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

Chapter 86 Jing

After the conference, the news spread like wildfire throughout the world.

The capital city, the Imperial Study.

Empress Zhao Lingyang looked at the report in her hand and the ten boxes full of evidence, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"This Lin Chen... he's quite efficient," she said softly.

"Twenty-seven corrupt officials in Jiangnan were executed without hesitation, and more than 33 million taels of embezzled silver were confiscated without hesitation."

Qingluan, who was standing to the side, whispered:

"Your Majesty, censors have already impeached the Duke of Lin for abusing his power and killing officials..."

"Let them play." The Empress waved her hand. "Lin Chen has the right to act first and report later. He only kills corrupt officials with conclusive evidence. What's wrong with that?"

As for those censors who impeached the emperor… investigate whether they have any connection with the Cui and Zhou families.”

"Yes."

The Empress then looked at another report: "The Jiangnan Canal Transport Association... the imperial court takes 20%, the Lin family takes 20%, the Su family takes 10%, and the rest is divided among the various families."

This arrangement is quite good; it controls the canal transport system without provoking too much backlash.

She pondered for a moment, then picked up her pen and wrote in red ink:

"Granted. Lin Chen is hereby appointed to handle all post-disaster matters in Jiangnan. The matter of the Canal Transport Merchants Association shall be reported to the Ministry of Revenue."

"Your Majesty is wise."

……

The ancestral home of the Cui family in Hangzhou.

Cui Yongnian's face was ashen as he looked at the urgent report sent by his cousin, Cui Yongfu.

"Overnight... twenty-seven officials were killed... all four gates bowed their heads..." he muttered to himself, "This Lin Chen is more troublesome than I imagined."

"Master, what should we do?" an elder asked.

"Contract, temporarily contract," Cui Yongnian said slowly.

"Notify all industries in Jiangnan to remain patient for now. Lin Chen's power is too great to be defeated by force."

But our Cui family has a thousand-year-old foundation, and we are not pushovers.

A cold glint flashed in his eyes:

"Send someone to the Northern Border to contact Bei Shuo. Also... send a message to Zi Yi Lou, saying that if Yin Jiuyou wants an opponent after leaving seclusion, Lin Chen is just right."

"yes!"

……

Jiangning, Zhou Family Villa.

Zhou Wenyuan (Zhou Ming's father) also received the news.

He remained silent for a long time before saying to the steward, "Prepare a generous gift; I intend to personally visit Suzhou."

The butler was taken aback: "Master, this..."

"Can't understand?" Zhou Wenyuan smiled wryly.

"Lin Chen holds military power and has the Empress's backing, with numerous experts under his command."

Can we fight such an enemy? Since we can't fight them, let's cooperate. At least... preserve the Zhou family's foundation in Jiangnan.

"Yes."

……

Suzhou, inn.

Lin Chen received intelligence on the reactions from all sides.

"The Cui family is backing down, the Zhou family is showing goodwill, all four major families are bowing their heads, and His Majesty is supporting them..." He looked at the secret report in his hand and smiled.

"It seems this battle was fought well."

Xiao Yulou, standing to the side, asked, "Eighth Brother, what should we do next?"

"It's time to head back to the capital." Lin Chen stood up.

"All matters in Jiangnan have been settled. With Uncle Su and Mr. Yuan in charge of the canal transport association, there will be no trouble."

We've stayed in Jiangnan long enough; it's time to go home.

He paused for a moment: "By the way, of those 33 million taels of embezzled silver, more than 3 million taels were allocated to reward the three armies."

The remaining portion, half of which will be donated to the Chamber of Commerce, and the other half will be transported back to the capital and handed over to His Majesty.

"Yes," Zhou Tong replied.

"Also, tell the brothers to get ready, we'll set off for the capital in three days."

……

Three days later, at the Suzhou dock.

Ten large ships were ready to set sail, with the "Lin" and "Su" flags flying at their bows.

Three hundred Snow Dragon Riders were already lined up on the ship, their white armor gleaming in the sunlight.

Countless people gathered at the dock, all of whom had come spontaneously to see him off.

These days, Lin Chen has wiped out the canal gangs, rectified the officialdom, and established a chamber of commerce. The people of Jiangnan have benefited greatly and are naturally grateful.

Su Changming led the entire Su family to see them off.

Su Xiaoxiao bid farewell to her father and brother, her eyes slightly red.

"Father, elder brother, Xiaoxiao is leaving now." Su Xiaoxiao bowed.

Su Changming helped her up, tears welling in his eyes:

"Take good care of yourself when you go to the capital. If anything happens, write home."

"My daughter understands."

Su Mo also said, "Don't worry, little sister, I'll take care of things at home. You... be happy."

"Um."

On the other side, Lin Chen was explaining things to Yuan Tiangang.

"Mr. Yuan, I'm leaving Jiangnan to you," Lin Chen said.

"The Canal Transport Chamber of Commerce has just been established and needs someone to oversee it. You can stay and help Uncle Su for a while, and then return to Beijing once everything is on track."

"Yes." Yuan Tiangang nodded. "Rest assured, my lord."

"Also," Lin Chen lowered his voice, "keep an eye on the Cui and Zhou families. If they dare to make any underhanded moves... you know what to do."

"clear."

After giving his instructions, Lin Chen walked towards Su Xiaoxiao: "Xiaoxiao, it's time to get on the boat."

Su Xiaoxiao nodded, took one last look at her father and brother, and then turned to follow Lin Chen onto the ship.

The boat slowly moved away from the shore.

Su Xiaoxiao stood at the bow of the boat, watching the city of Suzhou gradually recede into the distance, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

This is her home, her family, and everything she knows.

But from then on, her destiny lay in the capital, with that man.

Lin Chen walked to her side and put his arm around her shoulder: "Reluctant to part?"

"A little." Su Xiaoxiao leaned against him, "but mostly I'm looking forward to it, young master. What's the capital like?"

"The capital city..." Lin Chen laughed, "is more lively and more complicated than Jiangnan, but don't worry, with me here, no one will dare to bully you."

The boat traveled to the main channel of the canal and headed north.

Five days later, the capital city will be in sight.

……

The docks in Beijing were already packed with people.

All six ladies of the Lin family were present. Although the matriarch, Madam Lin Qin, and Su's mother did not attend in person, they sent their personal maids.

Many officials from the court also came to greet him; some were genuinely impressed, some were there to gather information, and some wanted to curry favor.

Liu Ruyan, dressed in a smart outfit, stood at the very front.

Chu Yueyao, Qin Shuyan, Wen Ruoxi, Ye Qingying, and Murong Xue stood on either side.

The six women each possessed a unique charm, drawing frequent glances from the crowd at the dock.

"They're here!" the sharp-eyed villagers shouted.

Ten large ships slowly approached the shore, with the "Lin" flag fluttering in the wind at their bows.

On the lead ship, Lin Chen, dressed in a dark gold brocade robe, stood at the bow and lazily waved to the dock.

Behind him stood three hundred Snow Dragon Riders, their white armor as white as snow, their killing intent restrained yet still chilling.

The eight Vajra Guardians stood on the left and right, their imposing presence as deep as an abyss.

The boat docked, and the planks were lowered.

Lin Chen disembarked first, followed closely by Xiao Yulou and Su Xiaoxiao.

"Eldest sister-in-law, second sister-in-law, third sister-in-law, fifth sister-in-law, sixth sister-in-law, seventh sister-in-law," Lin Chen greeted them one by one.

Liu Ruyan looked him over and, seeing that he was unharmed, a look of relief flashed in her eyes: "It's good that you're back."

Chu Yueyao stepped forward and said softly, "Chen'er has lost weight. Let's go back and make sure you get some nourishment."

Qin Shuyan laughed and said, "Eighth Brother's trip to Jiangnan this time has made him famous throughout the land."

Wen Ruoxi, Ye Qingying, and Murong Xue also sent their greetings.

Lin Chen responded to each of their questions, then pulled Su Xiaoxiao aside:

"Sisters-in-law, this is Su Xiaoxiao, the eldest daughter of the Su family in Jiangnan. I have already proposed marriage to the Su family, and we will formally marry Xiaoxiao when she comes of age."

Su Xiaoxiao bowed gracefully: "Xiaoxiao greets all the elder sisters."

The seven women had already received the news, and when they saw the real person, they all nodded secretly.

Su Xiaoxiao is stunningly beautiful and has a gentle temperament; she is indeed a good match for Lin Chen.

As the eldest sister-in-law, Liu Ruyan spoke first: "Little sister, there's no need for such formalities. We'll be family from now on."

The other girls also showed their goodwill, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

At that moment, a eunuch hurried over: "Your Excellency, His Majesty has decreed that you be summoned to the palace immediately!"

Lin Chen raised an eyebrow: "So eager?"

"His Majesty said that he wants to hear your report on the matters of Jiangnan in person."

Lin Chen nodded and said to the women, "You all go back to your residence first. I'm going to the palace."

He then said to Zhou Tongdao, "Take the brothers back to camp and settle them properly."

"yes!"

Lin Chen followed the eunuch into the palace.

The seven sisters-in-law took Su Xiaoxiao back to the mansion, and the three hundred Great Snow Dragon Riders, led by the Eight Vajra Warriors, returned to the Lin family camp.

In the capital, undercurrents began to stir with Lin Chen's return.