I slaughtered my way through the border at the start, I am the Great Ming's Night Raider!

Chen Yuan stood at the door, listening to these numbers, and a sense of absurdity welled up in his heart.

While soldiers on the frontier are fighting valiantly, court officials are scheming against each other, and the national treasury is empty...

"Grand Secretary Yang," the Grand Princess looked at Yang Rong, "do you have any ideas?"

Yang Rong remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "The only option is... to increase the tax."

The Grand Princess sneered, "Don't you know what the people are like now? Last year Shandong suffered a severe drought, this year Henan is plagued by locusts, and now you're adding more taxes? Are you trying to force the people to rebel?"

"Then what does Your Highness suggest we do?" Yang Rong asked anxiously. "Without money, how can we fight? Without food, how can we defend the city? Are we just going to stand by and watch the Tatars invade?"

"I didn't say it was impossible," the Grand Princess said, looking at him. "But before increasing the taxes, we should first collect what is due."

"Should it be collected?"

"What Cao Jixiang embezzled," the Grand Princess said, enunciating each word clearly, "and what his cronies embezzled. The account books are with Jin Ying; none of the people listed above will escape. Confiscate their property and seize their assets. I want to see just how much blood these parasites have sucked from their veins over the years."

Yang Rong's expression changed: "Your Highness, this...this will cause turmoil in the court..."

The Grand Princess laughed, a cold laugh. "Grand Secretary Yang, the Tatars are practically at our doorstep, and you're still afraid of unrest? Are you afraid of unrest, or are you afraid... that your own name will be on the ledger?"

Yang Rong trembled: "Your Highness! Your subject..."

"Don't worry, your name isn't on the ledger," the Grand Princess interrupted him. "But whether your protégés and former subordinates are on it, I don't know. Grand Secretary Yang, these are extraordinary times, and I can be lenient. As long as you cooperate, confiscate the property that should be confiscated, and seize the assets that should be seized, I can overlook the past."

This is a transaction.

A naked transaction.

Yang Rong's face turned white then pale, then pale again, and finally he bowed deeply: "Your subject... obeys the decree."

"it is good."

The Grand Princess turned to Wang Ji, "Minister Wang, go to the capital garrison now to muster the troops, and depart tomorrow. Minister Hu, draft an edict to mobilize 30,000 troops each from Shandong and Henan, and 1 million shi of grain from Jiangnan, to be transported by canal, traveling day and night."

"Yes."

The three men accepted the order and left.

Only the Grand Princess and Chen Yuan remained in the hall.

"Mingyuan," the Grand Princess suddenly said, "I want you to go to Nanjing."

Chen Yuan was taken aback: "Nanjing?"

"Yes." The Grand Princess walked to the window. "The Duke of Cheng has gone to Nanjing, and the remnants of the Prince of Han's faction are there too. If they cause trouble in the rear, we will be attacked from both sides and will surely be defeated. I want you to go and keep an eye on them, and if necessary..."

She didn't finish speaking, but Chen Yuan understood.

If necessary, eliminate them.

"But beside His Highness..."

"I have Qin Xiang, Uncle Zhao, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard by my side."

The Grand Princess turned to look at him. "But you are different. You've served on the frontier and know how to fight; you've also learned how to use your brain during your time in the capital. Nanjing needs someone who is skilled in both martial arts and literature. You are the most suitable."

Chen Yuan was silent for a moment: "When shall I depart?"

"Tomorrow," the Grand Princess said, "I will give you a secret decree appointing you as Imperial Envoy to inspect military affairs in Nanjing. That's the official title, but in reality... you know the truth."

"Your subject understands."

"And one more thing," the Grand Princess said, taking a letter from her bosom. "This letter is for someone."

"Who?"

"Xu Huizu," the Grand Princess said, "Xu Huizu, Duke of Wei, is a descendant of Xu Da, Prince of Zhongshan, and is currently garrisoning Nanjing. He is a veteran general, loyal and reliable. When you see him, give him this letter, and he will help you."

Chen Yuan took the letter. The envelope was addressed to "Duke of Wei" and had no signature.

"Remember," the Grand Princess said, her eyes filled with complex emotions. "Nanjing is not like the capital. It's far from the capital, and anything can happen there. Be careful and come back alive."

"I will accept it."

The Grand Princess nodded, seemingly wanting to say something more, but ultimately just waved her hand: "Go, get ready. Tonight... have dinner with me."

This was the first time she had spoken in such a tone.

It was not an order, not a command, but a request.

Chen Yuan's heart softened: "Yes."

Dinner was served in a side hall of Yongshou Palace. The dishes were simple: four dishes and a soup.

The Grand Princess, Chen Yuan, Chen Jin, and Qin Xiang sat around a table, like ordinary people.

But everyone knows this is unusual.

"Mingyuan, who knows when he will return?" The Grand Princess placed a piece of meat on Chen Yuan's plate. "Nanjing winters are cold and damp, so take plenty of clothes with you."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"Still calling me Your Highness?"

The Grand Princess looked at him.

Chen Yuan opened his mouth, but the word got stuck in his throat, and he couldn't say it no matter what he did.

A hint of disappointment flashed in the Grand Princess's eyes, but she quickly concealed it: "Never mind, no rush. We'll talk about it when you get back."

Chen Jin, her eyes reddening, said, "Brother Yuan, I'll go with you."

"No," Chen Yuan shook his head. "You must stay by His Highness's side. His Highness needs protection, and the Crown Prince needs guidance. Your responsibilities are no less than mine."

"But I..."

"Chen Jin," the Grand Princess said, "listen to your brother. Study hard and practice diligently in the palace. When you brothers meet again, I hope to see a Chen Jin who can stand on his own."

Chen Jin nodded vigorously: "It definitely will!"

Qin Xiang had remained silent until now, when she finally spoke up: "Young Master, should we... send a message to the Azure Dragon Society?"

Chen Yuan thought for a moment and said, "Yes. Tell Wei Qinglong that I'm going to Nanjing and might need his help."

If he asks why...

"Just say it's a deal," Chen Yuan said. "He helps me, and I help him. Although Cao Jixiang has fallen, the Eastern Depot's influence remains. He wants revenge and to regain his footing, so he needs someone in the court. I am that person."

Qin Xiang nodded: "I understand."

After the meal, Chen Yuan returned to his room and began packing his belongings.

The flying fish robe is no longer suitable; I need to change into casual clothes. I must bring the embroidered spring knife, but hide it well. And I must also take the dagger left behind by the King of Zhao...

Just as I was tidying up, there was a knock on the door.

Chen Jin came in carrying a small package and placed it on the table: "Brother Yuan, this is for you."

"What?"

Chen Jin opened the package. Inside was a set of cotton clothes with fine stitches, but the stitches were crooked and uneven, clearly made by a novice.

"I... I sewed it myself," Chen Jin said shyly. "My skills aren't great, but at least it's thick. Nanjing winters are damp and cold, so wear more layers."

Chen Yuan looked at the cotton-padded coat, then at the needle marks on Chen Jin's hands—this child, these days she studies literature and martial arts during the day, and secretly sews clothes at night...

He felt a warmth in his heart and patted Chen Jin on the shoulder: "Thank you. I will wear it."

"Brother Yuan..." Chen Jin suddenly cried, "You must come back. The Chen family... only the two of us are left."

Chen Yuan hugged him: "Don't worry, I'll come back. I want to see you get married and have children, and see the Chen family flourish."

Chen Jin nodded vigorously.

Late at night.

Chen Yuan lay in bed, but couldn't fall asleep.

He's going to Nanjing tomorrow.

There were the defecting Duke of Cheng, remnants of the Han King's faction, and unknown dangers.

But he had to go.

Because it is his responsibility.

It was his responsibility as the son of the Grand Princess, as the adopted son of the Chen family, and as a subject of the Ming Dynasty.

It's snowing again outside the window.

The snowflakes fell silently, covering the palace, the capital, and the footprints of those about to embark on their journeys.

But some footprints cannot be covered by snow.

For example, responsibility, and commitment.

For example, a man's path.