The Crown Princess is busy fishing

Seeing that she was clearly nervous but was forcing herself to maintain a defiant spirit, Xiao Yunqing's expression softened slightly.

He pinched her cheek and said with a smile, "Don't worry! You don't need to do that. I will definitely protect you."

I will block all those dirty tricks; you just need to do your own thing.

Lin Yuge's eyes were slightly red. He nodded emphatically, as if he wanted to say something more.

At this moment, the guard who was looking out at the bow rushed over to report:

"Your Highness, the people at the dock ahead seem to be the Prince's personal guards, carrying the Prince's banners and making a great show of force, as if they've come specifically to meet us!"

Xiao Yunqing was slightly taken aback. She had not informed her father about her return to the capital in advance, but now he had suddenly come to welcome her.

His mind raced. His father was usually calm and collected; he would never send people to meet him in such a grand manner unless it was something important.

They must have learned of some news and specially sent their personal guards to warn the others.

The ship docked smoothly, and the guards on the shore quickly lined up in two rows, their movements perfectly synchronized.

The leading general stepped forward quickly, clasped his hands in salute:

"Your Highness, the Prince knows that you are returning to the capital today and has specially ordered his men to come and meet you. We hope that Your Highness will come with us to return to the manor as soon as possible."

Xiao Yunqing nodded slightly, his expression returning to its cold and stern state.

"Let's escort the Lin family back first."

He then turned and beckoned to Lin Yuge and the others.

Under Xiao Yunqing's arrangement, the family boarded the Prince's carriage.

The soldiers of the Prince of Zhenbei's Mansion quickly formed ranks, protecting the carriage in the middle, and the group of people and horses slowly moved towards the city.

Lin Yuge sat in the carriage, lifting a corner of the curtain to watch the hurried pedestrians on the street; the capital city remained as prosperous as ever.

But her mood was completely different from when she came back last time.

Judging from the grandeur of the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion, the capital must be in turmoil at this time.

There are probably countless people watching them from the shadows.

The carriage slowly came to a stop in front of the Lin family mansion. The carved vermilion gate showed signs of age, but it could not hide its former glory.

Lin Fanghai got out of the car first, looked up at the familiar plaque, and his eyes were slightly red.

Xie Jingwan, standing to the side, also raised her hand to gently wipe the corner of her eye, murmuring:

"I never thought our family would be able to come back here again."

The sudden changes of the past made it seem like there was no hope of returning to the capital, but now that I have seen my old house again, a mix of emotions are welling up inside me.

Lin Fanghai came to his senses and solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute to Xiao Yunqing:

"Yun Qing, thank you so much. We should thank you for helping us get our old house back."

Xiao Yunqing quickly stepped forward, firmly supporting Lin Fanghai's arms with both hands, and bowed slightly in return:

"Uncle Lin, you flatter me. I know Yuge well, so it is only right that I do these things."

After saying that, he glanced at Lin Yuge, his gaze softening the moment it met hers.

Lin Yuge stood aside, listening to these words, and felt a warm feeling rise in her heart.

He looked up at Xiao Yunqing and urged her softly:

"Go back quickly! The situation in the capital is treacherous. Since you said you wanted to go into the palace to investigate, you shouldn't delay. It's a matter of great importance, so please be very careful."

Xiao Yunqing nodded and turned to look at Lin Fanghai.

"Uncle, please try not to leave the mansion these next few days, you and your wife and Yuge."

I've arranged for trusted confidants to guard outside the mansion, so they can react immediately at the slightest sign of trouble.

Lin Fanghai nodded slightly, indicating that he understood.

Xiao Yunqing then mounted his horse, tightened the reins in his hand, and glanced back at the Lin family members.

He then left with the prince's personal guards.

Lin Yuge watched the departing figure until it disappeared from sight before turning her gaze away and entering the Lin residence with her parents.

As soon as she entered the mansion, Xie Jingwan breathed a long sigh of relief:

"Finally home, but the days ahead..." His words were full of worry.

Lin Fanghai embraced his wife and daughter, and said in a deep voice:

"Since we're here, let's make the best of it. With Yunqing looking after us, let's not panic. Everything will be alright."

Lin Yuge nodded silently, then turned to look at Uncle Chen, who was weeping with joy.

"Uncle Chen, haven't my elder brother and the others returned yet?"

Uncle Chen shook his head, wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes with his sleeve, his voice still choked with emotion:

"No, miss. But Young Master Lu came by a few days ago and said that he and his entourage would be arriving soon."

Tell them to hurry up and tidy up the house; it should be done in the next day or two.

Lin Yuge nodded slightly, feeling somewhat relieved.

My brother and his group probably stayed at some port for a few more days. As long as they return safely, that's all that matters.

Just then, Xie Jingwan gently patted the back of her hand and said softly:

"Don't just stand here in a daze. We've traveled for so long and we must be exhausted. Let's go back inside and rest."

Lin Yuge responded and followed Xie Jingwan to the backyard.

As soon as Xiao Yunqing returned to the Prince's residence, before he could even rest, a servant came up to inform him: "Young Master, the Prince is waiting for you in his study."

Xiao Yunqing's heart sank, and she strode quickly toward the study.

Pushing open the door, Prince Zhenbei, Xiao Yuan, stood by the window with his hands behind his back. Hearing the sound, he turned around, his gaze falling directly on his son:

"came back!"

"Greetings, Father." Xiao Yunqing stepped forward to pay her respects.

Xiao Yuan waved his hand, indicating that he should dispense with the formalities.

He got straight to the point: "Qing'er, your return to the capital this time has caused quite a stir."

"Now all the major powers in the capital are eyeing what you have. Have you come up with a plan?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yunqing did not reply immediately, but instead asked:

"Our ship was attacked in the suburbs of the capital. Does Father know who did it?"

Xiao Yuan frowned, his eyes instantly sharpening like an eagle's.

"Hmph, someone who dares to attack your ship in the outskirts of Beijing must be no ordinary person."

I secretly sent people to investigate. Although there is no conclusive evidence yet, the Crown Prince's side is the most suspicious.

The Crown Prince has become increasingly impatient for quick success in recent years. The gunpowder formula and crossbow blueprints you brought back this time are related to military power.

How could he not want to get involved, seize it for himself, and strengthen his own power?

Xiao Yunqing clenched her fists secretly, a hint of anger flashing in her eyes:

"If that's really the case, the Crown Prince is far too reckless!"

To openly send an assassination attempt right under the King's nose—aren't you afraid of provoking a direct conflict between the Prince's Palace and the Crown Prince's Palace?

"He was convinced that we were afraid to act rashly without solid evidence."

Xiao Yuan paced back and forth, his tone icy.

"Furthermore, it's not just the Crown Prince who covets these two items; several others are also eager to make a move."

Not to mention the powerful and ambitious officials in the court who held considerable military power.

Who wouldn't want to have the ballista blueprints in their hands to improve their own military equipment and expand their power?

There are also those merchants who travel across the border and secretly collude with other countries.

If one obtains this gunpowder formula, one can resell it and become incredibly wealthy, and also use it to curry favor with the powerful and secure one's own interests.

Xiao Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, his posture upright, exuding an aura of authority without anger.

"However, I can handle these people for now. You should focus on doing your job well and go to the palace to meet the Emperor as soon as possible."

Present the details of the items and seek His Majesty's clarification; only then will those demons and monsters dare not act recklessly.

"My son, I obey."

Xiao Yunqing cupped his hands, paused briefly, and then spoke.

"But now that the Crown Prince has made his move, he will surely try to trip us up again."

In court, Father must be extra vigilant to prevent the Crown Prince from using this as an excuse to incite the officials to put pressure on the Prince's residence.

Xiao Yuan nodded slightly, his gaze deep and unfathomable, and said slowly:

“I know all about the Crown Prince’s methods. After years of court infighting, he can’t come up with any new tricks.”

You need not worry. Focus on preparing for your journey to the palace. Once the imperial edict is issued, no matter how eloquent he is, he will not be able to stir up any trouble.

After saying that, he walked to the desk with his hands behind his back, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, as if he was weighing something.