Too many female prisoners, a special forces soldier transmigrates and marries wildly.

The state capital was shrouded in an unusually solemn atmosphere in the early morning.

The usual hustle and bustle of the city seemed to have been somewhat subdued, and the air was filled with tension and anticipation.

In the direction of the prefectural government office, there were guards every three steps and sentries every five steps. The soldiers, clad in armor and armed with weapons, had cold and solemn expressions, and their eyes swept over everyone who passed by with lightning speed.

Those were the imperial guards, carrying the solemn and imposing aura of the capital's imperial army.

Inside the "Sanheyuan" (a traditional courtyard house), the shouts and commands from the drills ceased. Lin Feng ordered that the "Sanhe Freight Transport" be suspended for most of the day, with only essential personnel remaining to maintain basic dock operations. The rest of the brothers would take turns resting, but were not allowed to leave the western end of "Niwadi" (a muddy area) or go to the vicinity of the prefectural government office. He himself changed into a slightly worn but clean indigo long gown, his hair neatly tied up with a wooden hairpin, looking like an honest young merchant. He then led Hou Qi to a quiet back street near the prefectural government office.

There was an inconspicuous little teahouse here. The window of the private room on the second floor facing the street offered a distant view of a corner of the side gate of the prefectural government office. Lin Feng ordered a pot of coarse tea and two plates of snacks. He sat opposite Hou Qi, seemingly chatting idly, but his eyes kept glancing out the window.

"Master Lin, are we just going to stand here and watch?" Hou Qi asked, somewhat puzzled. He lowered his voice, "The Imperial Envoy is holding court today, and I heard he's summoning all the prominent officials and gentry in the prefecture, as well as us... well, the 'respectable' merchant representatives. Our 'Sanhe' is now considered the number one in the west, shouldn't we at least show our faces?"

"Show your face?" Lin Feng took a sip of tea, his gaze calm.

"Are we trying to make a fool of ourselves by showing our faces now? Who is Feng Zhen? He's an iron-fisted imperial envoy, acting on behalf of Heaven. He's just arrived and knows nothing about Qingzhou. The first thing he'll do is identify who the troublemakers are and who's causing the most trouble. Zhou Wenyuan, the Prince of Qi, and those who are loyal to them are probably all scrambling to get close to Feng Zhen, to pledge their loyalty, submit petitions, and report on others. What would we be doing if we went up to him now? Walking into a trap, or becoming someone else's pawn?"

Hou Qi suddenly realized, scratching his head: "Master Lin is indeed very thoughtful. So, shall we..."

"Look." Lin Feng gestured for him to look out the window.

At the side gate of the prefectural government office, carriages and horses came and went in an endless stream. There were lavishly decorated carriages bearing the insignia of various families, as well as sedan chairs in blue robes, and many more officials and gentry who arrived on foot. Everyone was dressed smartly, but their expressions varied: some were reserved, some were obsequious, some feigned composure, and some had shifty eyes and ulterior motives.

"Look at that one, the one in the purple robe with the goatee, that's Prefectural Magistrate Liu, Zhou Wenyuan's henchman," Hou Qi whispered, pointing. "The one next to him, the fat one who looks like a ball, is Chief Clerk Li from the Grand Canal Transport Office, he's in cahoots with the Grand Canal Gang."

Lin Feng watched silently, memorizing the faces, mannerisms, conversations, and expressions of those people. These were all prominent figures in Qingzhou, and also potential opponents or pawns in the future.

Just then, three heavy, long drumbeats suddenly came from the direction of the main gate of the prefectural government office! Immediately following was the drawn-out shout of the yamen runners:

"His Majesty the Imperial Envoy has ascended the throne!"

"mighty--!"

The authoritative and imposing shouts could be faintly heard even from a distance. The entire government office, inside and out, fell silent instantly.

Everyone waiting involuntarily straightened their backs, straightened their clothes, and looked even more nervous.

"It's starting." Lin Feng put down his teacup, his gaze deep.

Feng Zhen's first public appearance will set the tone for his inspection tour of Qingzhou and will directly influence the actions of all parties involved.

Time passed slowly. Apart from the initial commotion, no further loud noises came from the prefectural government office, but the invisible pressure seemed to permeate the air, making the entire street feel oppressive.

About an hour later, the side gate of the prefectural government office suddenly opened, and several yamen runners quickly stepped out, holding name cards in their hands, and began to loudly call out names:

"Prefectural Magistrate Liu Wenyuan—please come in!"

"Lord Li Youcai, Chief Clerk of the Grand Canal Transport Office—please come in!"

The person whose name was called quickly straightened his clothes and strode into the prefectural government office amidst the envious or jealous gazes of those around him.

After a while, the names were called out again. This time, most of the names were those of prominent gentry and merchant representatives. Among them were Qian Youcai of the "Yongfa" shipping company and Zhao Baiwan of "Furuixiang".

Not long after Qian Youcai and Zhao Baiwan went inside, another yamen runner came out and announced their names:

"Mr. Lin Sanlin, owner of 'Sanhe Goods Operation'—please come in!"

Lin Feng and Hou Qi were both taken aback. Feng Zhen actually knew about "Sanhe"? And he specifically asked to see him?

"Master Lin, this..." Hou Qi was a little nervous.

Lin Feng's mind raced. Feng Zhen's arrival had already caught the attention of even newly established businesses like "Sanhe Goods Transportation," which lacked a strong foundation, and placed him on the first list for summons. What did this mean? Had someone mentioned him? Or was Feng Zhen himself gathering such detailed information?

In any case, since we've been asked to attend, we can't not go.

"You stay here and keep watch. I'll be right back." Lin Feng stood up, straightened his robes, gave Hou Qi an instruction, and then calmly walked down the stairs toward the side gate of the prefectural government office.

After presenting the pre-prepared name card and verifying his identity, Lin Feng, guided by the yamen runners, passed through the heavily guarded courtyard and waited outside the side hall of the second hall.

Several people were already waiting there, all gentry and merchants who had been called in but not yet summoned. Seeing Lin Feng's unfamiliar face and his youth, they all cast curious, scrutinizing, and even disdainful glances at him. Lin Feng stood with his hands at his sides, his demeanor calm and composed, his gaze unwavering.

"Master Lin, the master requests your presence." A middle-aged man who looked like a clerk came out and nodded politely to Lin Feng.

Lin Feng followed him into the side hall of the second hall. The furnishings inside were simple, yet they exuded an air of authority. Sitting at the head of the table was an official in his forties, with a fair complexion, a light beard, piercing eyes, and an imposing presence, dressed in a scarlet robe. This was none other than the Imperial Envoy, Earl of Loyalty and Bravery, Feng Zhen.

To Feng Zhen’s left and right sat several of his accompanying staff and officials. Zhou Wenyuan was also present, sitting on his left at the lower end of the table, expressionless, but his sharp gaze swept over Lin Feng.

Feng Zhen wasn't wearing formal official robes, only a scarlet casual suit, but his aura of someone who had long held a high position and wielded life and death was more oppressive than any official uniform. He was flipping through a file in his hand when he heard footsteps, looked up, and his gaze, sharp as lightning, landed on Lin Feng.

"This humble citizen, Lin San, pays his respects to Your Majesty the Imperial Envoy." Lin Feng stepped forward a few paces, bowed deeply, and performed the movements with perfect decorum, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Please rise, Mr. Lin." Feng Zhen's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority. "I have been ordered to inspect the region and have heard that a new business called 'Sanhe Goods Trading Company' has recently emerged in the prefecture. It is well-managed and has an excellent reputation. What is even more remarkable is that it has been able to establish rules and maintain peace in such a complex place as 'Muddy Land.' Therefore, I have specially invited Mr. Lin to come and have a chat."

"You flatter me, sir. I am merely struggling to make a living and doing my duty. My meager achievements are nothing to be proud of," Lin Feng replied, rising to his feet and bowing respectfully, his tone devoid of obsequiousness.

"Run your business honestly?" Feng Zhen put down the file, looked at him, and his gaze was deep.

"To build such a business from scratch in a place like 'Muddy Hollow' in such a short time, and to bring order to the once chaotic western dock area, this is something that 'doing your job honestly' can't achieve. Mr. Lin, what did you do before?"

They've arrived. Lin Feng knew immediately; Feng Zhen had indeed investigated him.

"Your Excellency, I was originally a scout in the Northern Border Army, serving as the captain of the Beacon Fire Battalion. Due to injury, I was discharged and ended up in Qingzhou. Fortunately, my neighbors in 'Muddy Hollow' did not abandon me, which is why I am where I am today," Lin Feng said calmly.

"Border scouts..." A knowing glint flashed in Feng Zhen's eyes, and he nodded. "No wonder. A soldier by trade, decisive in battle, and skilled in strategy—no wonder he's made a name for himself in a place like 'Muddy Hollow.' However," he changed the subject, his tone turning slightly somber, "I've also heard rumors that your 'Three-in-One Goods Transport' has considerable friction with the canal gangs, even resorting to force to disrupt dock order. Is this true?"

Zhou Wenyuan, standing to the side, subtly twitched the corner of his mouth.

Lin Feng remained composed and cupped his hands, saying, "My lord, business at the docks is all about skill. There have indeed been some frictions between me and the canal gang due to differences in business philosophy and rules. However, the claim of 'using force to disrupt order' is purely a rumor. All of 'Sanhe's' operations are within the bounds of the state government's laws. As for the minor disputes with the canal gang, they are mostly due to the gang's bullying and exploitation of merchants. To protect 'Sanhe's' reputation and the interests of its partners, I had no choice but to argue my case, resulting in occasional verbal altercations, but I have never initiated any provocation or resorted to vigilante justice. My lord can send someone to investigate the current order in the western part of the docks; the matter will be judged fairly."

He remained composed and attributed the conflict to business competition and self-defense, while also pointing out the misdeeds of the Canal Gang and readily accepting the investigation.

Feng Zhen looked into his unwavering gaze, pondered for a moment, and then suddenly asked, "What is your opinion of the Grand Canal Gang?"

This question was tricky; it seemed casual, but it was actually a test of Lin Feng's stance, knowledge, and even ambition.

Lin Feng pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "The canal gangs have occupied the docks for many years, their influence deeply entrenched. While they certainly have advantages for canal and freight transport, their control of the waterways and monopolistic practices, coupled with excessive exploitation of merchants, are ultimately more detrimental than beneficial to the country and its people in the long run. Especially in recent years, the canal gangs have become increasingly mixed, with members of varying character and influence, and even…some unnamed individuals, maintaining close ties with local powers, gradually becoming a scourge to the prefectures. If the imperial court intends to rectify canal administration and clean up the local areas, the problems caused by the canal gangs must be carefully considered."

Instead of directly saying that the Grand Canal Gang deserved to die, he analyzed the pros and cons from the perspective of the imperial court, which not only demonstrated his insight but also avoided giving people an excuse to accuse him of "taking revenge for personal reasons".

A glint of surprise flashed in Feng Zhen's eyes; he seemed somewhat surprised and quite appreciative of Lin Feng's answer. He nodded, not pressing the matter of the canal gangs further, and instead asked, "Since you were once an elite border soldier, you should know loyalty and righteousness. Now that you're doing business in this prefecture, do you still remember the four words 'loyalty to the emperor and love for the country'?"

"This humble subject dares not forget," Lin Feng solemnly replied. "We fought and bled on the border to protect our territory and its people. Now, we engage in commerce to make a living and to ensure the stability of our region. Whether in the military or in business, this humble subject will always fulfill his duty and never do anything that would betray the court or his conscience. Your Excellency is wise."

Feng Zhen looked at him for a long time, then a faint smile appeared on his face: "Well said, 'Keep to your duty.' Mr. Lin, you are very good. I am new to Qingzhou and unfamiliar with the place, so I need honest merchants like you to set an example for the commerce of the prefecture. After you return, focus on your business. As long as you abide by the law, I will take care of you. But if you commit any crimes, cheat or monopolize the market, don't blame me for being ruthless in upholding the law."

"This humble subject will remember your teachings, Your Excellency!" Lin Feng bowed.

"Okay, go ahead." Feng Zhen waved his hand.

"This humble subject takes his leave." Lin Feng bowed again, took a few steps back, turned and left, never once glancing at Zhou Wenyuan again.

Stepping out of the side hall, across the courtyard, and finally through the side gate of the prefectural government office, Lin Feng slowly exhaled a breath of stale air. Sweat was already beading on his back. His conversation with Feng Zhen, seemingly calm, had been fraught with tension. Every word, every expression, could potentially influence Feng Zhen's judgment of him.

Was Feng Zhen's last statement a warning, or... a form of approval and implication? It seemed to imply that, at least in Feng Zhen's eyes, Lin Feng and the "Sanhe" were not targets to be suppressed for the time being, and might even become pawns in Feng Zhen's efforts to reorganize Qingzhou's commerce and put pressure on the Canal Gang.

This is a good start.

But with Zhou Wenyuan present, he would surely have seen and remembered Feng Zhen's attitude towards him. The troubles to come would likely only increase.

"Master Lin, how is it?" Hou Qi was already waiting at the entrance of the teahouse, eagerly coming to greet him.

"We'll talk about it when we get back," Lin Feng said in a low voice, quickly walking towards the "courtyard house." He needed to digest the information from this meeting as soon as possible, and at the same time, he also needed to make full preparations for the potentially more intense storms that might come.

Feng Zhen's influence has already taken hold.

The deep waters of Qingzhou will inevitably be stirred up even more, and the undercurrents will become even more turbulent.