BSI Chapter 25 Who is the better strategist?
Chapter 25 Who is the better strategist?
"Why did Your Majesty choose me?" Lin Chen asked.
"Because you're smart enough, and also... inconspicuous enough." The Empress's lips curled slightly.
"If a playboy is found out, others will just say it's luck; if he's not found out, it doesn't matter."
Lin Chen smiled wryly: "Your Majesty is really... straightforward."
"I dislike beating around the bush." The Empress rose and walked to the window.
"Lin Chen, I know that your father is a loyal minister."
But in the imperial court, there is not only a distinction between the loyal and the treacherous.
Some people are loyal to the country but pursue personal gain; such people are more terrifying than treacherous officials.
She turned around: "Are you willing to serve me?"
Lin Chen remained silent for a moment, then bowed:
"This humble subject is willing to share Your Majesty's burdens, but... this humble subject has one condition."
"explain."
"If the truth revealed involves the royal family..." Lin Chen looked up and stared directly at the Empress.
"Can Your Majesty handle this matter impartially?"
The Empress's eyes flashed sharply: "You doubt the royal family?"
"This humble citizen is merely making a hypothetical statement," Lin Chen said, neither humble nor arrogant.
"What Your Majesty desires is the truth, and what I offer is the truth. As for what the truth is... I cannot guarantee it."
The atmosphere inside the hall suddenly became heavy.
After a long silence, the Empress suddenly smiled: "Very well, I promise you. No matter who is involved, investigate to the end."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Empress returned to her desk and took out a token from the drawer:
"This is a 'Royal Attendant' token, which allows you free access to the palace. In addition, I will send someone to assist you."
She clapped her hands.
A woman in her thirties emerged from behind the main hall. She was dressed in palace attire, with a beautiful face, but her eyes were sharp as knives.
"This is my personal lady-in-waiting, Qingluan," the Empress said.
"She knows the art of disguise and can impersonate your maid. At the birthday banquet, she will cooperate with you."
Lin Chen looked at Qingluan—her aura was restrained, indicating she was at least at the early stage of a Grandmaster.
"Greetings, Young Master Lin." Qingluan bowed, her voice calm.
"Thank you for your trouble, Miss Qingluan."
The Empress then said:
"The secret chamber of the Cui family is complex, requiring not only the Azure Dragon Key but also a direct descendant of the Cui family. I cannot help you with this; you must rely on yourself."
"This humble citizen has already made a plan."
"That's good." The Empress waved her hand. "You may leave. Remember, what happened today must not be told to anyone."
"This humble subject obeys the decree."
Lin Chen bowed and withdrew.
When I walked out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, my back was already covered in cold sweat.
Empress Zhao Lingyang is more powerful than he imagined.
He was not only a grandmaster of martial arts, but also a master of political maneuvering.
She gave herself a token and sent people to assist her, seemingly to support her, but in reality, it was also a form of surveillance.
But... this is for the best.
With official endorsement, many things become easier to do.
Outside the palace gates, Wen Ruoxi's carriage was still waiting.
"Eighth brother, how is it?" Wen Ruoxi asked anxiously.
"We'll talk about it when we get back."
Once inside the carriage, Lin Chen briefly recounted the process of the audience.
Of course, the part about the Empress cleaning up the court was omitted; it was only said that His Majesty cared about the Lin family and gave them some support.
Wen Ruoxi was both surprised and delighted after hearing this:
"His Majesty has personally intervened! That's great! With His Majesty backing us up, let's see who dares to bully us now!"
Lin Chen shook his head: "Fifth Sister-in-law, His Majesty's 'backing' comes at a price. We need to offer enough value in exchange for continued support."
"You mean...?"
"The Cui family's birthday banquet is the first test," Lin Chen said, his eyes deep.
"Answer well, and the Lin family has a chance to rise again. Answer poorly... and they may face utter ruin."
Wen Ruoxi's expression turned serious: "Eighth Brother, what do you need me to do?"
"Help me prepare a 'big gift'," Lin Chen said. "It's Old Master Cui's 80th birthday, we can't go empty-handed."
"What should I send?"
"Send him a gift...something he would never expect."
Lin Chen already had a plan in mind.
……
By the time they returned to the manor, it was already late.
As soon as Lin Chen entered the West Garden, he saw Yuan Tiangang and Li Chunfeng already waiting for him.
"My lord, what is the Empress's purpose in summoning me?" Yuan Tiangang asked.
Lin Chen recounted what had happened, and both of them frowned deeply.
"The Empress is using someone else to do her dirty work," Li Chunfeng said. "She's using the Empress as a tool to eliminate dissidents in the court."
"I know," Lin Chen said, "but this is also our opportunity. With the identity of a member of the Imperial Guard, many things will be done legitimately."
Yuan Tiangang nodded: "What you say is absolutely right, but that Qingluan..."
"You're monitoring me," Lin Chen said.
"That's alright, we'll continue with what we need to do. Mr. Li, how's the research on the secret chamber mechanism coming along?"
Li Chunfeng took out a drawing from his sleeve:
"This is the best infiltration route drawn based on the mechanism diagram provided by the Sixth Madam and my own deductions."
The Nine Palaces Spirit Locking Array has nine key points, which must be broken simultaneously.
"I can set up the 'Nine Stars Linked Formation' to deal with this, but it will require nine assistants with at least the first rank of cultivation."
"Nine first-rank officials..." Lin Chen pondered. "They can be drawn from the Bad People. Mr. Yuan, please make the arrangements."
"Yes."
"Furthermore," Lin Chen added:
"I need a drug that can temporarily alter the aura of one's bloodline. It doesn't need to be permanent; I just need it to help me pass the bloodline verification test."
Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang exchanged a glance.
"My lord, this medicine is extremely rare..." Li Chunfeng said.
"The Valley of Healers should have it," Lin Chen thought of Chu Yueyao. "Perhaps my second sister-in-law can help."
Just then, footsteps came from outside the courtyard.
It was Chu Yueyao, carrying a medicine bowl.
"Eighth Brother, it's time for your medicine." She walked in, and upon seeing Yuan Tiangang and Li Chunfeng, she was slightly taken aback.
"Who are these two...?"
"These are the newly hired retainers of the household," Lin Chen introduced. "Mr. Yuan and Mr. Li."
The two bowed and said, "Greetings, Second Madam."
Chu Yueyao returned the greeting and put down the medicine bowl:
"Eighth Brother, there's progress on the Seven-Leaf Resurrection Grass."
"Oh?"
"The Myriad Medicines Pavilion of the Heavenly Mystery Institute does indeed have them, but a 'Heavenly Mystery Token' is required to exchange for them," Chu Yueyao said.
"The Heavenly Secrets Token can only be obtained by personnel within the Heavenly Secrets Institute or those who have made significant contributions to the Heavenly Secrets Institute."
Lin Chen frowned: "This is difficult."
"However," Chu Yueyao changed the subject,
"Two days later, the Tianji Academy will hold a 'Treasure Appraisal Conference' and invite talented people from the capital."
If one can come out on top at the meeting, one will receive a Heavenly Secret Token.
"A treasure appraisal event?" Lin Chen's eyes lit up.
"Yes, it is said that the Cui and Wang families will send people to participate in this treasure appraisal event."
Because the grand prize, besides the Heavenly Secret Token, also includes a high-grade Earth-rank protective armor.
Lin Chen laughed: "Looks like we should go join in the fun too."
Chu Yueyao said worriedly, "Eighth brother, the treasure appraisal competition is not only about having a keen eye, but also about knowledge and experience. You..."
"Fifth Sister-in-law said I've changed," Lin Chen blinked, "Then let's change completely."
He looked at Yuan Tiangang and Li Chunfeng: "Gentlemen, do you have any insights into appraising treasures?"
Li Chunfeng stroked his beard and smiled, "This humble Taoist has some knowledge of this."
Yuan Tiangang also said, "I also know a little about it."
"That's good." Lin Chen made the decision. "Before the Cui family's birthday banquet, I'll go to the Heavenly Mystery Institute first. I'm determined to get the Seven-Leaf Resurrection Grass."
Looking at his confident demeanor, Chu Yueyao suddenly felt at ease.
Perhaps, this eighth brother really can create a miracle.