After returning to the capital to farm, the abandoned concubine made a comeback.

Lin Qin curtsied and said, “Your Majesty, before I entered the palace today, I instructed my servants to prepare some novelties to present to Your Majesty. However, I am currently in the palace and am very worried that my servants might break the items. I would like Your Majesty to send someone to my shop to check on them so that I can have peace of mind.”

As soon as this statement came out, everyone was stunned.

This Madam Lin really doesn't follow the usual path!

Attending a royal banquet, yet still thinking about his own shop?

The Empress chuckled softly, covering her mouth. "Madam Lin really is a worrier. Why does she have to deal with things at this time of year?"

Lin Qin remained composed and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, you may not know, but the items in my shop are related to the well-being of the people of the capital. I dare not be negligent in the slightest."

The Emperor raised an eyebrow with interest. "Oh? If that's what you say, Madam Lin, then I'm curious. What treasures are in your shop?"

Lin Qin smiled slightly and said mysteriously, "Your Majesty, heavenly secrets cannot be revealed. Once the items are delivered to the palace, you will know for sure."

Seeing that she was unwilling to reveal anything, the emperor did not press the matter further. He waved his hand and said, "Someone, go to Madam Lin's shop and make sure everything is alright."

Upon receiving the emperor's order, a guard departed.

Lin Qin breathed a slight sigh of relief, but the anxiety in her heart did not completely dissipate.

Time passed by, and the singing and dancing at the banquet continued to be lively, but Lin Qin felt like she was sitting on pins and needles, unable to eat.

The gazes of everyone in the palace fell upon her from time to time, some with curiosity, some with inquiry, and some with mockery, like fine needles pricking her, making her feel uncomfortable all over.

If her shop runs into trouble, all her previous efforts will be in vain, and the reputation and status she has worked so hard to build will plummet.

The Empress, and the noble ladies who coveted her, would seize this opportunity to completely suppress her.

Lin Qin took a deep breath, trying her best to remain calm.

She couldn't panic, nor could she get confused.

She must hold her ground in order to win this silent war.

Just then, a guard hurried into the banquet hall and whispered a few words in the emperor's ear.

The emperor's expression changed slightly, and he turned his gaze to Lin Qin, saying in a deep voice, "Madam Lin..."

Before the emperor could finish speaking, another guard strode in, carrying a tray covered with red silk.

"Your Majesty, the items from Madam Lin's shop have arrived."

The crowd immediately began to discuss, curious about what treasure was inside the tray.

The emperor also became interested and gestured to the guards to unveil the red silk.

On the tray was a plate of crystal-clear... ice cubes!

Everyone present, except for Lin Qin and Zhu Ling who knew in advance, was dumbfounded.

Ice cubes?

Is this thing even considered a treasure?

Lin Qin smiled slightly and explained, "Your Majesty, these are not ordinary ice cubes, but the latest product from my shop—flavored ice cubes! They can not only quench your thirst and cool you down, but also beautify your skin, and there are various flavors to choose from!"

As she spoke, she picked up a watermelon-flavored ice cube, took a small sip, and a cool, sweet taste instantly spread through her mouth.

"How about it, Your Majesty? Would you like to try some?"

The emperor took a piece of lychee-flavored ice, savored it, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

"Hmm, not bad, the taste is refreshing and invigorating. Madam Lin, the things in your shop are indeed novel and interesting."

Receiving the emperor's praise, Lin Qin was secretly delighted and seized the opportunity to introduce other flavored ice cubes.

At this moment, the guard who had gone to Lin Qin's shop earlier returned and reported: "Your Majesty, Madam Lin's shop is thriving. People have heard that Madam Lin is attending a banquet in the palace, and they have all come to buy things to show their support."

Lin Qin was overjoyed; the publicity effect was simply amazing!

The atmosphere at the banquet immediately became lively, with everyone congratulating Lin Qin. Even some ladies who had previously been hostile towards her began to show goodwill.

Zhu Ling walked to Lin Qin's side, gently took her hand, and said affectionately, "Qin'er, from now on, I will always protect you and safeguard you for the rest of my life."

Lin Qin blushed and lowered her head shyly.

People around them cheered, and a romantic atmosphere filled the air.

The Empress watched this scene unfold, a shadow of gloom flashing in her eyes, but a seemingly gentle smile played on her lips: "Madam Lin is truly blessed..."

The Empress raised her wine cup with a forced smile, "Madam Lin is indeed quite shrewd; I admire her." Her words were laced with sarcasm and barbs; who among those present wasn't a shrewd and calculating person?

The smell of gunpowder could be detected from ten meters away.

Lin Qin, however, seemed not to understand, and smiled sincerely, "Your Majesty is too kind. I am but a humble servant, how can I compare to Your Majesty's virtue and blessings upon the nation?" The implication was clear: "You, the mother of the nation, are behaving like this, a mere businesswoman? It's beneath you."

The Empress nearly choked on her own breath, a mouthful of blood stuck in her throat.

Lin Qin is truly someone who won't listen to either soft or hard tactics!

Just as the Empress was about to utter a few more harsh words, Lin Qin changed her tone and spoke sincerely, "I believe that Your Majesty and I are not necessarily competitors. We can cooperate and achieve mutual benefit! The bigger my business grows, the more taxes I pay. With a full treasury, Your Majesty can better share the Emperor's burdens. Wouldn't that be a win-win situation?"

As soon as this statement came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

How dare Lin Qin discuss cooperation with the Empress in front of so many people?

Is she genuinely naive or just pretending?

Even the Empress was stunned and didn't know how to answer for a moment.

She originally thought that Lin Qin would be like the other concubines, trying to please her in every way and being obsequious.

But I never expected her to be so bold, so...

Surprisingly.

The people in the palace were whispering amongst themselves.

"This Madam Lin is incredibly audacious!"

"What is she trying to do? Is she challenging the Queen's authority?"

"I think she's tired of living!"

Lin Qin ignored the crowd's comments and continued to smile at the Empress.

The Empress took a deep breath, suppressing her anger, and slowly said, "Madam Lin, you..."

Just then, the Emperor suddenly spoke up, "Lady Lin's words make sense. Empress, what do you think?"

Although the emperor's tone was calm, it carried an undeniable authority.

The Empress's face turned deathly pale instantly.

She bit her lip and forced a smile. "Your Majesty is wise. Your concubine... also thinks Madam Lin's suggestion is good."

Lin Qin's lips curled slightly; it seemed she had won this silent contest.

Just when everyone thought the storm had passed, Lin Qin suddenly spoke up again, "Your Majesty, I have another request."

Everyone was stunned again. This Madam Lin really had no end in sight!

"Oh? What is it?" the emperor asked with interest.

Lin Qin smiled slightly, "Your Majesty, I wish to..." She paused deliberately, whetting everyone's appetite, "I request Your Majesty to grant me a piece of land."

Everyone:? ? ?

Empress: !!!

"Give me land?" The emperor raised an eyebrow. "What do you want the land for?"

Lin Qin smiled mysteriously, "Your Majesty, I wish to build one..."

"...Amusement park!"

"An amusement park?" The emperor felt his dragon whiskers on his temples stand on end in surprise.

What's this new gadget?

The officials and civil servants all looked at each other in bewilderment, staring at each other blankly.

Even the Empress forgot to maintain her elegant, fake smile.

Lin Qin explained with a smile, "It's a place where adults and children can have fun! There can be a carousel, swings, seesaws..." With each amusement facility she mentioned, the people present became more and more confused.

What are all these strange and unusual things?

"I think that the people of the capital are busy making a living and lack entertainment. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could build an amusement park so that they could relax in their spare time?" Lin Qin said eloquently, as if she had already built the amusement park.

The emperor pondered for a moment, and then surprisingly nodded!

"Granted! I want to see what's so magical about your amusement park."

As soon as this statement came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

Does Lin Qin possess some kind of magic that allows the emperor to grant her request so easily?

The Empress was so angry that her face turned ashen. This Lin Qin was getting more and more arrogant!

She had to find a way to properly treat her!

Looking at the dazzling Lin Qin in the center of the crowd, Young Master Sima thought, "This woman is becoming more and more interesting."

He absolutely must have her!

The emperor not only granted her land, but also exempted Lin Qin from taxes for three years and allowed her to open multiple branches in the capital.

For a time, Lin Qin was incredibly popular and became the most sought-after person in the capital.

During the banquet, everyone rushed forward to curry favor, offering toasts and gifts in an endless stream.

Lin Qin handled the situation with ease, always maintaining a polite smile on her face.

She stood in the center of the banquet, receiving the adoration of the crowd; a sense of glory filled the entire palace banquet hall.

Amidst the clinking of glasses and the swaying of elegant robes, she seemed to be the most dazzling presence in the palace.

But she knew this was just the beginning.

Lin Qin was enjoying the joy of victory at the banquet when suddenly, a sweet, childlike voice came from beside her: "Host, host, a new mission is coming..."