Late at night, the interior of the Ze Tian Palace was brightly lit. The palace maids had lit up the Crane Palace Lanterns. The light from the lanterns gathered together and swayed with a gust of wind.
After dismissing a few officials, Qin Jin left behind only Qin Yin, Tang Xiaoxi, Feng Jixing, Lin Muyu, Qin Lei, Chu Huaiying, and the other people close to him. He asked with a serious expression, "Yu, is what General Feng said true? Are those mercenaries skilled in the Lingnan sword style?"
Lin Muyu nodded. "Yes, what General Feng said is true."
Qin Jin muttered, "Who do you think these wandering mercenaries are after?"
"The Dragon Forest is filled with danger. These wandering mercenaries would not barge in without a purpose. In fact, there is no need to guess. They are also after Xiao Xi," Lin Muyu said calmly.
Tang Xiaoxi was slightly startled. She said, "Even if they are from the Lingnan Empire, why are they looking for me?"
Qin Yin's beautiful eyes shone with wisdom. She said, "Xiao Xi, you are Duke Lan's most cherished descendant and one of the successors of the entire Seven Seas Province. Therefore, there are only two reasons why the Lingnan army is looking for you. First, they want to save you and then claim credit from Duke Lan to build a good relationship with the Seven Seas Province. Second, they want to bring you back to Lingnan after finding you and use you to threaten Duke Lan. These are the only two reasons."
Tang Xiaoxi was silent. There was an indescribable sadness in her eyes. When did the carefree her become an important chess piece on the chessboard of the empire?
Feng Jixing took a deep breath and cupped his fists. "Thinking about how the House of Chivalry has tried to make a move against Xiao Xi time and time again, this seems to make more sense. The House of Chivalry's influence in Lingnan has not been affected in the slightest by the imperial edict and is still growing strong. I believe that the true mastermind behind the House of Chivalry is perhaps one of the powerful ministers in Lingnan."
"One of the powerful ministers …"
Qin Jin's eyes shone brightly as he said, "Ah Lei."
Qin Lei cupped his fists and said, "This subordinate is here."
"Summon your father to Lanyan City tomorrow morning. I haven't seen my third brother for a long time."
"Yes, I understand."
Qin Jin raised his head to look at the crowd again and said, "Feng Jixing, tighten the security of the Imperial Capital. Chu Huaiyao, you must finish the reorganization of the Flying Mount Battalion within three days. I want an invincible Flying Mount Battalion to protect the imperial capital. "
Chu Huaijin cupped his fists. "I will not let you down!"
Qin Jin then looked at Lin Muyu. His gaze softened as he said, "Son, you have done a great service in quelling the demon race's war. Also, you saved Princess Xiao Xi in the Dragon-seeking Forest by yourself, which is also a great service. However, I really don't know how to reward you for killing Tang Bin by mistake. Now, what kind of reward do you want?"
Lin Muyu thought for a moment, then cupped his fists and said, "Father, I don't want anything else. I only ask that you give me 20,000 empire army badges. Is that okay?"
"Empire army badges?"
Qin Jin was surprised. "What do you want these for?"
Lin Muyu explained, "Does Father still remember the Longdan Army Camp? This mercenary group is under my control, but mercenaries are mercenaries after all. They don't have a final goal, so I hope that Father can secretly bestow me 20,000 empire army badges. This way, the Longdan Army Camp will belong to the Imperial Army, just not directly under the control of the Ministry of War. This way, I can comfort the hearts of these mercenaries. This way … even if there are any changes in the future, their blood and tears will still flow for the Empire. "
"Alright …" Qin Jin stood up excitedly and said, "Everyone needs comfort. We will definitely not let the Longdan Army Camp down! Someone, immediately order the Ministry of Works to quickly cast 20,000 empire army badges made of pure gold and hand them to Lin Muyu. "
"Yes, Your Majesty!" An attendant received the order from a distance and left.
"Is there anything else that you need?" Qin Jin asked with a smile. He seemed to feel that these 20,000 badges were far from enough to make up for Lin Muyu's achievements.
However, Lin Muyu shook her head and said, "There's no need for anything else."
"You really don't need it?"
Qin Jin smiled. "The Protector of the State, Yu Wen Xie, made a mistake in command in the battle of Demon Subduing Pass, causing the Seven Seas Province to lose nearly 70,000 elite soldiers. I've already stripped him of his military position. I was originally planning to give this third-rank military rank to you!"
Lin Muyu was stunned. "Father wants to promote me? That's naturally good. Just do it … "
Qin Jin couldn't help but laugh. "Good. Immediately promote Lin Muyu to rank three national general. Her salary and duties will be promoted accordingly. She will be specially granted the Dragon Talisman and can mobilize no more than 20,000 troops within the Empire's borders at any time!"
"Thank you, Father!" Lin Muyu sincerely expressed his thanks. This time, the power in his hands was even greater. Qin Jin had adopted him as his son without any title or other rewards, so many people didn't even care about him as a prince. But now that he had been promoted to rank three national general, it was likely that those people would no longer be able to not look up to him.
Suddenly, the words of the Seven Luminaries Demon Emperor echoed in his heart. "If you want others to respect you, you must first make them fear you."
These words really made sense!
In the middle of the night, he sent Tang Xiaoxi back to the Duke's Mansion. Tang Xiaoxi had just obtained three Fire God's Seal fragments, so she naturally had to cultivate well. As for Lin Muyu, he returned to the Holy Temple to rest. After all, the Holy Temple was his home. As for the national general … the seals had already been placed in the Cosmos Sack. Qin Jin wanted to build a new residence for him in the Imperial Capital, but he probably wouldn't be able to move in for the time being.
…
The next day, when Lin Muyu attended the morning court as the national general, a shocking piece of news arrived. A little earlier, Zeng Yifan had sent a memorial to Qin Jin, requesting to retire and return to his hometown. In the end, Qin Jin had agreed. At the same time that everyone was attending court, the Divine Marquis Residence was already packing their luggage and preparing to move back to their hometown in Tianshu Province.
At this point, Lanyan City could be considered to have truly changed. The conservative forces led by Zeng Yifan had gradually lost their pillar of support, while Lin Muyu, Chu Huaiying, Zhang Wei and the others who had been groomed by Qin Jin all held military power. The world of Lanyan City had truly become the world of the Qin family.
In the main hall, Prince Ji Ning, Qin Jin, placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and said with a smile, "Royal Brother, I wonder why you have summoned me here this time? Could it be that you want me to go fishing with you again?"
Qin Jin couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Third Brother must be joking. Recently, I have been busy with government affairs and have no time to go fishing. However … there is indeed a matter that requires both of us to complete, and we really want to go fishing."
"Oh, what do you mean?" Qin Jin asked with a smile. As Prince Ji Ning, Qin Jin didn't hold any military power. On the day Qin Jin ascended to the throne, Qin Jin had handed over all military power and no longer meddled in government affairs. Therefore, he had a good reputation as Prince Ji Ning in Lanyan City. Not fighting was the best strategy.
Qin Jin nodded and muttered, "Third Brother, how long has it been since you last saw your Second Brother?"
"Second Brother?"
Qin Kuang smiled. "About five years …"
"Yes, it's been five years in the blink of an eye." Qin Jin sighed and said, "It's been five years since the three of us have gathered together. Now that spring is in full bloom, I plan to let Xiao Yin oversee the country for a month and meet up with you, Second Brother, to go fishing at Fairy Lake in Dubhe Province. We can relive the joy of childhood. What do you think, Third Brother?"
Qin Jin was overjoyed and said with a smile, "I'm so happy that Imperial Brother has this idea. As long as Imperial Brother issues an imperial edict, the three of us will be able to reunite at Fairy Lake … No, no, I have to go back and tidy up the fine wine in the residence. We can fish and enjoy the wine at the same time. That's the joy of brothers …"
Qin Jin laughed and said, "Yes, then let's do it this way. Xiao Yin has grown up, and it's time for her to gain some experience. I will be leaving the capital for a month. During this month, all the state affairs will be handed over to Her Highness. I hope that all the officials can do their best to assist my daughter. I'm afraid the Qin Empire will have to rely on all of you in the future!"
The officials all knelt on the ground. "Rest assured, Your Majesty. We will do our best to assist Her Highness Yin!"
"Yes!"
Qin Jin nodded and said, "Third Brother, then write a letter and send it to Lingnan with my imperial edict. Once Second Brother's reply is received, we will head to Dubhe Province together!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
At this moment, Feng Jixing cupped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, shall I lead the Imperial Guards to Dubhe Province with you as guards?"
"No."
Qin Jin waved his hand and said, "The Imperial Guards have the heavy responsibility of protecting the capital. They are not allowed to leave Lanyan City."
Qin Lei said, "Then this general will lead the Imperial Guards to protect her."
"No." Qin Jin smiled slightly and said, "The Imperial Guards have to protect Xiao Yin and are not allowed to leave without permission."
Qin Jin was stunned. "Then what army does Imperial Brother plan to bring to Dubhe Province? There will be bandits running amok along the way, and it's not very safe. How can we go without enough troops? "
Qin Jin smiled. "I will transfer 50,000 elite soldiers from the Tianchong Army, and 40,000 soldiers from the Longquan Army to guard the Imperial Mausoleum. When we pass through Cangnan Province, I will ask Si Kongfan for another 10,000 elite soldiers. 100,000 elite soldiers will follow us to Dubhe Province. That should be enough, right?"
"Enough, enough!" Qin Jin was extremely excited and said with a smile, "Back then, the three of us brothers would fish, play chess, ride, and shoot every day. Now that we are old, if we can relive the happiness of our childhood once again, it would be enough even if we die."
"Haha, Third Brother, you are a straightforward person, but your words are really inauspicious!"
…
After the discussion, Qin Jin asked Lin Muyu to stay and accompany him and Qin Yin for lunch.
At noon, Qin Jin, the Emperor of the Empire, once again put on an apron and began to cook lunch. Every time he cooked, he would do it himself and did not need anyone's help. From cutting the vegetables to lighting the fire and cooking, he did it all by himself. As for Lin Muyu and Qin Yin, their task was to wait at the side for the meal to be served.
"Imperial Father, are you really going to Dubhe Province to fish?" Lin Muyu asked.
Qin Jin smiled. "Yes, we three brothers of the Qin clan have not gathered for a long time."
However, Qin Yin had a worried look on her face. "What if Second Uncle really has the intention to be disloyal?"
"That is a matter between brothers, so let it be settled between brothers. There is no need to use weapons," Qin Jin said with a slight smile.
Lin Muyu asked, "What if the Prince of Zhennan, Qin Yi, does not accept Imperial Father's invitation?"
The knife in Qin Jin's hand that was cutting vegetables suddenly tightened, and with a "pa" sound, it was hammered into the wooden board. He said indifferently, "Then it will give me a good reason to send troops to Lingnan. I have already sent a letter to Duke Lan and Duke Yun. As long as Lingnan has the intention to be disloyal, Lingbei will send 700,000 soldiers to cross the Qinling Mountains and redraw the territory of the Empire at all costs."
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