The male supporting character was actually myself.

Curious, he leaned closer to take a look. The patterns engraved on the nine small copper coins were unusual, and he couldn't tell whether they were ancient coins or some kind of magical artifact. But what was strange was that the nine coins could be arranged into a shape in his palm, with some dense and some sparse, which was quite interesting.

"This divination..." The Imperial Advisor frowned slightly, looked at the copper coin, then looked up at Jiang Chen, then looked down at the copper coin again, and calculated with his left hand for a while before saying in a low voice, "The Ninth Prince is missing something very important. If he can find it, he will have the ability to save a region of the world!"

It's just that the time missing has been a bit long, and there's a black mist blocking the way, making it difficult for the Nine Thousand Years Old to find it.

However, judging from the divination, a trace of white (inauspicious) fortune is lending you a helping hand, though weak, it can still provide some guidance. Please, Your Excellency, remember the old Taoist's prophecy: "Searching for flowers in the mist, nowhere to pick them, only waiting for a gentle breeze. Beneath the icy mountain, the bronze gate stands guard; upon encountering a Qilin, it opens with a resounding thud."

The secrets of heaven cannot be revealed. This old Taoist can only glimpse a trace of them and cannot answer your questions, Your Highness. But please remember these words!

Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Final Chapter

Bronze door?

Jiang Chen memorized the four sentences and then recalled the scene he saw in the Qiankun Mirror in a certain mission world. Wasn't it an old figure guarding a large bronze door in a snowstorm?

According to the bug, if it can be filled in, it can save a world. Does this mean that finding the missing memories from before the age of eight can solve the predicament in the real world?

Based on my current experience, let's speculate boldly: if the real world is also a controlled data world, is it possible that my complete blankness at age eight, which suddenly appeared on the street, was caused by having my memories wiped and being replaced with a younger body?

Various doubts swirled in his mind, causing Jiang Chen to sit in his chair in a daze for a long time.

"Minister Shen? Minister Shen!" The emperor called him twice but received no response. He stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder, and asked with a smile, "Minister Shen, didn't you used to look down on this old swindler the most? What's wrong with you today? Did he fool you?"

Jiang Chen then realized what was going on and couldn't help but smile as she changed the subject, "What does Your Majesty think of the tour plan?"

"Very good, very good. Apart from the high cost, there are no other problems."

"Your Majesty need not worry about money. The merchant guild's profitability is soaring. Without the covetous eyes of Yong'an Kingdom, we can rest assured. In two more years, once the population catches up and the border army gets new equipment, Your Majesty can then focus on enjoying life."

"Tsk tsk tsk, what Shen Qing said makes me yearn for it. But what's the situation in Yong'an now?"

Jiang Chen presented the secret report that Shangguan Xuanyu had just sent back: "He had already contacted General Mu Deshu of the Southern Mu Kingdom in advance, and now the two have reached an agreement. The Southern Army will enclose land and bestow titles upon kings. Based on this, Shangguan Xuanyu will infiltrate the capital in disguise to stir up trouble in the court, while Mu Deshu will take advantage of the chaos to carry out his plan of gradual encroachment."

I will secretly provide my full support and use the intelligence gathered by my undercover agents to help Shangguan Xuanyu weaken Yong'an's fortune. Even if he manages to unify Yong'an and ascend the throne, the entire country will have to recuperate for many years due to war and strife.

By then, our Southern Qi will have surpassed Yong'an in every aspect. Whether the two countries remain on good terms or go to war, we will certainly not be the ones to suffer losses.

"If Shangguan Xuanyu is a reasonable and grateful person, he will appreciate your help in planning his revenge. If he takes control of Yong'an in the future, your sister will become the Empress of Yong'an, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, Shen Qing's nephew will be the Crown Prince." The Emperor looked up at the painted murals on the roof and couldn't help but smile. "Shen Qing's plan is brilliant!"

If the Li family's empire were to fall into the hands of the Shangguan family, then it would be fine if Shangguan Xuanyu became friendly with my Southern Qi.

If anyone harbors any disloyalty, our strong and well-equipped army will not fear a battle!

In the second month after submitting the travel guide, in the early summer, Jiang Chen led the emperor and his entourage on an inspection tour.

The emperor and his ministers traveled together, sometimes personally inspecting the busy farming season, sometimes visiting in plain clothes to see the lives of ordinary people; they would brew a pot of hot tea in the fields and enjoy the beautiful scenery; and they would hunt and make fires by the rivers and streams to savor fresh wild game.

On the other side, Shangguan Xuanyu, using the alias Jian Songnan, was given a new identity through the covert arrangements made by Jiang Chen—a genius strategist certified by an authoritative institution.

General Mu Deshu of the Southern Mu clan was kind-hearted. He learned of the tragic death of the Shangguan couple, who were like his second parents, but was unable to return because he was on the border. Later, he found out the truth behind it and remained neutral, trying to find an opportunity to avenge the Shangguan couple. He also secretly searched for Shangguan Xuanyu's whereabouts.

However, his mission to take over the intelligence network in the enemy capital was a secret within the Imperial City Guard, so Mu Deshu was unable to find Shangguan Xuanyu's whereabouts until he took the initiative to contact him. Mu Deshu was extremely excited and personally led his troops to the border to welcome him.

When Mu Deshu lived in the Shangguan residence, he became close friends with Shangguan Xuanyu, and the two were like brothers.

Later, he aspired to enter the imperial court, but fearing that his benefactor would be criticized as a result, he changed his name and kept a low profile, eventually becoming a border general through his own abilities.

When they met again, they were no longer young. The country was in decline, their families were destroyed, and they were burdened with deep-seated hatred. Former colleagues and even family friends had become enemies.

Shangguan Xuanyu was determined to succeed on this trip. He not only wanted to overthrow the Imperial City Guard, but also to completely destroy the ruling new emperor's faction.

Meanwhile, Mu Deshu was also having a tough time. On one hand, he wanted to find out the truth about the murder of his benefactor's family; on the other hand, he had to be wary of other armies eyeing him covetously; and finally, he was ostracized for maintaining neutrality. Recently, the Eagle Guards under the Second Prince have been probing and making trouble, probably trying to wade into the muddy waters and take the lead in dividing up the Southern Mu army.

After discussing it, the two decided that Shangguan Xuanyu would secretly enter the capital as a strategist to stir up trouble in the court, while Mu Deshu would wait for an opportunity to annex other armies.

"Host, you have to reward me properly!" The fluffy dumpling ran back to report, proudly putting its hands on its hips and wagging its fluffy tail like a feather duster, and said to boast, "When the protagonist was about to set off for the capital, the Eagle Guards were about to ambush the Southern Mu army, but I discovered them!"

Don't let my soft, cute, and sassy appearance fool you; I'm also an assassin cat who once killed an emperor! When I sensed something was wrong, I stormed into the enemy camp that very night and used a watermelon knife to choke the deputy general in the neck, and even set it on fire.

The ambush plan was exposed immediately. After Mu Deshu discovered it, he ordered the group that wanted to launch a sneak attack to be wiped out. I even helped to fan the flames for them, causing the Nanmu army to turn around and bite the Eagle Guard.

How was it? Wasn't it amazing?

Jiang Chen didn't hold back in praising it, feeding it a bag of dried fish and showering it with compliments.

The cat was so pleased with the plush ball that it seemed to lose its bearings. It was so happy that it bounced off with great enthusiasm, saying it was going to help the protagonist push through the court officials.

At this moment, Jiang Chen was leading His Majesty the Emperor and a large entourage on a giant ship down the river, intending to travel around Jiangnan and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

"Your Highness, there's an urgent report!"

Not long after the fluffy dumpling was sent away, someone came running over from the deck, shouting. Hearing this, he went out of the cabin and saw the small boat responsible for delivering messages moored on the side of the giant ship. It seemed that there was an urgent memorial that needed to be dealt with.

"Your Highness, this is a report sent to the capital by fast horse from Nanyi County. The people left behind in the manor hurriedly forwarded it." A young eunuch came running over with quick steps, panting and straining, "Please take a look. The fast boat is still waiting by the side. If you need a reply, they can deliver it to the Nanyi County government office immediately."

Jiang Chen took the report, which was sealed with wax, opened it, and his eyes lit up immediately. He turned around and shouted into the cabin, "Miss Yue, come and see if this is your father and brother?"

"Who?" Yue Hongying, who was embroidering a mandarin duck purse for the prince in her room while he was on an inspection tour, was startled when she heard the prince calling her. "Father and brother? Is there news about them?"

She didn't even have time to put down her needlework or put on her coat before running out to see the news.

When she saw the portrait tucked inside the report, tears immediately streamed down her face. "It's my father! Your Highness, this is indeed what my father looks like. Although he's thinner and much older, I remember him clearly as my father!"

Where is he now? Is he alright?

Your Highness, may I go see him?

Upon seeing this, the eunuch covered his mouth and laughed, "Congratulations, Miss Yue, on finding your family! Take a close look at the portrait of that young man. Isn't he your brother? Once you've identified him, the Prince will naturally make arrangements."

“This… I don’t recognize him. My brother was so young when he was abducted, and now he looks like this…” Yue Hongying took a few deep breaths to control her emotions, looked at another portrait again and again, and shook her head, saying, “It does look a bit like him, but I can’t be sure. Where are they now?”

After carefully reading the report, Jiang Chen explained, "This was jointly submitted by the magistrates of Nanyi County and Beiyi County. They have already settled your father and brother. We are heading to Jiangnan, and it will take about three more days to pass by. I wrote to Nanyi County to send someone to bring them over so you can be reunited with them."

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Yue Hongying hurriedly knelt down, tears streaming down her face, and said, "Your great kindness is beyond repayment. Our whole family will be grateful and never forget it!"

The eunuch obeyed and left with small, quick steps. Jiang Chen helped her up and casually took off his cloak to put it on her. "The river breeze is too cold. Be careful not to catch a chill."

You're about to reunite with your father and brother, whom you've been separated from for many years. You can't catch a cold or get sick at this time.

There's no need for words of thanks. I'll have the magistrate of Nanyi County arrange for them to meet. Your father will surely be able to determine whether he is indeed your brother.

………………

The back courtyard of the county government office in Nanyi County.

Yue Mingqi sat in the room in a daze, wearing his newly changed clothes.

He lived a simple and happy life for the first thirty years of his life, surrounded by a gentle wife and two lively and lovely children. The couple had no great ambitions but were full of hope for the future.

But ever since her five-year-old son was kidnapped by human traffickers that early summer, their warm home gradually fell apart.

They couldn't find him anywhere, and the yamen runners would come every now and then to demand money under various pretexts.

The wife was heartbroken and filled with remorse for not watching her child properly. Already suffering the excruciating pain of losing her child, she was also subjected to gossip and backbiting from the gossipy women and the grief of being extorted for money. Under the weight of these multiple pressures, she gradually lost her mind. One day, she was unable to keep an eye on her son and, calling out his name, plunged into the Jin River. By the time she was pulled out of the water, she had already drowned.

After his son was lost and his wife passed away, he lost all interest in running his private school. He had no choice but to keep the money from selling the school, entrust his daughter to his younger brother's family, and work odd jobs to make a living while searching for his son's whereabouts.

Over the years, this once weak and powerless scholar has been honed into a man capable of doing any kind of hard and tiring work. Just to earn a bite to eat, he asks people he meets along the way, and sometimes when he can't earn any money, he can only beg along the way and sleep in the woodpile on the street at night.

After wandering for several years, he realized that his daughter was getting old and should get married, so he returned to his younger brother's house to discuss finding a suitable husband for her.

Unexpectedly, my younger brother's family had built a new house and bought a storefront, and they were dressed in fine silks and satins, looking like a well-off family.

When asked where his daughter had gone, the younger brother stammered and couldn't give a clear answer. One minute he said she had died of illness, and the next he said she had married. It was only after inquiring with old neighbors that he learned that the year after he went out to look for his son, his younger brother had sold his daughter to the mountains to be a waitress for her husband.

With the money his brother left behind for raising his children and the money from selling his niece, he started a small business and gradually became wealthy.

Yue Mingqi, disregarding his fight with his brother, inquired about the address and made his way to Dafu County.

Unexpectedly, Dafu County was hit by a flood a few years ago, and the village where his daughter was sold was washed away and no one lived there for a long time. He then searched everywhere for his daughter's whereabouts based on the only clue he had.

With his son missing and his daughter sold and never heard from again, Yue Mingqi even contemplated suicide.

But he worried that if he died, what if his son or daughter came looking for him? They would have no home then. So his last hope sustained him as he wandered around searching for his son and daughter.

When he was brought to the county government office in Nanyi County, he had just woken up from a pile of firewood. A group of people surrounded him, pointing and saying that he looked quite similar. Soon, a yamen runner came over, compared his appearance, and asked for his name, age, and place of origin. Yue Mingqi was then brought here.

No matter how they questioned the officials, they couldn't get a clear answer. They were simply told to eat their fill, clean up, and wait there.

Then another artist came and painted a picture, but still no one could tell him what had happened.

It has been ten days now. Yue Mingqi is bored and unable to leave his room. He can only sit on the bed, sighing and missing his two children, whose whereabouts are unknown.

"Yue Mingqi?" Footsteps suddenly came from outside the door, and then the iron lock on the door was opened. Two constables with swords at their sides entered and looked him up and down. Finding him to be in good spirits, they asked, "Do you have a son named Yue Hongze? He should be sixteen years old this year?"

Hearing his son's name from a stranger's mouth after so many years, Yue Mingqi trembled slightly and nodded. "Officer, my son was kidnapped by human traffickers when he was five years old. His name is Yue Hongze, and he should be sixteen this year..."

Before he could finish speaking, one of the constables instructed him, "The county magistrate asked us to take you to meet him first. The child's memory is rather hazy, so you'll have to see him and ask him in detail to find out if he is your lost son."

Don't be too nervous. If you faint at this crucial moment and miss the family reunion, it will be troublesome.

"Come, come, let me help you. Why did your legs suddenly go weak?"

Yue Mingqi was in a daze, thinking he was dreaming. The sudden good news almost knocked him unconscious. It was only after the yamen runners reminded him that he quickly bit his tongue to keep himself awake. With their help, he stumbled out of the room.

A bewildered young man stood in the lobby. Five days ago, he saw a group of people reading a notice while walking down the street. Curious, the young man, who had changed his name to Zhou Shuan, went over to hear what big news it was.

It turned out they were reading a missing person notice.

The search is for Yue Hongze, a boy who was kidnapped by human traffickers eleven years ago while catching cicadas, and Yue Mingqi, the father who disappeared while searching for his son!

Upon hearing these two names, the boy was suddenly awakened to memories that had been dormant for many years.

He had an older sister in his memory. The two of them would go to the private school together and come home together. Their mother would make them sweet glutinous rice balls. Later, it seemed that something happened and they eventually came to their current home after many twists and turns. They named themselves Zhou Shuan, but the boy knew that was not his real name.

He was afraid he would forget his real name, so he wrote down the two characters "Hongze" over and over again. He vaguely remembered his mother calling his name in a very gentle tone.

"Yue Mingqi's son, Yue Hongze, was kidnapped by human traffickers when he was five years old while he was out catching cicadas..."

The voice of the person reading the notice echoed in his ears, and the boy became increasingly convinced that he was very likely the person the notice was looking for. The portrait still showed him as he was five years old, and he couldn't tell if it was really him, but the mole on his right earlobe was exactly the same!

After hearing the notice, he rushed to the county government office, struck the grievance drum, and told the magistrate that he was very likely Yue Hongze, who had been abducted as a child.

There was a reward for finding him, so the magistrate decided to keep him and sent his yamen runners to his adoptive parents' home to inquire.

They were just an ordinary farming family; they had never seen anything like this before. They were so frightened that they confessed everything!

About eleven years ago, the Zhou family married a daughter-in-law who had been childless for many years. The family was too poor to divorce her and remarry. If a farmer had no heir, he would be ridiculed and gossiped about. In order to save face, Old Man Zhou came up with an idea.

He told his son to take his wife to another place to make a living, and to get a child from somewhere, whether by buying or abducting her. If they could have a child, that would be best. If not, he would bring the child back from another place after a few years and say that the child was his own.

So the Zhou couple left their hometown to make a living elsewhere.

They were poorly educated and their skills meant they couldn't earn much money. After five or six years away, they still hadn't saved enough to buy a child to bring home and save face. So the couple hatched a wicked plan. They traveled to the distant Runan Prefecture to find an opportunity. On a quiet early summer afternoon, when no one was around, they knocked out Yue Hongze, who was out catching cicadas, and carried him away.

At that time, Yue Hongze was already five years old and remembered many things. The Zhou couple would beat him every time to force him to stop mentioning his hometown. Gradually, they felt that he had forgotten the place where he used to live and regarded them as his own parents, so they took him back to his hometown to live.