Starting as the young master of a medicine shop, he practiced swordsmanship for twenty years.

Chapter 372 Lin Qinghan, daughter of the former Imperial Censor!
Lin Qinghan was the daughter of a former Imperial Censor. She possessed a beauty that could rival the most beautiful women in the world, and was considered a national beauty.

As luck would have it, Miss Lin's father was the very person who was tortured to death by the original owner of this body. What a twist of fate!

The reason the original owner did this was because the emperor secretly ordered him to torture his father.

Now, this licentious and tyrannical emperor has turned his lewd gaze upon this orphaned girl.

However, this matter could not ultimately be brought to light.

The emperor had no choice but to secretly order the original owner to abduct Lin Qinghan into the palace without anyone noticing, so that he could defile her.

This beautiful young woman is about to fall into the tiger's mouth again.

To Lu Xuan's surprise, Shen Wanbao, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, secretly sent someone to rescue Lin Qinghan.

If not for being forced by circumstances, given his cunning and calculating nature, he would never have acted rashly, let alone defied the emperor's will.

After all, this old fox has always been secretive and adept at staying behind the scenes, observing the changing world with a cold eye.

But this time, he was finally forced to reveal his true colors.

There are only two possibilities.

It was either the Emperor himself or the young Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace who did it.

After all, in the whole world, there is no one who can truly make Shen Wanbao, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, submit to their orders.

Aside from the muddle-headed and suspicious old emperor on the dragon throne, there was only the Crown Prince Yu Qianmin.

However, for Lu Xuan, these grudges and grievances were nothing more than fleeting clouds.

In the original owner's memories, Lu Xuan had a fairly good understanding of the tyrannical emperor's temperament.

A person can turn on you as easily as flipping a book; one second they can be smiling and bestowing fine wine upon you, and the next they can push the disobedient into an abyss of no return.

If we can't bring that woman Lin Qinghan back to the palace without anyone noticing this time...

What awaits the original owner is likely not just the emperor's wrath, but a bloody disaster involving the confiscation of her family's property and the extermination of her clan.

Coincidentally, the original owner's situation was like a single-plank bridge built over a bottomless abyss.

It must be said that although that incompetent ruler was addicted to wine and women and incapable of governing the country, his skill in manipulating imperial power was astonishing.

That emperor was a master of checks and balances. On one hand, he used his immense power to elevate the original owner to the highest level, and on the other hand, he secretly planted numerous spies, so that the slightest mistake would lead to utter destruction.

The original owner's identity as the head of the Eastern Depot appeared to be that of a high-ranking official, but in reality, he was nothing more than a lackey kept by the emperor.

Without Junwei's protection, he was less than an ant.

The original owner also understood this principle. In this game of chess with its undercurrents, he was both the player and the piece.

Only by dancing on the edge of a knife and walking on a tightrope can he find a glimmer of hope for survival in this ruthless court.

Lu Xuan dared to assert that once that tyrannical emperor revoked the power of the "Eastern Depot Supervisor,"

The original body was like a tiger with its claws and teeth pulled out, and even seeing the sunrise of tomorrow would be a luxury.

Putting others aside, Shen Wanbao, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, had long wanted to eliminate the Eastern Depot, which was hanging over his head, with his eyes hidden beneath the Embroidered Spring Blade.

Who knows, tonight at midnight, Shen Wanbao might lead the Imperial Guards to break down the gates of the Eastern Depot.

Without hesitation, the Embroidered Spring Blade would pierce the original body's throat and display his head at the Meridian Gate.

Not to mention the ruthless figures lurking in the capital city from the martial arts world.

The bounty for "killing the most notorious traitor in the land, the head of the Eastern Depot" had already spread like wildfire among all sorts of people.

Among the righteous sects, especially the leader of the Qingfeng Sect, he had long hoped to use the original owner's head to intimidate the entire bandit world.

Xu Jinghong, the master of Broken Sword Manor, also coveted this glory that would bring him fame and fortune.

Even the "Black and White Impermanence" assassin organization, which hides in the shadows, has made assassinating him their top priority.

Rumor has it that this bounty, if piled up, could fill almost half of the imperial city.

If successful, it would be enough to disband the entire assassin organization on the spot.

After the hundreds of assassins in the organization have divided the bounty, they can retire from the life of crime.

Each person bought a large number of estates and shops, and from then on lived in anonymity, indulging in worldly riches and never having to set foot in bloodshed again.

After all, who among those who live on the edge of a knife wouldn't want to hold mountains of gold and silver, indulge in the pleasures of the world, and enjoy the romantic scenery of the Qinhuai River?

"Greetings, Godfather!"

Suddenly, hurried footsteps came from outside the hall door, and three figures filed in.

These three are none other than the most capable of Lu Xuan's thirteen adopted sons: the first, second, and third sons!

Lu Xuan stood with his hands behind his back in the hall, his dark python robe gleaming with a cold and majestic luster in the sunlight.

He never turned around, leaving the three of them with only his tall, pine-like back view.

"Say!"

The eldest brother, who was at the head of the group, knelt on one knee, his voice filled with undisguised admiration: "Godfather's foresight is truly remarkable; he was indeed prepared for a rainy day."

"Fortunately, you had planted a hidden agent in the Embroidered Uniform Guard long ago, which is why we received this important news today."

"Lin Qinghan is currently hiding in the West City Grand Manor of Jinfu City, and she is personally protected by Yuan Qian, the Xuanwu Town Protector."

"This person is highly skilled in martial arts, impervious to swords and spears, with skin of copper and bones of iron. He is proficient in the art of external martial arts training. At this moment, he is accompanying Lin Qinghan under the guise of a personal bodyguard."

Upon hearing this, Cao Haosheng and Cao Jin's tense nerves suddenly relaxed.

Under Lu Xuan's icy gaze, the two momentarily forgot their manners, their knees buckled, and they collapsed onto the floor with a thud.

At this moment, an overwhelming joy surged within them: Heaven has opened its eyes! Their lives have finally been saved!

I thought that if the mission failed, even if I didn't die, I would be skinned alive.

Who would have thought that a glimmer of hope would appear in this seemingly hopeless situation!
Cao Haosheng tried to get up, his legs feeling weak, but found that his palms were already soaked with cold sweat.

He stole a glance at his godfather ahead, only to see that the figure beneath the dark python robe remained as still as a mountain, making it impossible to fathom his intentions.
Cao Jin suddenly looked up and met Lu Xuan's smiling eyes.

His gaze was like that of a butcher eyeing a lamb awaiting slaughter.

“My… my godfather…”

Cao Jin's blood froze instantly, and cold sweat streamed down his spine.

He then realized that he had lost his composure due to excessive excitement.

Cao Jin hurriedly slammed his forehead heavily onto the cold floor, making a dull thud.

Seeing this, Cao Haosheng, who was standing next to him, also lowered his body and didn't dare to breathe too heavily.

The two shadows twisted on the ground into shrimp shapes, looking like two ants waiting to be slaughtered as the sunlight flickered.

"Please, Godfather, allow us two to atone for our crimes through meritorious service!"

Cao Haosheng's voice was choked with sobs, and his nails were almost digging into his palms.

Their oversight last time allowed the Embroidered Uniform Guard to receive a tip-off from a traitor half a step ahead.

If he doesn't perform well now, he might not even be able to save his own head.

Lu Xuan seemed not to hear, and slowly walked up to the two of them, crushing the wood chips on the ground with the soles of his boots.

This time, he wanted to see Lin Qinghan brought back to the palace with his own eyes—to witness the spies hidden in the shadows and the fangs of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Even Yuan Qian, who was said to be invulnerable to swords and spears, was just a minor nuisance. Lu Xuan wouldn't allow anyone to interfere with the rest of the plan.
Otherwise, it is very likely that this life's trials in the mortal world will fail.

Lu Xuan flicked his sleeve, and his dark python robe drew a chilling arc in the air.

As they turned, the gust of wind from their sleeves stung Cao Haosheng and his companion's faces like knives.

"Go to the torture chamber and receive twenty lashes..."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I obey!"

Surprisingly, upon hearing the punishment, Cao Haosheng and Cao Jin felt as if they had been granted a pardon.

They pressed their foreheads to the ground and responded in unison, their trembling voices filled with the ecstatic joy of surviving a catastrophe.

When Cao Jin secretly looked up, cold sweat dripped from his forehead into the cracks of the blue bricks, soaking the wounds he had just scraped from his head and causing them to sting painfully.

But this pain is nothing compared to the outcome they anticipated.

In the past, those who angered their adoptive father would at least have their tendons severed and be thrown into a dark and sunless dungeon.

Those screams could echo from 7 PM to 3 AM, eventually turning into dark red blood in the ditches of the torture chamber.

They were only going to receive twenty lashes at this moment. Thinking of the thorny whips specially made by the Eastern Depot's torture chamber, Cao Haosheng couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.

What kind of punishment is this?
It was as if the godfather had deliberately held back; the whip lashing these masters, who were protected by true qi, was probably more comfortable than the gentle punches and back pounding from girls in brothels.

Jinfucheng West City Grand Manor!

This place is only 120 li from the capital; a fast horse can reach it in less than half a day.

When ordinary people flee, they will definitely choose remote places or go thousands of miles away.

But the other side deliberately hid Lin Qinghan right under the emperor's nose. This "blind spot under the lamp" scheme was truly audacious.

"They've certainly got a good plan, what a pity." Lu Xuan boarded the specially made fast carriage of the Eastern Depot.

The manor is serene and secluded, with rockeries stacked in a pleasing manner, and a pool of clear water reflecting the sky and clouds.

Exotic flowers and rare herbs dot the landscape, while several towering ancient trees cast dappled shadows, creating an elegant and meticulously designed atmosphere.

Outside the main room, four guards dressed in black uniforms stood solemnly like statues.

Their eyes were sharp as lightning, constantly scanning every blade of grass and every tree around them.

Although the embroidered spring knife at his waist was not drawn, it exuded a faint aura of murderous intent, and even the chirping insects in the courtyard wisely fell silent.

Inside the room, a middle-aged man dressed in black was sitting upright in a rosewood chair.

With a sturdy build and piercing gaze, he was none other than Yuan Qian, the Xuanwu Town Protector, a master who had achieved the highest level of martial arts.

Beside him, a woman in plain clothes sat quietly by the window, her slender fingers gently caressing the strings of a zither.

Several maids dressed in palace attire stood with their heads bowed, their demeanor dignified, even their breathing extremely soft.

His impeccable manners and demeanor were clearly the result of years of immersion in the palace.

Yuan Qian gazed at the beauty before him. Even as a seasoned veteran of the officialdom for decades, he was still awestruck by Lin Qinghan's stunning beauty.

He forced himself to calm down and lowered his voice, saying, "Miss Qinghan, please don't worry. When His Highness the Crown Prince ascends the throne..."

With that, Yuan Qian made a throat-slitting gesture, "That old eunuch dog from the Eastern Depot, I'll make sure he dies a gruesome death!"

"At that time, even if the Left Censor-in-Chief is in the afterlife, he will be able to rest in peace."

In the soft morning light, Lin Qinghan sat by the window, her whole being seemingly bathed in a gentle glow.

Her skin was as white as snow, her features exquisite, and her eyes sparkled with a gentle, autumnal light.

When her red lips parted slightly, that faint smile was like a peach blossom just beginning to bloom on a branch in March, captivating all who looked at her.

A light pink tulle dress fluttered in the wind, outlining her graceful figure.

Amidst the flowing sleeves, her slender fingers, occasionally revealed, resembled carved white jade, with a faint blush at the fingertips.

As she gracefully rose, the arch of her foot, occasionally peeking out from the tips of her embroidered shoes, was exquisitely breathtaking.

Even the usually ruthless and indifferent Yuan Qian unconsciously held his breath at this scene.

Lin Qinghan is clearly a fairy who stepped out of a painting; every frown and smile exudes a natural and graceful charm.

Especially her slender waist, so delicate it seemed like it could be grasped with one hand, its curves rising and falling slightly with each breath, exuded a fatal attraction.

Yuan Qian hurriedly shook his head and pinched his palm, cursing himself inwardly.

What the hell? I'm an old man who's about to die, and at this crucial moment, I'm having such fantasies.

No wonder His Highness the Crown Prince knelt down in the secret chamber that day for the sake of Miss Lin Qinghan.

Yuan Qian still feels a chill when he recalls that scene. At that time, Commander Shen Wanbao was so shocked that he almost lost his balance, and the teacup in his hand shattered on the ground with a "crash".

If it weren't for the Crown Prince making a solemn oath as the heir apparent and bringing up the life-saving grace from years ago, he would have been able to achieve his goal.

His mentor, who was always wise and self-protective, would never do such a thing as disobeying orders.

After all, everyone in the court knew that Shen Wanbao, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, only recognized the master on the dragon throne.

Even though the Crown Prince is a semi-ruler, once he goes against the Emperor's will... Yuan Qian unconsciously touched his neck.

In this vortex of imperial power struggles, even if you are the crown prince, you cannot withstand the emperor's wrath.

Lin Qinghan curtsied, her long eyelashes casting shadows beneath her eyes: "This humble servant... thanks all of you gentlemen for your assistance."

The voice was like a clear spring striking jade, yet it carried a subtle, almost imperceptible tremor.

Lin Qinghan's bow appeared respectful, but it was actually full of disappointment.

How did that high and mighty Crown Prince make such a solemn vow in the secret chamber a month ago?
They said things like, "I will personally kill the old eunuch from the Eastern Depot to comfort the spirit of the Censor in heaven," and "In my lifetime, I will definitely take his head."

Now, more than a month has passed, and there has been no movement at all.
She should have realized long ago that in this power-hungry court, she was nothing more than a plaything in the Crown Prince's hands.

Lin Qinghan parted her red lips slightly, her breath as fragrant as orchids.

To avenge her father, she didn't hesitate to use herself as bait to lure the crown prince into this gentle trap.

For over a month, she used every trick in the book to be alluring—whether it was singing and dancing lightly, or stirring soup with her delicate hands, she meticulously planned every gesture of her eyes and brows to exude charm.

The prince was indeed captivated by it, as if he had found a priceless treasure.

Whenever he held her in his arms, he loved to play with her flowing black hair, uttering obsessive nonsense like, "I wish I could build a golden house to house Ajiao."

But whenever she casually mentioned that old eunuch from the Eastern Depot, the Crown Prince would feel as if he had been doused with ice water, and the lust in his eyes would instantly vanish.

"My beauty, please don't be hasty..."

The crown prince would always put on that righteous and awe-inspiring face, but his fingers would still linger on her waist, saying, "On the day I ascend the throne..."

Before she could finish speaking, the Crown Prince impatiently pressed his burning lips down, silencing her probing questions.

Lin Qinghan gently touched her temples, a resolute glint flashing in her eyes.

Since the path of becoming the Crown Prince is blocked, then she will—go straight to the Ninth Heaven!
She secretly summoned several of her personal maids who had served her since childhood. These maids were all old servants of the Lin family, sharing in the family's fortunes.

Taking advantage of their mission to deliver embroidery to the palace, carefully crafted messages were quietly sent into the inner palace.

Since she could bewitch the Crown Prince so completely... then the one on the dragon throne must also be unable to escape the gentle trap of her beauty.

(End of this chapter)