Ten days later, at dusk.

When Lin Feng and his group arrived silently outside Andingmen in the capital, the city gate was already closed.

Lin Feng ordered his troops to rest temporarily at a post station under the Ministry of War, five miles outside the city. He instructed Bai Xiaohe to take his name card and enter the city first to make arrangements at the Grand General's Mansion (which had been expanded and renovated from the original Grand Protectorate and had a new plaque). He also secretly informed Prime Minister Li and Grand Tutor Shen that he had arrived in the capital and would enter the palace to meet the Emperor early the next morning.

He himself stayed at the post station, bathed and changed his clothes, washing away the dust of the journey.

"My lord, a visiting card has been sent from Prime Minister Li's residence, requesting your presence at the mansion." A guard whispered from outside the door, handing over an unsigned letter containing only a plain note with the words "3:45 AM, Houjiao Gate" written on it.

Li Xiang's late-night invitation must be for something important. Lin Feng glanced at the water clock, got up, changed into dark civilian clothes, and quietly left the post station with only two of his most trusted guards, disappearing into the night of the capital.

……

The study in the back garden of Prime Minister Li's residence.

Li Gang had dismissed his attendants and was waiting alone in his study. When Lin Feng arrived, he gestured for him to sit down and personally poured him a cup of hot tea.

"Grand Commander, you have had a long and arduous journey. The great victory in the northern border is truly inspiring." Prime Minister Li got straight to the point, but there was a hint of solemnity in his eyes.

"However, the tallest tree in the forest will be felled by the wind. Recently, there have been some discordant voices in the court, which I'm sure the Grand Commander has already heard about."

"This junior is somewhat aware of the matter, and thanks the Prime Minister for his protection." Lin Feng cupped his hands in thanks.

"It is only right to uphold this. You are a pillar of the nation, and a person trusted by His Majesty." Prime Minister Li waved his hand, then changed the subject, "But there are some things I must remind you of. When you return to the capital this time, His Majesty will summon you, and there will certainly be rewards and inquiries. Although His Majesty trusts you, the mind of an emperor is unfathomable. You must be careful to maintain the proper balance; you must acknowledge your merits and explain your hardships."

"I understand."

"As for the criticisms in the court," a sharp glint flashed in Li Xiang's eyes, "you must be careful. Someone might challenge you in front of His Majesty or in public. You must be prepared, be cautious in your words, but do not lose your composure. Remember, what His Majesty wants is a capable minister who can stabilize the northern border for him and knows how to advance and retreat according to rank, not a fierce general who is too powerful and unruly."

These words of advice were truly heartfelt. Lin Feng rose and bowed solemnly: "Your Excellency's teachings will be forever etched in my mind."

"Sit down to talk," Prime Minister Li gestured, then hesitated for a moment before speaking in a low voice, "There's one more thing. After you left the capital, His Majesty inquired about your family affairs. I heard that you already have a wife in Iron Wall City in the North?"

Lin Feng's heart stirred slightly, and he replied frankly, "Yes. I am married and have eight virtuous wives." He did not hide anything; this was not a secret in the Northern Territory, and anyone with a keen eye could easily find out.

Upon hearing this, Li Xiang's eyes flashed with surprise, but he quickly regained his composure and nodded: "I see. Since His Majesty knew, yet still bestowed upon you the honorary title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent and allowed you to return to the capital, his intentions are profound. Grand Commander, there are some things His Majesty may not say explicitly, but you must be aware of them. Princess Pingyang is quite concerned about you. Grand Tutor Shen also seems to have designs on you. Both families are of noble birth, which will greatly benefit your career. However, this matter involves the face of the imperial family, the balance of the court, and your family, so you must be extremely cautious. How you choose is entirely up to you. But in any case, you must not fail His Majesty's grace, nor should you disappoint the soldiers on the border and your wife and children at home."

These words were almost an explicit statement. The emperor might intend to arrange a marriage between him and Princess Pingyang to further bind him to the royal family. The Shen family, on the other hand, represented the upright and incorruptible civil officials, and a marriage alliance could solidify his position in the court. However, the interests, emotions, and his eight wives far away in the northern border involved were all extremely complex and sensitive.

Lin Feng remained silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Prime Minister, I come from a military background. As for other matters... I will only follow His Majesty's will and dare not have any improper thoughts. If His Majesty makes any arrangements, I will always remember my duty as a subject and prioritize the affairs of the state."

Li Xiang gave Lin Feng a deep look, a hint of admiration in his eyes. This young man not only knows military strategy but is also worldly-wise, and more importantly, he knows when to advance and when to retreat.

"Good, it's good that you think this way," said Prime Minister Li. "When you enter the palace tomorrow, be careful with your words and actions. If you encounter any difficulties, just argue your case based on reason, and His Majesty will make a wise judgment. Go now and get some rest."

"Yes, this junior will take his leave."

As we left Prime Minister Li's residence, night had fallen. The streets were deserted, save for the distant sound of the night watchman's clapper.

As Lin Feng and his two personal guards approached the post station, they passed a fork in the road, next to which was a dark and gloomy alley.

Suddenly, Lin Feng froze, his muscles tensing instantly. A battle-hardened instinct for danger sent chills down his spine!

"Ambush! Scatter!" he shouted in a low voice, while his body flashed to the side and back! The two guards were also battle-hardened veterans, and upon hearing the sound, they immediately rolled to the sides to find cover.

Almost at the same moment he spoke, dozens of dark figures suddenly rose from the rooftops and walls on both sides of the alley! The sound of the bowstring vibrating was like a venomous snake spitting its tongue!

"Whoosh whoosh-!"

Dozens of crossbow bolts rained down on Lin Feng and his two bodyguards at such close range, heading straight for their original positions!

An attack! And it happened in the capital, not far from the Ministry of War's post station! The other side clearly knew his whereabouts!

In a flash, Lin Feng had pushed his physical abilities to the limit. He moved like a ghost through the narrow streets, the sleeves of his python robe fluttering in the strong wind. The crossbow bolts missed their mark, embedding themselves in the walls and ground behind him with muffled thuds.

As soon as the first volley of arrows passed, the shadowy figures on the rooftops and walls leaped down, wielding long, narrow scimitars or poisoned daggers, and pounced on Lin Feng from all directions!

"Protect the master!" two guards roared, drawing their swords and attempting to engage in battle.

"Form a triangular formation, self-preservation is the priority!" Lin Feng shouted sharply, his figure advancing instead of retreating, actually charging towards the left side where the assassins were most concentrated! He had no long weapon in his hand, only the "Dingjiang" short sword given to him by Princess Pingyang, but in his hands, this short sword seemed to have transformed into an invitation from the Grim Reaper.

In a narrow encounter, the brave prevail! In these confined streets, numerical superiority is often difficult to fully exploit!

The sword "Dingjiang" flashed like snow, like a flowing wind, carving out streaks of poignant yet deadly light in the night. Lin Feng's movements were faster than imagined, weaving through the flashing blades, dodging fatal attacks at the last second, while his short sword pierced with unerring precision into the enemy's throat, heart, or wrist joint! His techniques, a fusion of special forces combat from his past life and battlefield experience in this one, were on full display! No unnecessary flourishes, only the simplest and most efficient killing!

"Pfft!" "Snap!"

The sounds of blades piercing flesh and bones snapping rang out one after another! Instantly, five or six people collapsed to the ground, clutching their bleeding wounds and screaming in agony! Lin Feng's footsteps were unpredictable, like a ghostly shadow; wherever he went, men and horses fell. Two bodyguards stood back to back, forming a small battle formation, fiercely guarding the flank. Although they were in grave danger, their excellent teamwork and bravery allowed them to hold off the attacks of several assassins.

The assassins were clearly unprepared for their target's ferocity, far exceeding their expectations. The leader, his eyes flashing with malice, roared, "Change formation! Engage him! Use Dark Green!"

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