We have fought to the Arctic Circle, and you want me to inherit the throne?

When he saw the hunchbacked, white-haired old lady in front of the Qin Mansion, there was a child standing beside her.

Li Che knew that he had to get off the imperial carriage at this moment.

At this moment, all the imperial majesty cannot compare to the promise made to the loyal minister's family.

He immediately whispered an order to Qiu Bai beside him, clearing a path to the gate of Qin's mansion.

The guards immediately took action and built a solid human wall on the road between the imperial carriage and the gate of the Qin Mansion to separate the surging crowd.

There were also elite soldiers armed with muskets who quickly entered the second floors of shops on both sides of the street, occupying commanding heights and sniper positions.

Promises must be fulfilled, but lives must also be guaranteed, especially today when muskets are gradually becoming the main weapon.

Li Che didn't want to be as imaginative as Kennedy.

Everything was ready, and Li Che straightened his clothes.

Then, under the gaze of countless curious eyes, he steadily walked down the imperial carriage.

The people on both sides of the street also quieted down, looking around curiously and whispering to each other.

I wonder who lives in this mansion?

How could the new emperor actually stop his imperial carriage and go there in person for such a major event as entering the palace?

Qin Mansion...Except for Qin Hui, I have never heard of any other important figure with the surname Qin in the court?

As for Qin Huizhi, he had already fled with his family.

Li Che slowly walked to the gate of Qin's mansion and looked at Mrs. Qin, Lin, who was standing at the stone steps of the gate.

After not seeing her for a few years, the old lady looked even older.

The knife of time left deeper grooves on her face, her back became more hunched, and her hair turned completely gray.

Only those eyes still carry the tenacity and clarity that have gone through hardships.

When she saw Li Che coming, she stubbornly pushed away her daughter-in-law Zhao who wanted to support her, then took a few trembling steps forward and knelt down to salute Li Che.

How could Li Che dare to let the elder kneel down to him? He quickly took a few steps and held Madam Qin's arms firmly before her knees touched the ground.

"Madam Qin, what are you doing?" Li Che asked with a hint of complaint in his tone.

Lin shook her head, her voice a little hoarse: "Your Majesty still remembers me, a frail old man. It is a great grace from heaven. I cannot lose my courtesy just because Your Majesty is thinking of the Qin family."

Li Che felt a bitter feeling in his heart and sighed: "I broke my promise and took so long to come see you."

"The last time I returned to the capital, the situation was so turbulent that I couldn't even protect myself. I had no choice but to flee the imperial capital in a hurry. I couldn't get away to visit you. Every time I think about it, I feel guilty."

Lin quickly said, "Your Majesty, you are too kind! State affairs are of paramount importance. Your Majesty, despite your busy schedule, still remembers the Qin family. I am... already deeply grateful."

Her words were sincere and her eyes were bright, and you could tell she had no complaints at all.

Li Che nodded and turned his gaze to the chubby little boy next to Lin.

The child was about five or six years old, with a pair of big black eyes, looking at Li Che without any shyness.

Between his eyebrows, one can vaguely see the shadow of his father Qin Jing.

Li Che smiled gently and asked, "This boy is Qin Qing's son, right? How old is he this year?"

Qin Jing's widow, Zhao, stood by with red eyes as she replied, "Your Majesty, it is my late husband's son. This year... he is six years old."

Lin gently tugged at her grandson's sleeve and whispered, "Haven't you come to see His Majesty yet?"

Upon hearing this, the little boy immediately straightened his clothes and bowed politely to Li Che. His voice was clear and crisp:

"I pay my respects to His Majesty!"

He reached out and gently patted his little head, smiling, "Your age is just right, about the same age as my eldest son."

"I once said that when you grow up, I will let you enter the palace and serve as a companion to my son. Today is the day for me to fulfill my promise."

Upon hearing this, Lin and Zhao were both shocked, and their eyes instantly flashed with surprise.

They never imagined that the words His Majesty said to appease them back then were still remembered so clearly after all this time, and would actually be fulfilled.

Li Che looked at their excited expressions, and then his gaze swept over the women of the Qin family.

Although their clothes had no patches, the fabrics were ordinary and the colors were plain, which showed that they were not well off.

He frowned slightly and couldn't help asking, "Old Madam, didn't I leave some gold and silver for you when I left Beijing? Why is your house..."

He paused, a cold look flashing in his eyes, "But is there anyone in the capital bullying you?"

However, I didn't consider this point at that time. The Qin family had no adult males and could easily be bullied by others.

Very good... I just arrived in the imperial capital, and I can't just show favor. I have to kill a few people to establish my authority.

Seeing that Li Che seemed angry, Lin quickly explained, "Your Majesty, please calm down! It's not that anyone is bullying me. I have used all the gifts Your Majesty gave me back then."

"Oh?" Li Che was a little curious, "Where did the old lady spend the money? Is she in poor health and seeking medical treatment?"

Before Lin could answer, the little boy beside her said, "Your Majesty, please don't blame Grandmother. She used her money to build a school and enrolled many of my brothers who couldn't afford to go to school!"

Lin quickly grabbed the little boy and was about to blame him.

Li Che interrupted, "Old Madam, is that really the case?"

Lin nodded and took over the conversation, saying calmly, "Your Majesty, I have seen that many poor students in the capital are unable to continue their studies because their families have fallen on hard times or their financial support has been cut off. It is truly a pity."

"I used the gift from Your Majesty to buy a courtyard in the west of the city and invited teachers so that they could have a place to study."

"These people do not have aristocratic family backgrounds, but if they can learn and succeed, they may be able to be used by Your Majesty in the future and serve the country."

As he spoke, he pulled the child beside him and said, "This child is also receiving his first education in that school. If he were to enter the palace to serve the prince, he wouldn't be completely clueless."

Li Che was stunned when he heard this.

Although Old Lady Qin lived a simple life, she used the huge reward to establish charity schools to educate children from poor families.

Li Che felt a surge of emotion in his heart.

The old lady was repaying the emperor's kindness by transforming the grace bestowed upon her into an investment in the country's future.

No wonder... No wonder he could raise a son as loyal, brave and strong as Qin Jing.

Children raised in such a family tradition will definitely have good character and conduct, no matter how educated they are.

Staying beside the prince as his study companion is not only enough, it is even a blessing to cure their illness.

Li Che's eyes softened as he patted the little boy's head: "What's your name?"

The little boy was not afraid and replied crisply, "Your Majesty, my grandmother named me Qiong."

Li Che smiled and nodded: "Good name, Qin Qiong...Hmm? Qin Qiong?!"