Oh no! My grandmother made me shoulder the responsibility for eight households!

Chapter 64 On the Eve of Departure

Inside the imperial study, Empress Zhao Lingyang was standing by the window, her back to the door.

She wasn't wearing a dragon robe today, but only a simple moon-white everyday dress.

Her black hair was casually tied up with a jade hairpin, which made her look less dignified and more aloof.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects." Lin Chen bowed.

"No need for formalities." The Empress turned around, a hint of weariness on her face.

"Lin Chen, I have summoned you here because I have something I need you to do."

"Your Majesty, please give your orders."

The Empress walked to the desk and picked up a memorial:

"The grain transport in Jiangnan has been repeatedly looted recently, resulting in losses not only of money and grain but also of the court's reputation. I want you to go to Jiangnan and investigate this matter."

Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat—it seemed the situation was more serious than he had imagined; they had started using name tags.

"Your subject obeys the decree," he said, bowing.

"However... if I leave the capital, what will happen to the training of the Tiger Legion..."

"Don't think I don't know who's in charge of training the Tiger Legion," the Empress interrupted Lin Chen, her voice laced with a half-smile.

Lin Chen smiled somewhat awkwardly.

"Alright, I only care about the results." The Empress waved her hand without saying anything more.

"As for your trip to Jiangnan, just tell me how many men you need, but remember—this matter must be handled flawlessly, without any mishaps."

"Your Majesty, I understand." Lin Chen thought for a moment, "I wish to bring three hundred Great Snow Dragon Riders, as well as... a few capable men."

"Granted." The Empress nodded, then suddenly changed the subject, "I heard you've been... enjoying yourself lately?"

Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat, but he maintained a playful smile on his face:

"Your Majesty is too kind. I simply listen to music and enjoy tea occasionally to cultivate my mind and spirit."

"To cultivate one's character?" The Empress smiled enigmatically.

"Does cultivating one's character require frequenting brothels and entertainment venues every day? Does it require the company of dozens of dancers?"

"Well..." Lin Chenqian smiled, "I just think it's more lively with more people, and they are all unfortunate people who have had a hard life."

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I have behaved myself perfectly. I merely listened to music and drank wine; I did not overstep any bounds."

The Empress gave him a deep look:

"Whether you have overstepped your bounds or not is not my concern. I only care that when you go to Jiangnan, you should not bring your 'cultivation of character' problem with you."

There are many beautiful women in Jiangnan, but remember your place.

"Your subject will remember," Lin Chen quickly replied. "Your subject is on official business and will not be distracted."

The Empress was finally satisfied and sat back down behind her desk:

"There's another matter. The officialdom in Jiangnan is deeply entrenched. Your investigation into the canal transport will inevitably touch upon the interests of certain people. If you encounter resistance..."

She paused, her tone turning cold: "I grant you permission to act first and report later."

These words carry immense weight.

The power to act first and report later is tantamount to giving Lin Chen an imperial sword.

"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty!" Lin Chen said solemnly.

The Empress waved her hand: "Go. Depart in three days. I will have Qingluan coordinate with you on the specifics."

"Your subject takes his leave."

Lin Chen breathed a sigh of relief after leaving the Imperial Study.

The Empress's gaze just now made him feel a little guilty—this Empress is not someone to be easily fooled.

Qingluan escorted him out of the palace, whispering on the way:

"Lord Duke, His Majesty specifically instructed you to be extremely careful when you travel, as the situation in Jiangnan... is very complex."

"Thank you for the reminder, Miss Qingluan," Lin Chen said with a smile. "I will be careful."

Regardless of the depth of the water, he will dominate everything.

"And one more thing," Qingluan hesitated for a moment.

"Her Highness the Princess instructed me to convey that she owns several properties in Jiangnan. If the Duke needs them, he can use this token to find the people of the 'Bright Moon Merchant Guild'."

She handed over a sandalwood token with a bright moon pattern engraved on the front.

Lin Chen accepted it: "Please convey to Your Highness that I thank you."

After leaving the palace, Lin Chen did not return directly to his residence, but instead had the carriage head towards Zuiyue Pavilion.

On the way, he pondered his trip to Jiangnan.

The matter of the canal transport is not difficult. With Zhang Qing investigating there, the evidence should have been collected by now.

The challenge is how to eliminate the pests without causing major upheaval.

And then there's the Empress's line, "There are many beauties in Jiangnan"...tsk, is she warning him or seducing him?

Upon arriving at Zuiyue Pavilion, Wen Ruoxi was checking the accounts.

Seeing him arrive, she was somewhat surprised: "Why is Eighth Brother here? Weren't you summoned by His Majesty?"

"Just got back." Lin Chen sat down opposite her. "Fifth Sister-in-law, I'm going to Jiangnan in three days and may stay for more than a month."

Wen Ruoxi was taken aback: "Going to Jiangnan? Is it for...?"

"Business," Lin Chen mumbled.

"I'm sorry to trouble you with things at Zuiyuexuan. Please also take good care of Mr. Bai."

"Don't worry." Wen Ruoxi nodded, a hint of worry in her eyes. "It's just that Jiangnan is far away, so Eighth Brother, please be careful."

"I will," Lin Chen said with a smile.

"By the way, after I leave, I'll leave the household in the care of Fifth Sister-in-law and all the other sisters-in-law."

If you need anything, contact Mr. Li, or... go directly to the palace to see His Majesty.

These words were spoken casually, but Wen Ruoxi sensed their weight.

The fact that Lin Chen could directly enter the palace to see His Majesty shows that he holds an extraordinary position in the Empress's heart.

The two talked for a while longer before Lin Chen left Zuiyue Pavilion to return to his residence and prepare.

……

The Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion, the martial arts training ground.

When Lin Chen found Xiao Yulou practicing her sword, she had just sheathed her sword, and her forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat.

"Fourth Sister-in-law, excellent swordsmanship!" Lin Chen clapped.

Xiao Yulou turned to look at him: "Eighth Brother? What brings you here today to watch me practice my sword?"

"There's something I'd like to discuss with Fourth Sister-in-law." Lin Chen walked over. "I'm going to Jiangnan on official business in three days, and I'd like to ask Fourth Sister-in-law to accompany me."

Xiao Yulou's eyes lit up: "Jiangnan? Really?"

"Really," Lin Chen said with a smile.

"Isn't Fourth Sister-in-law always saying she wants to roam the world? This is her chance."

The martial arts world in Jiangnan is thriving, with countless masters. Fourth Sister-in-law could go and see for herself.

"Go! Of course I'll go!" Xiao Yulou replied without hesitation. "I'll go prepare right away!"

"No rush," Lin Chen said, pulling her back.

"There are some things to make clear beforehand. This trip is for business, not leisure. You need to follow my instructions on the way and not act on your own."

"I know, I know," Xiao Yulou readily agreed. "I'm not a child."

"Also," Lin Chen looked at her, "it might not be safe in Jiangnan, so Fourth Sister-in-law needs to stay by my side at all times and can't wander off."

"Okay, whatever you say." Xiao Yulou was unusually agreeable. "Then I'll go pack my luggage!"

Lin Chen smiled as he watched Xiao Yulou rush away.

This fourth sister-in-law has a generous and easygoing personality. Taking her to Jiangnan made the journey less boring and helped her relax.

Next, he went to find Yuan Tiangang.

"Does the Lord intend to take the Fourth Madam along?" Yuan Tiangang asked, somewhat surprised.

"The trip to Jiangnan may be dangerous. Although Fourth Madam is already at the early stage of Grandmaster, but..."

"It's alright." Lin Chen waved his hand. "With us here, nothing will happen."

Yuan Tiangang thought about it and agreed:

"Then I will arrange manpower immediately—three hundred Great Snow Dragon Riders to accompany and protect us. Of the Seven Vajra Warriors, Zhang Qing is already in Jiangnan, and the other seven will accompany us."

With the Sword Demon Senior guarding the manor, safety is assured; with Miss Dongfang at Drunken Moon Pavilion, and General Zhao and Mr. Li in the Tiger Legion, there's nothing to worry about.

"Very good." Lin Chen nodded.

"Also, inform Zhang Qing that he should not make any rash moves before we arrive in Jiangnan. We should wait until I get there to discuss everything."

"Yes."

After making the arrangements, Lin Chen returned to the Zhenwu Hall and began packing his belongings.

There's really nothing to organize—the mansion has plenty of gold, silver, and valuables, and the servants will prepare a change of clothes.

I had just sat down when there was a knock on the door.

"Enter."

Chu Yueyao pushed open the door and came in, carrying a medicine bowl: "Chen'er, I heard you're going to Jiangnan?"