Empress: Your Majesty, please respect yourself, I don't want to be promoted

Without the slightest hesitation, in response to Jiang Chengwan's question, Lu Chen stood up and replied in a deep voice:
"Your humble servant is willing to go."

Seeing this, Jiang Chengwan's expression relaxed slightly.

She had been wondering what to do if Lu Chen didn't want to go.

After all, while the situation on the eastern front was important, Lingyun Prefecture was also of paramount importance, and the capital city was filled with numerous tasks that needed to be promptly implemented due to the innovations and reforms of the Tiangong Division.

In terms of importance, it was far more important than the Eastern Front.

After all, since Lu Chen returned, the Tiangong Division has been working like crazy, creating inventions that can influence or even determine the course of the times. It's clear that it's better for Lu Chen to stay in the capital.

He must know that too.

The eastern front cannot do without the Holy King, and the situation in Luyang has not deteriorated. Even if the southern expedition is blocked, a stalemate is still possible.

Her reasons for sending Lu Chen to the eastern front were actually somewhat untenable.

Seeing that Lu Chen obeyed the order without asking a single question, Jiang Chengwan naturally breathed a sigh of relief.

"In that case."

Jiang Chengwan smiled slightly and continued, "Then the affairs of Lingyun Prefecture will be handled entirely by Grand Secretary Xiao for the time being, and the affairs of the Tiangong Division will be personally handled by me for the time being. Minister Lu, you can focus on the military and political affairs on the eastern front."

"promise!"

Jiang Chengwan then explained some specific matters concerning the eastern front, gave Lu Chen a general overview of the situation in the eastern provinces, and instructed him that if he encountered any crisis, he must prioritize his own safety.

And you must act in the vicinity of the Cangming Holy King, and not go too far away.

Lu Chen quickly understood that the Empress wanted to strengthen his protection by elevating him from a cultivator at the Unity Realm to a Saint King, with a legendary being personally guarding his safety.

Clearly, this was the Empress's main purpose in transferring him to the Eastern Front.

Realizing this, Lu Chen couldn't help but be moved.

It has to be said that Jiang Chengwan's kindness to him was almost outrageous. Such favor, unconditional trust, and unwavering support are unparalleled throughout history.

Even someone like him, who once aspired to become an immortal, found it difficult to treat with a calm mind.

Even so, he didn't say much.

He would repay the Empress's kindness with everything he had, without needing to say too much.

"This should be done sooner rather than later."

After explaining all the details of Lu Chen's trip to the east, Jiang Chengwan's expression became inexplicably complicated.

"Lu Qing, you should set off the day after tomorrow."

Lu Chen nodded in agreement.

Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Your Majesty, may I ask you for a favor?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chengwan was taken aback.

After realizing what had happened, a serious expression flashed across her beautiful face.

Having known Lu Chen for two years, this was the first time she had ever seen him ask her for a favor, especially in private.

This is clearly not official business.

It was unusual for him to take the initiative to ask her about a personal matter.

Realizing this, she felt a chill run down her spine.

Lu Qing, oh Lu Qing, what exactly happened to you? Why are you behaving so strangely?
"Between you and me, there's no need to use words like 'begging,' it's too distant."

While pondering, Jiang Chengwan's gaze was fixed on Lu Chen.

"Just tell me what's on your mind; there's no need to stand on ceremony with me."

Lu Chen nodded, then inexplicably took a deep breath before slowly speaking:
"Your Majesty, do you still remember my younger sister, Luo Xiaoyu?"

"Of course I remember." Jiang Chengwan pictured a beautiful young girl who had grown into a graceful young woman.

She had a deep impression of this future sister-in-law.

Although she hadn't seen Luo Xiaoyu for a long time due to her busy political affairs, she was still very familiar with the gentle and charming girl.

"What's wrong? Is what you want to say related to Xiaoyu?"

"Ah."

Lu Chen said softly, "She is the daughter of my mother's close friend. Before my mother passed away, she held my hand and entrusted me to take good care of Xiao Yu no matter what. Now that I am about to head east, the eastern front is turbulent and unpredictable, so I do not plan to take Luo Xiao Yu with me this time."

"When I am away, I hope Your Majesty will take care of Xiaoyu and make sure she is not bullied."

If there's anyone in this world he cares about, then Luo Xiaoyu is definitely one of them.

The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes after being transported to this world was this gentle and sensible little girl.

She was also the one who stayed with him the longest.

Although he had left Luo Xiaoyu a fortune that she could not spend in several lifetimes, she was still just a young girl. She was only exceptionally beautiful, but otherwise very ordinary.

An ordinary person with a fortune, if they have no one to protect them, will likely be devoured without a trace.

Worried about this, he only hoped that the Empress would treat Luo Xiaoyu well and give her a good outcome, considering his sacrifices for the Great Xia Dynasty.

Of course, you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket.

He then instructed Chai Hongyu, Fang Yu, and others to take good care of Luo Xiaoyu to ensure her safety so he could leave this world in peace.

As Lu Chen finished speaking, Jiang Chengwan's heart grew heavier.

At that moment, only one phrase came to her mind—"entrusting her with her final affairs."

Even Luo Xiaoyu specifically mentioned it, how could she not overthink it?
Under normal circumstances, how could Lu Chen possibly entrust Luo Xiaoyu to someone else for care?

"can."

After hesitating for a moment, Jiang Chengwan did not voice her doubts. Instead, she nodded as if she knew nothing, so as not to let Lu Chen notice.

"I promise you, as long as Luo Xiaoyu is in the capital, absolutely no one will be able to touch a hair on her head."

Upon receiving an affirmative answer, Lu Chen immediately bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"You're too kind, Mr. Lu."

Jiang Chengwan sighed inwardly and casually replied.

"By the way, Lu Qing."

At this moment, she seemed to suddenly remember something, smiled slightly at Lu Chen, and said, "You're leaving the day after tomorrow, and I don't know when we'll meet again. How about we have a drink together tonight as a farewell gift?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Chen nodded in agreement without much hesitation.

At other times, he would naturally refuse on the grounds of being busy with official duties.

But as the saying goes, "He who eats another's food is bound to do his bidding," and since Jiang Chengwan had just agreed to help him take care of Luo Xiaoyu, he couldn't refuse and could only let her go.

But there's nothing to worry about about this.

At most, he would be given a cup of sedative tea to force him to put aside his official duties, and then Jiang Chengwan would take him to the medicinal pool to recuperate his body.

Not the first time.

It's always the same, so one more time won't make a big difference.

Upon seeing his agreement, a flicker of nervousness and anticipation flashed across Jiang Chengwan's face, now that she was eighteen, and her small hands clenched slightly beneath the dragon robe. (End of Chapter)