son, don't mess around

News of the uprising at the Prince Lin's residence spread throughout the capital, causing a huge uproar.

The reactions from all sides were intense, and the debate raged on in the imperial court.

At this critical juncture, the status and situation of the Prince Lin's residence are far too sensitive!
The fact that Prince Lin raised an army to assist the court in suppressing the rebellion is certainly a good thing. However, many people are worried that this might be inviting trouble.

After all, if the Prince Lin's mansion harbors any disloyalty, it would be far more terrifying than the Prince Xu's mansion.

The Prince Lin's expedition north to quell the rebellion will inevitably pass through the Central Plains. If the Prince Lin's forces harbor any rebellious intentions, the Great Ning Dynasty will truly face the danger of national annihilation.

No one could guarantee anything, and everyone was worried about problems arising. Those powerful families and officials who had past grudges against the Prince Lin's residence were especially vehemently opposed!
The argument raged in the imperial court, and it was only through the intervention of Prime Minister Zhao that the dispute was finally quelled.

Meanwhile, among the common people, the news of the Prince of Lin's uprising to quell the rebellion spread like wildfire.

However, in contrast to the opposition in the imperial court, the common people were all excited and thrilled when they heard the news.

The common people didn't care about the power struggle between the imperial court and the Prince of Lin's residence. Currently, the north was in rebellion, and the people were suffering terribly. Countless people had been forced to flee their homes, especially those in the capital who lived in constant fear, constantly worried that Prince Xu's rebel army would advance south.

Now that they have learned that the Prince of Lin's mansion has raised an army to defend the emperor, and that a massive army of 100,000 is marching north to quell the rebellion, many people are overjoyed and eagerly await the arrival of the Prince of Lin's troops.

That was the Linwang Army, which once swept across more than a dozen kingdoms in the southern borderlands, renowned throughout the world, and invincible!
Over the past decade or so, due to the power of the Prince Lin's Mansion, it has made too many political enemies, attracting countless attacks, insults, slanders, and accusations. The voices attacking the Prince Lin's Mansion are countless, but no one has ever questioned the strength of the Prince Lin's Mansion or the fighting power of the Prince Lin's Army!
Those were the Prince Lin's army, truly forged in the crucible of war, their fighting prowess was terrifying.

Who in the world is not afraid?

It is fear that makes one afraid.

It is out of fear that they slander!
Not to mention, with the Prince of Lin's army dispatching troops to defend the emperor, various prefectures and counties across the land also began to stir. In particular, the governor of Yanzhou, Yuan Zhongnan, raised an army of 20,000, which attracted other forces to follow suit.

In a short time, a large number of local troops were mobilized, and many forces began to express their opinions, intending to come to the aid of the emperor and oppose the rebel army of Prince Xu in the north.

For a time, the whole world was incredibly lively!
The capital city, the Jiang residence.

Lin Jiangnian has been very busy these days!
Since the uprising at the Prince of Lin's residence, he, the Prince of Lin who appeared in the capital, has recently been almost overwhelmed by visits from various forces.

Previously, although he, the heir apparent of the Prince of Lin, had received much attention, due to the wariness and considerations of various forces, not many people had much contact with him, the heir apparent of the prince.

But ever since the Prince Lin's mansion raised an army, it's clear to everyone that the Prince Lin's mansion is about to soar to great heights!

With this army of 100,000 marching north, one thing is certain: the power and influence of the Prince of Lin's residence in the imperial court will be further enhanced.

As for reducing the power of the feudal lords?

Ah!
Who would dare to propose weakening the power of regional military governors now?

If the Prince Lin's residence truly resolves the crisis of the rebellion of Prince Xu in the north for the imperial court, then it will have made an unparalleled contribution!
By then, who would dare to propose weakening the power of the feudal lords?

At that time, the power of the Prince Lin's Mansion in the court will surely reach its peak, and it is not impossible that its merits will overshadow the emperor!
Therefore, those forces that had been observing from the sidelines took this opportunity to visit him.

Firstly, he naturally wanted to curry favor; secondly, he also wanted to find out some specific details.

No one knows the true purpose of the Prince Lin's rebellion. With such a crucial heir apparent in the capital, various factions naturally come to curry favor and try to find out more.

Lin Jiangnian was fully aware of this and accepted all offers of assistance from various forces.

Since the Prince Lin's residence will be involved in the court's disputes in the future, it is inevitable that it will maintain close ties with various forces in the capital.

Even later, when the world is at peace, the various interactions between the Prince Lin's residence and the imperial court will require the cooperation of various forces in the capital.

Therefore, Lin Jiangnian accepted all offers of aid from various factions. He readily accepted all expressions of goodwill from them, and when they probed his intentions, he subtly conveyed that his uprising at the Prince's residence was solely for the purpose of serving the Emperor.

Of course, none of the various factions believed this excuse. Lin Jiangnian didn't offer much explanation either, only mentioning his grudges with the Xu Prince's Mansion and his thoughts on the Xu Prefecture territory.

Thus, all parties understood each other perfectly.

The various factions that came to visit left satisfied, relieved.

Lin Jiangnian also enjoyed a brief period of free time.

At this time, with the affairs in the capital temporarily settled, Lin Jiangnian should also consider his plan to head north!
The Prince of Lin's forces have already deployed troops. With prior preparations, the roads through Jiangnan are unobstructed. The Prince of Lin's troops are heading north and will be able to appear in Xuzhou within two or three months at the latest.

There will be another tough battle then.

The outcome of this war was already decided after the Prince Lin's forces were dispatched.

But for the Xu Prince's Mansion, they naturally wouldn't give up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Xu family will certainly not sit idly by and wait for their doom.

Therefore, it can be expected that this will be a tough battle.

In fact, this war may last longer than expected.

Therefore, Lin Jiangnian planned to go to Xuzhou ahead of time to make preparations.

At this moment, Lin Jiangnian suddenly received an unexpected message.

A message spread from Chujiang City in Jiangnan.

"My aunt is missing?"

Inside the Jiang residence, Lin Jiangnian frowned as he listened to the intelligence Lin Qingqing had sent from Jiangnan: "What's going on?"

Lin Qingqing stood to the side, shaking her head slightly: "This subordinate doesn't know either, but intelligence from Jiangnan mentions that Miss Jiang left the Jiang family some time ago and her whereabouts are unknown..."

"The Jiang family initially searched frantically, and later found a letter left behind by Miss Jiang at the Jiang residence. The letter mentioned that she planned to leave the Jiang family for a while... but no one knows where she went!"

"..."

Listening to Lin Qingqing's report, Lin Jiangnian frowned even more deeply.

My aunt has disappeared?
Have you left the Jiang family?
How is this going?

Although they had come to the capital, Lin Jiangnian had kept track of Chu Jiangcheng's movements. Before coming here, Xu Lan and Xiao Zhu had stayed at the Jiang family's residence. With the Jiang family's care, there was no need to worry about their safety.

But unexpectedly, my aunt suddenly disappeared!

My aunt suddenly left the Jiang family. Where did she go?
Furthermore, the fact that she managed to evade the Jiang family of Jiangnan and the Prince of Lin's mansion suggests that her actions were premeditated... What is she planning to do?
"Your Highness need not worry too much. Miss Jiang is very smart. Since she has left the Jiang family, she naturally has her own plans. There is no need to worry too much about Miss Jiang's safety."

Lin Qingqing comforted His Highness, saying, "The Jiang family has already sent people to search for her, and they should have news of Miss Jiang's whereabouts soon."

Upon hearing this, Lin Jiangnian sighed: "I'm afraid we won't be able to find it."

He understood his aunt's personality; if she had planned this all along, how could she be found so easily?
But where did she go?
And why leave the Jiang family?

At this critical juncture when the world is on the verge of turmoil, it is indeed hard not to be worried.

Logically speaking, my aunt isn't such a reckless person. Unless... something unexpected happened?

For some reason, Lin Jiangnian had a vague feeling that his aunt's sudden departure from the Jiang residence without saying goodbye might be related to him?
Although it was just a vague feeling, it was definitely something my aunt would do.

However, this cannot be confirmed.

Lin Jiangnian couldn't figure it out, and he didn't continue to think about it.

The capital city is far from Jiangnan, and the news arrived quite some time ago.

Lin Jiangnian ordered the people of the Prince Lin's Mansion to search secretly; no matter what, they had to ensure his aunt's safety first.

As for the rest, we'll talk about it after we find my aunt.

Right now, Lin Jiangnian doesn't have time to return to Jiangnan; he needs to pack his things and head north to Xuzhou.

"..."

"Wind Chime, how's the packing going?"

Inside the Jiang residence, a young woman was diligently packing her things. Wiping a bead of sweat from her temple, she respectfully reported, "Your Highness, everything is packed, and we can depart at any time."

"That's fine."

Lin Jiangnian nodded, deciding to keep a low profile on this trip north. Given the changing political landscape, his presence in the capital had attracted considerable attention and flattery, but also brought greater danger. Therefore, he was proceeding with extreme discretion. After entrusting the affairs of the Jiang family to Feng Ling some time ago, she had been extremely attentive, and he planned to bring her along on this northward journey.

"Your Highness, when shall we depart?"

Feng Ling appeared gracefully beside Lin Jiangnian and asked softly.

During this time, with the kite gone, the wind chimes took on the responsibility of caring for His Highness's food, clothing, shelter, and daily life, as well as Lin Jiangnian's.

It must be said that those who have received professional training are truly professionals.

Although he was unfamiliar with the business, he took excellent care of Lin Jiangnian in other aspects.

There was even an excessive enthusiasm.

This seemingly obedient and gentle maid would occasionally try to seduce Lin Jiangnian.

Quite cunning.

Lin Jiangnian didn't expose the cunning little maid, but rather enjoyed the situation.

"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, tomorrow."

Lin Jiangnian said that before leaving the capital, he still needed to visit some old friends.

After leaving this time, I don't know when I'll be back.

"Oh, then I will give the order, and we will depart tomorrow."

Wind Chime nodded.

"I'm going out for a while and will be back later."

Lin Jiangnian spoke up, thinking that he needed to see Zhao Xi one more time.

Before leaving, I missed her terribly.

"Then, will Your Highness return tonight?"

The sound of wind chimes rang out again from the side.

"decide as things go."

Lin Jiangnian spoke, then seemed to realize something, turned his head, and saw Feng Ling looking a little disappointed, her eyes dim and filled with a hint of resentment and grievance as she stared at Lin Jiangnian.

Lin Jiangnian chuckled: "So you're feeling wronged, huh?"

This cunning maid is quite the actress!

"The slaves dare not."

"Is there anything you wouldn't dare to do?"

Lin Jiangnian chuckled and reached out to pinch her little cheek: "Don't think I don't know, you little maid are always thinking about seducing this young master."

The wind chime looked aggrieved: "But Your Highness didn't take the bait at all!"

"Tsk, you still have the nerve to talk back?"

"The slaves dare not."

"Who taught you this?"

"The kisses from before..." Wind Chime answered honestly.

To be honest, this submissive little maid has a unique charm.

"Stop with your little schemes. I'll deal with you properly when I'm in the mood."

Feng Ling's eyes lit up slightly, filled with hope: "When will Your Highness become interested in this servant?"

Lin Jiangnian glanced at her: "When you're a little older."

Wind Chime blinked, as if realizing something, and looked down.

Immediately afterwards, her face flushed slightly, and then she carefully brought her arms together and squeezed them together: "Your Highness, if I squeeze... it will become bigger."

With such an innocent-looking face, how could she do something like this to seduce men?
"Are you talking about growing up?"

"What did Your Highness say?"

Lin Jiangnian glanced at the girl's chest, which vaguely revealed a snow-white cleavage; it looked like it would feel nice to the touch.

Fengling seemed to sense His Highness's gaze, her face flushed even more, but her clear eyes seemed to be veiled with a little mist.

"Your Highness, would you like to touch it?"

"This servant... is actually quite large too~"

Her voice was soft, pure, and incredibly alluring.

Contrast!

This little maid is definitely a stark contrast.

With proper nurturing, given time, he will surely achieve great things.

Lin Jiangnian made a judgment: this little maid named Fengling was definitely not to be underestimated. To be so alluring to men at such a young age—with proper training, she could be paired with her sister in the future…

Tsk!
Just as Lin Jiangnian was pondering whether he should test whether the little maid was lying, a soft voice suddenly rang out from the courtyard.

"Tsk, Your Highness, the Crown Prince of Lin, you have quite the refined taste?"

The sound was very soft, with a hint of a tsk, as if it were amusement.

Upon hearing this, Fengling, who had been trying to seduce her prince, suddenly turned pale as if she had been caught in the act.

She quickly and frantically covered her chest, forced herself to remain calm, and turned around, looking towards the outside of the courtyard. Just then, she saw a graceful and elegant figure standing in that direction.

Feng Ling glanced at it only once, and her gaze became unfocused and she paused for a moment.

Well, what a beautiful woman!
Lin Jiangnian was somewhat surprised to hear this voice and looked up.

"Wind Chime, you can go down now."

The wind chimes beside her seemed to snap out of a daze, their faces flushing red again. They quickly lowered their heads and fled in panic.

Lin Jiangnian looked at the graceful figure that appeared in the courtyard with a look of surprise and delight: "A rare guest!"

"Miss Zhao's first visit is truly an honor! It's an honor to have you here!"

The woman in sight was Zhao Xi.

She slowly stepped into the courtyard, her eyes holding a meaningful look: "First time visiting? Perhaps not?"

"Did I arrive at an inopportune time, perhaps disturbing Your Highness's enjoyment?"

"What nonsense! What refined taste you have!"

Lin Jiangnian remained expressionless, walked straight to Zhao Xi, his eyes filled with surprise, and immediately went forward to hug her.

Zhao Xi had already sensed it and took a step back to avoid Lin Jiangnian's embrace.

"Your Highness, why don't you go and hug your little maid?"

Zhao Xi sneered and spoke calmly.

...(End of chapter)