Brocade Robe Unparalleled

Chapter 167 Take the initiative to ask for help
Chen Mansion.

Inside the study, Lin Xuan was meditating.

For the foreseeable future, he will need to focus his cultivation on mental strength.

Only by cultivating his spiritual power to the peak of the fourth rank can he take advantage of the opportunity to break through in martial arts and strive to become a third-rank sorcerer.

In his mind, a vast star map was slowly turning.

The stronger one's mental power, the more complex the star map one can construct in one's mind.

At one point, Lin Xuan slowly opened his eyes.

A figure slowly walked into the study.

He stood up, looked at Zhao Wan, and asked, "Miss Zhao, is there something you need?"

Zhao Wan's face was somewhat pale. She walked to Lin Xuan's side and said softly, "Thank you so much for your help, husband. If it weren't for you, his future would have been ruined..."

Lin Xuan shook his head slightly and said, "Actually, it's me who dragged you into this. The real target of the person behind this case is me, not the Zhao family. Zhao Jing just suffered an innocent misfortune. From the very beginning, this was a trap they set for me..."

Zhao Wan looked up at Lin Xuan and was slightly taken aback.

Lin Xuan explained, "The Azure Dragon Guard, who is in charge of affairs in the capital region, holds a high position and wields great power. Both factions in the court want to win them over. Many officials have come to test the waters before, but I have turned them down. Since they couldn't get through to me, they set their sights on the Zhao family. This scheme was already set up when His Majesty bestowed the marriage upon us..."

It is very difficult to remain neutral in the officialdom of the capital.

Even if I wanted to remain neutral, some people in higher positions wouldn't allow it.

Lin Xuan used to be all alone, and as long as he was unwilling to take sides, no one could do anything about it.

Once the marriage is finalized, the Zhao family will become a breakthrough point.

This is inevitable.

The more attachments and ties a person has, the more weaknesses and vulnerabilities they will have.

This is also why he didn't dare to be openly with Qingluan before.

He can leave whenever he wants if he doesn't want to get married.

But after marriage, he would have to shoulder a responsibility. Today, the Grand Secretary's faction could use the Zhao family to threaten him; tomorrow, the Qingliu faction could do the same with the Zhao family; and even in the future, His Majesty could use the Zhao family as a bargaining chip...

Zhao Wan lowered her head and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, it's the Zhao family that has implicated my husband..."

Lin Xuan shook his head and explained, "That's not what I meant. The Zhao family was forced into this situation, so it's not your fault. If anyone is implicated, it's me who has implicated you. Don't worry, I will have the Commandery keep a close eye on the Zhao family. After this incident, they probably won't dare to easily attack the Zhao family again..."

Zhao Wan was deeply moved. He was so gentle and considerate. This marriage was the greatest blessing God could bestow upon her, but she had ruined it into this state...

Her guilt and remorse deepened, and she lowered her head again, saying, "I'm sorry..."

Lin Xuan said helplessly, "You really don't need to..."

Zhao Wan said, "I shouldn't have written that poem, making my husband look bad in front of the people of the capital..."

For a woman about to be married to write such a lament of her boudoir would undoubtedly cause her future husband to lose face.

Although she didn't do it on purpose, it all stemmed from her.

This was the first time she had formally apologized to him for this matter.

Lin Xuan smiled slightly, not minding at all, and said, "Haven't we already talked about this? Feelings can't be forced. It's not your fault that you don't like me. If I were you, I might be even more resistant than you..."

Although his words were meant to comfort her, it was precisely this magnanimity that made Zhao Wan feel even more bitter.

It's not that he doesn't blame her.

He simply doesn't care.

Lin Xuan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Alright, this matter is not to be mentioned again. You don't need to feel guilty. If a suitable opportunity arises in the future, I will resolve this marriage issue completely..."

After saying that, he got up and left the study.

He didn't actually want to waste this talented woman's youth, but since His Majesty had arranged the marriage, he didn't even have the chance to divorce her.

However, since he was able to give up the identity of Lin Xuan, he might not be unable to give up the identity of Chen Yu in the future.

If Chen Yu were to die in the line of duty one day, she would regain her freedom.

After leaving the study, taking advantage of the fact that no one was in the inner courtyard, Lin Xuan flew to Wenren Yue's courtyard.

He had just used his spiritual power to investigate; she was the only one here.

Wenren Yue was meditating in the room when Lin Xuan walked in without greeting her; the two of them were already used to this.

Wenren Yue opened her eyes and asked, "The Grand Secretary's faction has made a move against the Zhao family?"

Lin Xuan nodded slightly and said, "They've been plotting ever since His Majesty bestowed the marriage upon us. It seems the struggle between the two factions is even more intense than I imagined..."

He waved his hand and said, "Let's not talk about this anymore, let's cook..."

Wenren Yue nodded and went to the kitchen with Lin Xuan to get busy.

During this period of adjustment, the two have developed a greater understanding and rapport than they did in Bozhou.

Soon, three dishes and a soup were laid out on the stone table in the courtyard.

Lin Xuan had just finished serving the rice and sat down at the stone table when he suddenly raised an eyebrow.

At the same time, Wenren Yue also raised her head and looked towards the doorway.

The next moment, a clear voice came from outside the door: "Sister Yue, I've come to play with you..."

Lin Xuan put down his chopsticks and could only temporarily climb over the courtyard wall to hide.

Wenren Yue walked to the door, opened the courtyard gate, and Princess Yongchun was about to speak when she suddenly sniffed and said, "What's that smell? It smells so good..."

She walked into the courtyard by herself, looked at the food on the table, paused slightly, and then turned around to ask, "Sister Yue, did you know I was coming? You even prepared the food. I haven't eaten yet..."

She sat directly in the spot where Lin Xuan had just been sitting, picked up his chopsticks, and began to eat heartily.

Soon, she looked at Wenren Yue with a surprised expression and asked, "Sister Yue, have you changed your cook? This cook's skills are quite good. Can I borrow him for a few days?"

Outside the wall.

Lin Xuan clenched his fist, and in the end could only sigh and return to his own yard.

Princess Yongchun's arrival was truly ill-timed; he had been busy all day, yet he hadn't even tasted a single dish.

Chen Mansion.

Inside the dining hall.

Zhao Wan ate her meal in silence, her mind already wandering off somewhere else.

In just a few days, she had experienced so much, and her mind was in complete turmoil.

A figure walked in from outside and sat down opposite her.

Lin Xuan glanced at the maidservant serving beside her and said, "Zanhua, please get me a couple more bowls and chopsticks."

Although Zanhua was surprised, she immediately replied, "Yes, young master!"

Zanhua quickly set out bowls and chopsticks for Lin Xuan. After giving Zhao Wan a slight nod, Lin Xuan began to eat slowly and deliberately.

Zhao Wan secretly glanced at him. He was sitting right across from her, so close, yet she felt as if there was an invisible, cold wall between them.

She knew what a magnificent view lay on the other side of the wall, but she couldn't find the door that led there.

After hesitating for a long time, she finally mustered up her courage, picked up a piece of steamed fish with her chopsticks, placed it on the plate in front of Lin Xuan, and said softly, "The fish is very tender today, husband, please try it."

She dared not look at Lin Xuan, pretending to be nonchalant, but inside she was extremely nervous.

If he doesn't eat this piece of fish, it means he truly dislikes her.

Lin Xuan glanced at her with some surprise. Over the past few days, the two had always treated each other with respect. Although she had served him food at the banquet at the Zhao residence, this was at home, and she hadn't put on any act.

Among the maids and servants in the house, there must be His Majesty's spies. The fact that Lin Xuan and she did not share a room, or even eat together, could not be kept secret. Whether they served each other food during meals was naturally unimportant.

However, he did not refuse. He picked up the piece of fish and said, "Thank you, Madam."

Zhao Wan used to call him "Master," while Lin Xuan called her "Miss Zhao." Although he didn't know why she started calling him "Husband," he couldn't very well continue calling her "Miss Zhao" since she did.

Seeing that he did not refuse, Zhao Wan's eyes showed a faint hint of joy, and she lowered her head and silently began to eat.

After dinner, Lin Xuan was about to begin his cultivation when Zhiqin came to report that Zhou Heng was requesting an audience. As soon as Lin Xuan arrived at the front hall, Zhou Heng respectfully clasped his hands and said, "Lord Chen, the Commander summons you. Please return to the Commander's Office immediately."

Lin Xuan casually asked, "Do you know why the commander summoned me?"

Zhou Heng shook his head and said, "This subordinate does not know."

Lin Xuan didn't ask any more questions. When he left the Chen residence, he saw Wenren Yue and Princess Yongchun walking out of the Wenren residence at the same time.

At the entrance of the Wenren Mansion, there also stood a flag officer from the Jingye Division.

Lin Xuan's gaze swept across Wenren Yue and Princess Yongchun's faces, then he turned around and walked toward the Commandery on his own.

Princess Yongchun gave a soft snort, annoyed, "How rude! He didn't even greet me when he saw me. I'm going to complain to my father about his disrespect..."

Of course, she was just saying it.

This fellow has rendered great service to the court; the Emperor will not punish him for such trivial matters…

Wenren Yue looked at her and said, "Your Highness, please return to the palace first. I need to go to the Commandery."

Princess Yongchun nodded and said, "Then I'll come see you again tomorrow..."

Commandery.

As soon as Lin Xuan arrived at the Commandery, he was led into the council hall.

Several people were already seated inside the council chamber.

Three of the Seven Sons of Jingye, including Lu Feng, were present, along with five other members of the Sixteen Guards. Lin Xuan took his seat in his designated spot, and shortly after, Wenren Yue also arrived at the council hall and sat down in the chair next to Lin Xuan.

Their eyes met briefly before they looked away.

Inside Wenren Yue's courtyard, the two of them cooked together every day, acting more like a married couple than Lin Xuan and Zhao Wan. But outside, they were complete strangers, never even exchanging greetings when they met.

Shortly after Lin Xuan and Wenren Yue took their seats, a figure slowly entered the council hall.

Everyone stood up, clasped their hands in greeting, and said, "Greetings, Commander!"

Chen Bing walked to the main seat and sat down. Seeing that everyone had arrived, he went straight to the point and said in a deep voice, "The court has just received a secret report from Nanzhao. The King of Nanzhao is seriously ill and probably doesn't have much time left. The situation in Nanzhao is turbulent, and the struggle between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince is becoming increasingly fierce..."

As the commander spoke, Lin Xuan sensed that an invisible mental barrier had already covered the entire council hall.

Chen Bing's gaze swept over everyone present, and he continued, "The Nanzhao Crown Prince's faction has always been close to the Western Barbarians. If he succeeds to the throne, our southwestern border of Dayong will never have peace. Now, the northern grasslands are invading, and the southeastern Japanese pirates are rampant. The court is already exhausted from dealing with them. The southwestern border must not be lost..."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions became more serious.

The external environment of Dayong was extremely harsh.

Although the imperial court recently eliminated the largest chieftain in the southwest, the biggest threat to the court in the southwest is not the chieftains, but the Nanzhao and Xifan.

Once Nanzhao sided with Xifan, both countries launched attacks on Dayong simultaneously, leaving the imperial court with no manpower to deal with it.

Even if Dayong were the most powerful nation on the continent, it would be impossible for it to deal with so many enemies at the same time.

In a solemn atmosphere, Chen Bing slowly said, "The second prince of Nanzhao has secretly sent envoys to our Dayong to request assistance. He promised that if he receives Dayong's support and successfully ascends the throne, Nanzhao is willing to become an allied nation with Dayong and not invade each other. The court needs to send a group of spies to infiltrate Nanzhao and secretly assist the second prince. The primary objective of this mission is to eliminate the Nanzhao secret service, cut off the crown prince's support, and clear obstacles for the second prince..."

He glanced at the crowd and asked in a deep voice, "Who among you is willing to go?"

As he finished speaking, the council chamber fell even quieter.

The Nanzhao Secret Service is the most loyal hounds under the command of the Nanzhao Crown Prince. They are skilled in Gu and poison arts and are ruthless. They are the biggest enemy of the Jingye Division in the southwest. Over the years, they have suffered many losses at the hands of the Nanzhao Secret Service.

If the Secret Service was so troublesome on the territory of Dayong, how much more so in the capital of Nanzhao, where the Secret Service had been operating for many years?

Being in a foreign land, isolated and helpless, and fighting against them on their home turf, is bound to be a matter of life and death. Even if you achieve great merit, you still need to be alive to return and receive your reward.

The sixteen guards kept their eyes down, seemingly lost in thought, and even the three of the Seven Sons of Jingye appeared hesitant, not immediately expressing their opinions.

Although they had completed many dangerous missions, none were as difficult and dangerous as this one.

Chen Bing looked at everyone and said, "If no one volunteers, I will assign someone. The court has treated you well in the past, and now it is time for you to repay the court..."

Lin Xuan sighed inwardly. Giving away a mansion, maids, and a beautiful wife—the treatment of the Sixteen Guards was something even high-ranking officials of the fourth or third rank in the court didn't receive.

The imperial court gave them so many gifts and treated them with extraordinary favor, precisely so that they would be willing to give their lives for the court in times like these.

Silence fell over the council chamber.

In the midst of this oppressive silence, a figure slowly stood up.

"Reporting to the Commander, I am willing to go."

All eyes turned to Lin Xuan. After a brief moment of surprise, Wenren Yue, disregarding the fact that the two were putting on an act outside, suddenly grabbed his wrist and whispered, "Are you crazy? Sit down!"

Chen Bing looked at Lin Xuan, a hint of surprise in his eyes, and then said, "Have you thought this through? Nanzhao is not the capital. It's fraught with danger. The Nanzhao Secret Service hates our Jingye Division to the bone. If you fall into their hands, there's no chance of survival. You just got married, so you don't need to participate in any overseas missions for the next six months..."

Wenren Yue released Lin Xuan's hand and quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Lin Xuan's expression was calm, his gaze resolute. He cupped his hands and said, "Your subordinate understands. It is precisely because the Nanzhao Secret Service is a thorn in the side of our Great Yong that I should go. When I was in the southwest, I had many dealings with the Nanzhao Secret Service. I understand them better than any of you colleagues, and I am more suitable for this mission. Moreover, if the Second Prince ascends the throne, it will benefit the country. For the sake of the court, your subordinate is willing to take the risk..."

Wenren Yue pinched Lin Xuan's thigh, making a clear signal to him, but he seemed not to notice.

Lin Xuan was aware of the danger, but he had his reasons.

The waters of the capital were deeper than he had imagined. The scheming of the Grand Secretary's faction, the attempts to win over the Qingliu faction, and the seemingly favored but actually controlling marriage by His Majesty all made him feel deeply constrained and exhausted.

He wanted to escape this vortex for the time being, and this mission was just the right opportunity.

Moreover, Nanzhao borders the southwest. On his way to Nanzhao, he can visit Qingluan and Youmeng when he passes through Sizhou. These days, he can only see them in his dreams, and he is getting restless.

There's another point, just as Lin Xuan said.

Aside from that mysterious chief, he had dealt with all the elites of the Nanzhao Secret Service.

In the entire Dayong Dynasty, no one understood the Nanzhao Secret Service better than him.

The poison and Gu techniques they relied on were precisely what Lin Xuan feared least.

For all these reasons, he is undoubtedly the most suitable person for this task.

Of course, there was another reason why he volunteered, a fact he was unwilling to admit but had to acknowledge.

The mission this time is to eliminate the Nanzhao secret service.

Even if Lin Xuan doesn't go, someone else will. Perhaps it's one of the Sixteen Guards, or even one of the Seven Sons of Jingye...

That woman was the Chief of the Intelligence Division, a very high-ranking official in the Secret Service, and was definitely a target who needed to be eliminated.

He doesn't trust anyone else to go.

These days, he thought he had completely let go.

But when the commander mentioned the Nanzhao Secret Service, that pale and haggard face immediately came to mind, making him feel a mix of emotions.

Chen Bing glanced at Lin Xuan and said, "Come with me."

Lin Xuan followed him out of the council hall and into a grand hall.

Chen Bing looked deeply at Lin Xuan, his eyes full of admiration. He patted Lin Xuan on the shoulder and said, "Good, I did not misjudge you, nor did His Majesty. Since you are so determined, the responsibility of leading this operation infiltrating Nanzhao will be entrusted to you. I will provide you with the most capable personnel. If you need anything else, please let me know. If I cannot make a decision, I will consult His Majesty..."

Lin Xuan thought for a moment and said, "This subordinate would like the sixth level of the Zhenyue Gong technique. Is that possible?"

Chen Bing did not answer immediately. If he could return from Nanzhao and break through his cultivation level, he would naturally be able to obtain the next level of cultivation technique.

If he were to perish in Nanzhao, obtaining the sixth level of the cultivation technique at this moment would be of no use.

After a moment's thought, he nodded and said, "Alright, I'll make an exception this time..."

Lin Xuan added, "Also, after I leave the capital, I ask the Commander to take good care of the Chen family and the Zhao family."

Without hesitation, Chen Bing solemnly said, "You can rest assured about this. I can guarantee that no matter who it is, if they dare to offend your wife or the Zhao family, the Jingye Division will not tolerate it."

When Lin Xuan was in the capital, the Jingye Division still needed to avoid certain things.

But he risked his life for the court outside, and if anyone dared to disturb the rear, no matter who it was, they would pay a bloody price.

Lin Xuan thought for a moment, then said, "There is one more thing. Please inform His Majesty, Commander, that if I do not return this time, I request that His Majesty set my wife free. She is still young, and her later years should not be burdened by this marriage..."

Chen Bing nodded and said, "I will inform His Majesty..."

(End of this chapter)