear under the escort of elite guards, until it was completely out of sight.

Lin Jiangnian turned around and looked at the majestic city behind him, shrouded in darkness, heavy and oppressive.

In the pitch-black world, only the heavy snow continued to fall.

It seems like it will never stop.

...(End of chapter)