The Crown Princess is busy fishing

Xiao Yunqing lowered his head slightly and said respectfully:

"Your Majesty, if it weren't for your strong support and trust in me, allowing me to act freely despite the opposition, I would not have been able to do this."

Even if I have a heart full of enthusiasm, I am like a rootless duckweed, and it is extremely difficult for me to accomplish anything.

Moreover, all of this was thanks to the Lin family's help; they discovered gunpowder and crossbows by chance.

Having only obtained this opportunity to bring back the secret, I dare not claim all the credit.

Emperor Qianyuan nodded slightly, his eyes full of approval:

Your humility is all the more precious.

"Since the Lin family has rendered such merit, I will certainly not treat them unfairly. Those who deserve rewards will be rewarded handsomely, and I must not let meritorious officials feel disheartened."

Having said that, he walked back to his throne with his hands behind his back, his expression returning to solemnity.

"However, I have heard that your journey back to the capital was not peaceful?"

Xiao Yunqing exchanged a glance with his father, then cupped his hands in a respectful reply:

"Your Majesty is absolutely right. On our way back to the capital, we were ambushed by assassins on the outskirts of the city."

Those assassins were well-trained and well-equipped, clearly there for classified information.

Fortunately, the situation turned out alright in the end, and those people didn't succeed; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

Emperor Qianyuan's expression darkened, and a sharp, cold light flashed in his eyes.

"Hmph! How dare someone be so bold as to openly attempt an assassination in the outskirts of the capital! It's utterly lawless!"

Do you know who is behind this?

Xiao Yunqing shook her head.

Seeing this, Xiao Yuan stepped forward and answered on his behalf:

"Your Majesty, after my investigation, I have no conclusive evidence and dare not speak rashly."

Emperor Qian Yuan looked at him intently, his gaze piercing as if trying to penetrate his heart, and said slowly:

"Is it that you really couldn't find it, or are you having some concerns and can't say for sure?"

Xiao Yuan bowed slightly, his expression resolute:

"Your Majesty, we have indeed not found anything yet, and your humble servant would not dare to deceive Your Majesty about this matter."

Emperor Qianyuan then withdrew his gaze, his expression softening slightly, and gently waved his hand:

"I will send people to investigate this matter thoroughly and will give you an explanation."

"In the outskirts of Beijing, so close to the imperial city, someone has acted with such arrogance, disregarding the law as nothing. This cannot be tolerated!"

Changing the subject, Emperor Qian Yuan sat up straight, his expression focused:

"For now, let's put aside the matter of the assassins. Gunpowder and crossbows are of utmost importance, as they concern the safety of our dynasty."

Yunqing, please tell me in detail what the advantages of these military equipment are compared to those of the past.

What is the most appropriate way to arrange mass production and military rationing going forward?

Xiao Yunqing accepted the order, his expression focused, and began to explain in detail. The three, the emperor and his minister, sat around the table, their voices rising and falling in discussion.

The flickering lights in the imperial study illuminated the solemn faces of the men.

Time slipped by quietly until the city lights came on and the twilight outside the window was thick and inky.

Xiao Yunqing and Xiao Yuancai bowed and took their leave, slowly walking out of the imperial study.

As the moonlight shone down, the father and son walked silently along the palace path.

Only after boarding the carriage did Xiao Yunqing let out a long sigh of relief. After a moment of silence, his gaze turned deep, and he spoke in a low voice:

"Father, do you think the Emperor knows who attempted the assassination?"

Xiao Yuan lifted a corner of the curtain, gazed into the deep night, remained silent for a long time, and then replied in a low voice:

"Even I am not sure. His Majesty has keen insight and a deep mind; there is little that can be hidden from him in the court."

The assassins acted meticulously and with a clear objective, and the mastermind behind them must be no ordinary person. The Emperor must have some suspicions about this as well.

However, if our guess is correct, it's not appropriate to directly tell the Emperor.

Xiao Yuan frowned slightly, lowered the curtain, and the light inside the carriage dimmed, making the atmosphere a bit more solemn.

Xiao Yunqing nodded slightly, his expression calm, and tapped his fingers lightly on the carriage wall as he spoke slowly:

“What Father said is absolutely right. Making pronouncements without solid evidence will not only make it difficult to gain His Majesty’s trust.”

It could also bring us a lot of trouble for no reason, putting us in a passive position.

The current situation is complex and interconnected; a single move can have far-reaching consequences.

After speaking, he paused briefly, his gaze peering through the gap in the carriage window at the palace walls.

It seemed as if they wanted to penetrate the vermilion barrier and glimpse the ever-changing political landscape of the court.

After a moment, Xiao Yunqing withdrew her gaze, a resolute glint in her eyes:

"Let's see how the Emperor handles this. We'll just wait and see."

"Your Majesty has reigned on the throne for so long, and your methods of balancing the court and understanding people's hearts are extremely skillful; you must have your own plans."

Xiao Yuan stroked his beard, his eyes full of approval:

"Qing'er, I am very pleased that you can remain calm."

Next, let's just focus on doing our jobs well and avoid making any rash moves.

"Father, rest assured, I understand."

Xiao Yunqing solemnly agreed, leaned against the carriage wall, and closed her eyes to rest.

Since returning to Beijing, Lin Yuge and his family have remained secluded at home.

On this day, Lin Qingzhou and He Qingli finally arrived in the capital with several boatloads of goods.

As soon as the two entered the door, they were stunned to see their family members, who had been in Lingnan when they set off, suddenly appear.

"Father, Mother, Little Sister, what's going on? Why are you all in the capital?"

Lin Qingzhou was filled with doubt and surprise.

"Not long after you set off, Yunqing received an urgent imperial edict. It stated that your younger sister and I were to travel to the capital together. So we all came back together."

As Lin Fanghai spoke, he suddenly sighed.

"But now I don't know whether coming back is a blessing or a curse."

Seeing that the couple was still confused, Lin Yuge explained:

"Brother, sister-in-law, do you remember the gunpowder formula I told you about? The one that got you blown up."

Upon hearing this, Lin Qingzhou's face flushed slightly. Seeing the mischievous smile on his wife's face, he coughed lightly and said:

"Of course I remember! Why are you bringing this up, little sister?"

Seeing her elder brother looking over, Lin Yuge quickly wiped the smile from her lips and her expression became serious:

"Now all parties in the capital know that we and Yunqing have developed gunpowder and crossbows in Lingnan."

These people hadn't even witnessed the power of this thing before they started fighting over it.

On our return, we were even attacked, so we've been staying indoors for the past few days.

Lin Qingzhou and He Qingli exchanged a glance, both looking utterly astonished. Lin Qingzhou stepped forward, her expression tense.

"Is this true?! Are you all alright?"

Lin Yuge shook her head, "It's alright, Yun Qing is here!"

Just then, voices came from outside, and Uncle Chen led Xiao Yunqing in.

"Yunqing, what brings you here? Is there any news?" Lin Yuge stepped forward and asked with concern.

Xiao Yunqing gave her a reassuring look, then greeted Lin Fanghai and Xie Jingwan.

Then he spoke slowly:

"A decree has just been issued from the palace; the Emperor wishes to see Uncle Lin and Yuge."

I've come to take you to the palace. Time is of the essence; the carriage is already waiting outside.

Xiao Yunqing's expression was solemn, but she showed little panic. This composure reassured everyone in the room.

Lin Fanghai composed himself, straightened his clothes, and stood up, saying:

"What's meant to happen will happen. Let's go, daughter. Whether it's a blessing or a curse, we'll face it with equanimity."

Seeing her father's heroic appearance, Lin Yuge couldn't help but chuckle, instantly easing the tense atmosphere somewhat.

She quickened her pace, took Lin Fanghai's arm, and said:

"Father, don't be so serious. Yunqing just told me quietly."

This time, it's highly likely that rewards will be given based on merit, so let's relax.

Lin Fanghai was taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but he was still skeptical:

"Really? But the matter of gunpowder and crossbows has caused quite a stir, and some people are maliciously smearing us, saying we're plotting a rebellion..."