After being forced to leave the marriage, I became the wife of a top scholar.

Inside the Lin family mansion, Bai Wanqing was discussing with Lin Yunche and Wuhuan how to rescue Bai Chengdong.

Three days have passed, and they still can't get into the Dali Temple.

"Why don't we just force our way in today!" Wu Huan hadn't slept well for the past few days, and dark circles under his eyes almost covered half of his face.

Just then, Cui Jingcheng and Cheng Susu arrived.

The two shook their heads slightly as soon as they entered. Cui Jingcheng said helplessly, "Wanqing, I just asked Father to go to Dali Temple to check things out, but for some reason, the people inside didn't give us any information at all."

"Hey! Lin Yunche, are you sure the Emperor will spare Cheng Dong?"

Lin Yunche frowned slightly. It is said that serving a ruler is like serving a tiger, as the emperor's will is unpredictable. Now he has a deep understanding of this.

The Emperor didn't seem to really intend to punish Cheng Dong that day, so why did he keep him detained and prevent them from seeing him? Not only that, they couldn't find out a single clue.

Bai Wanqing's eyes darkened. "Husband, may I see the Emperor?"

“I used the handbook my mother gave me to exchange for it.”

"I believe he will let Cheng Dong go."

Wanqing's handbook? Lin Yunche had heard that many of Wanqing's ingenious ideas came from her mother-in-law's handbook, which might be a treasure to the Emperor.

But if Wanqing were to hand over the notebook, she would be in danger.

"No! This is too risky!"

"Wanqing, in Kyoto, you must not let anyone find out about this notebook."

Bai Wanqing was slightly taken aback, realizing that she had indeed been rash; her concern had clouded her judgment and almost ruined a great deal of work.

"This won't do, that won't do either. We're just going to stand by and watch Cheng Dong suffer inside!"

"We don't even know if they're dead or alive."

Lin Yunche stood up and said, "Why don't I go to the palace tomorrow and ask the Emperor again?"

"If all else fails, it's not too late for us to sneak into the Dali Temple."

Just as everyone nodded in agreement, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the Lin family's residence.

"A distinguished guest! A distinguished guest has arrived."

These days, many people are eyeing the Lin family's reputation. This time, many people have received rewards after being exonerated, but the Lin family's reward has been delayed.

Many people have begun to speculate that the Emperor is in a difficult position because of the Lin family's special status, and perhaps the matter will simply be dropped.

But to everyone's surprise, the imperial edict from the Lin family finally arrived.

Hearing the commotion outside, Lin Yunche and the others immediately came to the front yard.

At that moment, Lin Feiyun was talking to the angel, who said with a smile, "General Lin, your Lin family has caught the Emperor's eye this time."

"When the future is bright, never forget our family."

Lin Feiyun smiled and nodded, saying, "Of course, of course."

Eunuch Gui glanced around the courtyard and saw that the people who were supposed to come had already arrived.

A sharp voice rang out, "The Lin family, receive the imperial decree."

Lin Feiyun, along with Cui Yao and Uncle Lin, knelt in front, while Lin Yunche and a group of younger members knelt behind.

With a smile, Eunuch Gui unfolded the imperial edict and began to read it aloud.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I have inherited the Mandate of Heaven and will punish evil and promote good. In the past, the Prince of Huai framed the Lin family for treason. Now, a thorough investigation will be conducted to clear their name, cleanse them of their injustice and shame, and restore their reputation for loyalty and valor."

Upon hearing this, Lin Feiyun, Uncle Lin, and the other villagers from Linjia Village had tears in their eyes.

After more than 20 years of arduous waiting, he has finally been exonerated.

Traitors and traitors will never again be associated with the Lin family.

Their children can once again rightfully travel freely among the rivers and mountains, no longer burdened with guilt.

"Great! Great!" Uncle Lin murmured.

Eunuch Gui smiled slightly, "Master Lin, don't worry, there's more to come." After saying that, he turned his gaze to Lin Yunche.

"Lin Yunche's loyalty and bravery shine as bright as the sun. He led his iron cavalry to quell the rebellion and recover lost territories. His achievements are as clear as the sun and moon. He was promoted to General of the Cavalry, awarded a gold seal and purple ribbon, and enjoyed the honor of high rank and emoluments."

Lin Feiyun proudly raised his head. They were back! Not only had their Lin family been exonerated, but they had also returned to their former glory.

My grandfather's spirit can finally rest in peace.

Just as everyone was still immersed in the joy of the Lin family's return to its peak, Eunuch Gui continued:

"Bai Wanqing of the Lin family, who took command of the army in a time of crisis, defended the isolated city with her wisdom and skill, is hereby specially granted the title of First-Rank Imperial Lady and bestowed with a royal decree and jade book to commemorate her heroic spirit as a woman."

Bai Wanqing raised her head slightly, her eyes showing surprise. She hadn't expected that the Emperor would also bestow upon her the title of First-Rank Imperial Consort. Wasn't that...?
Before Bai Wanqing could make a decision, Eunuch Gui's voice rang out again.

"Although Bai Chengdong was suspected of overstepping his bounds, considering that the matter was urgent and that he was talented enough to amaze even ghosts and gods, his mistake was pardoned and he was promoted to Junior Supervisor of the Hall of Extraordinary Talents, in charge of the study of secret arts."

"Immediately transfer him to the Dali Temple and release him." This time, Bai Wanqing accepted the imperial decree wholeheartedly.

Wu Huan and Cui Jingcheng also breathed a sigh of relief; at least they didn't have to rob the Dali Temple.

"Congratulations, General Lin, Master Lin!"

Madam Cui ordered someone to wrap a red envelope for Eunuch Gui. Eunuch Gui weighed it in his hand, nodded in satisfaction, and took his leave with a smile.

As they walked out the gate, Eunuch Gui couldn't help but sigh to the little eunuch beside him.

"Just watch, the Lin family is rich and powerful, they're really making a comeback."

The young eunuch silently turned around and looked at the less-than-respectable gate, silently memorizing his master's words.
-
Six months later, in the capital of the Shang Kingdom.

Bai Chengdong was sitting inside the Yishi Hall, studying the larger stone cannon that was coming out.

The previous base, being made of wood, couldn't withstand the enormous impact. Now that it's been replaced with iron, its impact resistance has been greatly enhanced.

"Lord Bai, why aren't you leaving today!"

"I heard your house is quite lively these days!"

Bai Chengdong blushed and waved his hand, saying, "I have things to attend to; national affairs come first."

A luxurious mansion not far from the Princess's residence was bestowed upon the Lin family by the Emperor.

At this moment, Madam Cheng, Lord Cui, and the elders of the Lin family were having a peony flower party in the backyard with their younger relatives.

Naturally, these peonies were all provided by the princess.

At this moment, the princess pulled Cui Yao aside and winked, saying, "Tsk tsk tsk, Yao, look at Madam Cheng and Lord Cui. They come to every tea party we hold, but other people's children have already paired up several times."

"But there's still no progress on Miss Cheng and Young Master Cui."

"It would be better if the two of them just got together."

Cui Yao smiled, looked at the two children with long faces not far away, and said helplessly, "Well, the children have to be willing to do it!"

Cui Jingcheng glanced at Cheng Susu and said, "Hey, you come to arrange dates every day, aren't you tired of it?"

Cheng Susu said listlessly, "Ugh, so annoying!"

"What can we do?!"

Suddenly, Cui Jingcheng thought of something and leaned closer to Cheng Susu, saying, "How about we sign a contract?"

Cheng Susu thought it was a good idea, and the two of them whispered and discussed it.

On the other side, Pan Hu, being held captive by Feng Niang, was also looking at potential partners.

Pan Hu has now obtained a military officer position that is neither too high nor too low. It is not something that people from high-ranking families can aspire to, but it is a position that ordinary families can match.

"Mother! I've only had a few days of peace, and you're already trying to push me into a fire pit!"

Fengniang looked at him with disappointment, "Huzi, look how old you are."

"If we delay any longer, we'll turn into old teenagers."

"Mother, tell me, what are the benefits of getting married?"

Fengniang's eyes widened slightly as she tried hard to recall her life since her marriage. "That...that..."

"Mother! Don't force yourself if you don't have it."

The Lin residence was bustling with activity, and the streets of Kyoto were also vibrant and bustling.

For example, the Du Family Cloth Shop not far away was surrounded by people at this moment.

"How about trying that one on?"

"Young Master Wuhuan, try on that light blue one too."

Wu Huan stood among the crowd, constantly trying out the new products from the Du family's cloth shop.

"Don't rush, don't rush, I'll let you try it slowly!"

Bai Wanqing, who had just seen off a patient, looked at Wu Huan and couldn't help but admire his prowess.

No matter what kind of clothes Fu Rong designs, he can always make them look fashionable in Kyoto.

"Wanqing, should we go back early today?"

Bai Wanqing turned her head, looked at Lin Yunche who was returning from his patrol, and smiled, "Okay!"

The two walked hand in hand down the bustling street.

Lin Yunche, bathed in the setting sun, kissed Wanqing's forehead, "It's so good to have you!"

In the dim candlelight, Kou Zirou's handbook rustled in the wind, and on the last page of the handbook appeared a sentence: Happiness must be earned by oneself.

(End of text) (End of chapter)