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

The guard's face was paler than snow, and he pointed tremblingly towards the west of the city, "Your Highness, something has happened to our shop in the west of the city!" Lin Qin's heart skipped a beat, and an ominous premonition surged into her heart.

The shop in the west of the city is an important part of her new business plan, connecting more than a dozen small businesses in the suburbs. It was about to achieve economies of scale, so why did something go wrong at this critical juncture?

She strode up to the guard and asked urgently, "What happened? Tell me slowly!" The guard stammered and explained that for some reason, the small merchants were demanding to withdraw their investment and were threatening to terminate their partnership. Now, the shops were surrounded by people, and the scene was chaotic.

Lin Qin's face instantly darkened. The previous cooperation had gone very smoothly, and these small businesses had tasted the benefits. Why would they suddenly turn against them?

She sensed something was wrong and immediately rushed to the west of the city.

When they arrived at the shop, the scene before them was even worse than the guard had described.

The shop entrance was packed with people, and the small business owners were in high spirits, shouting that they wanted to get their money back.

Lin Qin finally managed to squeeze into the crowd and grabbed a familiar merchant. "Uncle Li, what happened? Weren't we doing a great job together?" Uncle Li looked troubled and stammered, unable to give a clear answer. In the end, he just sighed and whispered, "Ms. Lin, I had no choice..."

Lin Qin keenly sensed that there was more to the story. She looked around and her gaze finally settled on a familiar figure at the back of the crowd—Banker Zhang!

She sneered and walked straight up to Bank Manager Zhang, her tone icy: "Mr. Zhang, it seems you enjoy playing dirty tricks behind people's backs?" Bank Manager Zhang maintained his arrogant demeanor, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Mr. Lin, I'm just protecting my own interests. Your new business plan is too risky; I advise you to back out as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, the surrounding merchants became even more agitated, accusing Lin Qin as if she were some heinous criminal.

Lin Qin felt a surge of anger rising within her, but she struggled to control herself. Taking a deep breath, she stared coldly at Banker Zhang: "Mr. Zhang, do you think this will stop me? Let me tell you, this is just the beginning!" She pulled a document from her sleeve and slammed it in front of Banker Zhang. "Open your eyes and take a good look!"

The document Lin Qin handed over was a detailed new business plan.

The document not only details her future development blueprint but also includes comprehensive market research data and profit forecasts.

Her voice was clear and resonant, "Ladies and gentlemen, my business empire is far more than what you see here. My goal is the stars and the sea!"

She presented the contents of the plan to the public in detail, from the shops in the west of the city to the market in the east, and then to the cross-regional logistics system. Every step was planned in an orderly and interconnected manner.

More importantly, the blueprint she painted, the future profit prospects, were so dazzling that they dazzled everyone present.

The surrounding small business owners went from initial panic to astonishment, and then to delight.

Although they didn't understand professional business jargon, they were all seasoned veterans who knew the huge business opportunities involved.

Lin Qin's gaze was like a sharp knife, sweeping over everyone present, especially Banker Zhang.

A mocking smile curled at the corner of her lips. "Mr. Zhang, is your vision really only good enough to flounder in the gutter? You think cutting off my cash flow will bring me to ruin? Sorry, you can't stop me, Lin Qin, from walking down this path."

Sure enough, as soon as Lin Qin finished speaking, a commotion arose in the crowd.

Representatives from several other banks excitedly crowded in front of Lin Qin, vying to express their willingness to cooperate and eager to sign the agreement on the spot.

Banker Zhang's face turned ashen, feeling as if he had swallowed a fly. He never expected that Lin Qin had such a trick up her sleeve, completely undermining his efforts and rendering them all futile.

The small business owners who had initially supported Banker Zhang now looked embarrassed and regretful, feeling like they had missed out on a fortune.

Those merchants who had believed in Lin Qin from the beginning were now cheering excitedly, as if they could see mountains of gold and silver beckoning to them.

The Chamber of Commerce headquarters was even more impressed by Lin Qin's wisdom, praising her highly and calling her a true business prodigy.

After the turmoil subsided, Lin Qin returned to the Prince's mansion, feeling utterly exhausted and as if her body had fallen apart.

Just as she was about to grab something to eat, Zhu Ling walked in carrying a steaming bowl of noodles.

"You've worked hard today. I made your favorite braised noodles." Zhu Ling's tone was gentle, her eyes full of heartache.

Looking at the noodles in front of her, Lin Qin felt a warm glow in her heart, and all her fatigue seemed to vanish.

She ate her noodles, looking at Zhu Ling with emotion, and a warm atmosphere filled the entire room between them.

"By the way, how's that new accountant you recently hired doing?" Zhu Ling asked casually.

Lin Qin was about to answer when she suddenly stopped. She seemed to have thought of something, put down her chopsticks, and her eyes became deep. "I remember, that accountant... wasn't his name Li Ming?"

Lin Qin rubbed her temples, a sense of unease spreading through her heart.

Li Ming was recommended by a high-ranking headhunter, and the headhunter...

"Damn it!" Lin Qin cursed under her breath, suddenly remembering the investigation she had conducted earlier that revealed Gao, the headhunter, had been bribed by a competitor.

It seems the other party is planning to dismantle her team from within!

As expected, Li Ming submitted his resignation the next day, saying that he had an urgent family matter to attend to.

Following that, several other newly hired employees also expressed their intention to leave.

Lin Qin did not stop them; instead, she generously offered her blessings and severance pay.

A tense atmosphere permeated the new business venue, with employees whispering amongst themselves, filled with anxiety, as if they might be poached at any moment.

Lin Qin stood in the center of the office, looking around, a meaningful smile playing on her lips.

"Since you want to play, then I'll play big with you!" Lin Qin said. "I know everyone is worried, but please believe me, I won't let you down." Lin Qin's voice was firm and powerful, calming everyone's anxiety.

“Next, we’ll turn the tables on them…” Lin Qin wrote a few large characters on the whiteboard and began to lay out her counterattack plan.

She deliberately released some "false" information, which the poached employees then passed on to competitors.

This information may seem insignificant, but it is actually interconnected and enough to mislead competitors into misjudging the situation and making wrong decisions.

When the news reached their competitors, they were overjoyed, believing they had found Lin Qin's weakness. They immediately adjusted their strategy, focusing on the "wrong" information.

Immediately, the business community was abuzz with discussion, speculating about Lin Qin's true intentions.

"Is Lin Qin throwing herself into disarray? Or is there another conspiracy?" An atmosphere of doubt enveloped the entire business world.

At this moment, Lin Qin was leisurely sipping tea, watching the bustling crowd outside the window.

"The fish has taken the bait." She gently put down her teacup, a confident smile playing on her lips.

Zhu Ling walked into the office and, seeing Lin Qin's confident demeanor, couldn't help but ask, "What are you up to now?" Lin Qin smiled mysteriously, "You'll find out soon enough."

Lin Qin's counterattack plan unfolded smoothly. She secretly mobilized resources and, taking advantage of her competitors' focus on "wrong" information, quickly seized a large market share.

The others were stunned; this maneuver was a textbook example of "feinting to the east while attacking in the west."

Those who were initially pessimistic about Lin Qin have all been proven wrong, and the new business sector is now filled with admiration for her; it's a classic case of "I was wrong, but I love her" moment.

"Boss Lin is awesome! I give this comeback a perfect score!"

"Mr. Lin, how do you predict your opponents? Please teach the kids!"

"666, Boss Lin's move was absolutely brilliant!"

Lin Qin watched her competitor's frantic state without feeling anything in return; she even felt a little amused.

She sat gracefully in her executive chair, picked up a cup of coffee, took a small sip, and said, "That's it? Small fry."

However, the joy of victory did not last long.

Although she is temporarily in the lead, Lin Qin's funds are still tight.

The expansion was too rapid, and the cash flow was stretched too thin, so it could break down at the slightest misstep.

More importantly, the competitors will not give up easily; they will certainly be secretly gathering strength, preparing to make a comeback.

What troubled Lin Qin even more was that her relationship with Zhu Ling was also facing a new test.

Zhu Ling's strategist, Xie, had always been cautious about Lin Qin's business activities. He believed that Lin Qin's expansion was too rapid and the risks were too high, and advised Zhu Ling to restrain Lin Qin's business activities.

"Your Highness, the Princess Consort's business dealings have already damaged the reputation of the Prince's Mansion. If this continues, it may be detrimental to you," Xie the strategist earnestly advised.

Zhu Ling was caught in a dilemma. He admired Lin Qin's business acumen, but he was also worried that she might be put in danger because of it.

At the same time, Lin Qin's adorable little system also started to throw a tantrum.

"Host, you haven't completed any of my tasks lately! If this continues, your little treasury will be empty!" the little system complained in a childish voice.

Lin Qin rubbed her temples, feeling immense pressure. Internal and external troubles were overwhelming her.

Just then, Zhu Ling's mother, the current Empress Dowager, suddenly arrived at the Prince's residence, saying she wanted to meet her "legendary" daughter-in-law, Lin Qin.

Lin Qin took a deep breath, sensing that a storm was about to break.

She straightened her clothes, preparing to face the Empress Dowager's "interrogation".

"Mother, why have you come so suddenly?" Zhu Ling asked respectfully.

The Empress Dowager smiled kindly, "I've come to see my good daughter-in-law. I've heard she's been doing very well in business lately, and I'm glad to be a part of that success."

Lin Qin smiled slightly and said modestly, "Your Majesty is too kind. I only know a little bit about this subject."

The Empress Dowager gave Lin Qin a meaningful look. "I've heard that you've been having some financial difficulties lately?"

Lin Qin's heart tightened. How did the Empress Dowager know about this?

She was about to explain when the Empress Dowager interrupted her.

"I have a good idea..." The Empress Dowager paused, her gaze falling on Lin Qin, "I can help you solve your funding problem."

Lin Qin wondered what the Empress Dowager was up to.

"Mother, do you have any ideas?" Zhu Ling asked curiously.

The Empress Dowager smiled mysteriously and slowly said, "I plan to..."

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects..." A delicate voice came from outside the door, interrupting the Empress Dowager.

Lin Qin and Zhu Ling turned their heads and saw a woman dressed in gorgeous clothes walking gracefully towards them. It was Zhu Ling's concubine, Lady Li.

Lady Li approached the Empress Dowager, bowed, and said softly, "I heard that Your Majesty the Empress Dowager is coming to the Prince's residence, so I specially prepared some pastries. I hope Your Majesty will accept them."

The Empress Dowager looked at Lady Li,

Lin Qin looked at Li Shi, a sense of vigilance rising in her heart. This woman was clearly up to no good...

"Mother, your son..." Zhu Ling was about to speak when he was interrupted by the Empress Dowager.

"Ling'er, I'm tired and want to rest for a while," the Empress Dowager said, rubbing her forehead.

Zhu Ling had no choice but to give up and ordered his servants to prepare a room.

Lin Qin watched the Empress Dowager and Lady Li's departing figures, feeling a vague unease in her heart.

She had a feeling that something was about to happen...

In the dead of night, Lin Qin lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

She got up and walked to the window, looking at the bright moonlight outside, her mind filled with countless thoughts.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Who?" Lin Qin asked warily.

"It's me." A familiar voice came from outside the door.

Lin Qin opened the door, saw who it was, and froze...