Great Zhou: Emperor Wu, I need to check your taxes.

"Besides, given what just happened, I don't believe that someone as capable as the Fifth Master wouldn't have noticed that there were several pairs of eyes watching the perimeter of this manor, would he?"

"If I, Lin, am not able to leave tonight, or if I am missing a part... I'm afraid the Imperial Guard will come here to demand my return first thing tomorrow morning."

"If this matter blows up, the secrets of the horse farm and the princess's unauthorized outings will really be exposed."

It's a big gamble.

Lin Yun was betting that although Fifth Ying'er was ruthless, she cared more about Wu Yuanmin's reputation and safety.

Sure enough, upon hearing the words "Commander Shangguan" and "secret," Fifth Ying'er's eyes flickered slightly.

"Ha, trying to intimidate me with Shangguan Wan'er?"

Fifth Ying'er sneered. Although she was stubborn, she did indeed reduce her murderous aura somewhat.

"Alright, I won't kill you."

"But..." She stretched out a pale finger and pointed it at Lin Yun's chest.

"Don't even think about using this life-saving grace to blackmail the princess."

"Tell me, what do you want? Money? A position? Or a woman?"

Name your price, and we'll call it even.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yun was overjoyed.

That's right! We're all adults. Talking about feelings is expensive, but talking about business is much more practical!

Lin Yun pretended to ponder for a moment, then his gaze swept over Wu Yuanmin's healed shoulder again, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

"I don't lack money, and I'll earn my own official position. As for women..."

Lin Yun smiled.

"I am very interested in the Fifth Master's 'Rejuvenation Technique' just now."

"I'd like to know, what kind of medicine are you using?"

Fifth Ying'er was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting Lin Yun to make this request.

She gave Lin Yun a deep look, then took out a delicate little black porcelain bottle from her sleeve and casually tossed it over.

"then."

Lin Yun caught it and felt its coolness in his hand. Even before the stopper was opened, he could smell a strange medicinal fragrance.

"This is the secret medicine of the fifth family of Miao territory, known as 'Black Jade Rejuvenating Ointment.' There's only a little left in here."

"While it can't bring the dead back to life and heal bones like in the legends, it can heal ordinary sword and knife wounds instantly as long as the internal organs are not damaged."

"Forget about the prescription, but I'll give you this medicine as repayment for the favor I did you tonight."

Lin Yun was overjoyed.

That's enough!

As long as there is a finished drug, even if it's just a rough sample, once the Sky Eye recovers, I will be able to analyze its components thoroughly!

With a few minor modifications, that's like having countless lives!

"Fifth Master is so generous!" Lin Yun carefully put away the medicine bottle and clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"Then I'll treat tonight's events as a dream, and remember nothing when I wake up."

"That would be best."

Fifth Ying'er snorted coldly, turned around and walked to the door.

"Princess, it's time to go. This place has been exposed; we can't stay any longer."

"knew……"

Wu Yuanmin reluctantly agreed, but stopped after taking two steps.

"Sister Ying'er, please go outside and wait for me. I have a few words I want to say to him."

Fifth Ying'er turned around, looked at the shy Wu Yuanmin, and then at Lin Yun, who, despite being covered in dirt, was still undeniably handsome. She sighed helplessly.

"Girls really are like that, once they grow up, they're gone... Hurry up! I'll give you half an incense stick's time!"

After saying that, she shook her head and walked out, not forgetting to thoughtfully close the two dilapidated doors behind her.

Only a lone man and woman remained in the hay barn.

Wu Yuanmin lowered her head, twisting the hem of her clothes with both hands, and slowly moved in front of Lin Yun.

In the firelight, an unnatural blush appeared on her still bright and beautiful face, which was still somewhat stained.

"Um... don't blame Sister Ying'er, she's just all bark and no bite."

Wu Yuanmin said in a low voice, completely losing the willful attitude she had shown earlier.

"Actually, she's a very nice person, she's just too worried about me. Don't take it to heart."

"And... thank you."

She looked up, her big eyes sparkling as she gazed at Lin Yun.

"If it weren't for you tonight, I might really have died here. I will remember this kindness."

"Your Highness is too kind."

Lin Yun waved his hand magnanimously, appearing every bit the gentleman.

"It is our duty to help those in need when we see injustice."

"Then you..." Wu Yuanmin bit her lip and asked shyly.

"Will you... come looking for me again in the future?"

There was a hint of a young girl's yearning for love in her voice.

Just now, in that life-or-death moment, the way this man shielded me behind him, and that handsome face, though somewhat disheveled in the firelight, yet exceptionally resolute…

Like a seed, it was quietly planted in the heart of this princess who had never experienced setbacks.

"Of course I'll look for one."

Lin Yun answered decisively.

Nonsense, you owe me so much money and medicine!

If I don't look for you, who else should I look for?

As he spoke, he reached into his robes, preparing to take out the accounting book.

With that pull, the emerald green jade thumb ring was also brought out, flashing a green light in the firelight.

Wu Yuanmin recognized it at a glance as her personal item, and seeing that Lin Yun kept it close to his body, her heart skipped a beat.

He... always carries it with him.

"Here is the ledger you requested."

Lin Yun handed over the booklet, but his expression returned to its usual businesslike demeanor.

"I've made some progress on that military tent."

"The salaries for sham employees, the weapons, and the flow of funds are all in here. Enough for you to go back and explain to that... to your husband."

"But after what happened tonight, this horse farm is definitely finished. If I want to contact you again in the future..."

Wu Yuanmin took the booklet, didn't even glance at it, and stuffed it into her bosom, her face flushed.

"In the future... if you want to see me, go to Xiuyue Rouge Shop in the West Market of the North City."

"That's run by one of my good friends. Take this ring with you, and the shopkeeper will naturally bring you to see me."

"Xiuyue Rouge Shop... Okay, I've got it."

Lin Yun nodded, looking at Wu Yuanmin's hesitant and affectionate expression, and felt a little uneasy.

This girl... could she have a crush on me?

Absolutely not! That would be a huge problem!

Thinking of this, Lin Yun quickly stretched out a hand and spread it in front of Wu Yuanmin.

"Um... now that the bill has been paid, shouldn't I settle my payment?"

Wu Yuanmin, who was lost in her girlish thoughts, was stunned.

Looking at the large hand stretched out in front of her, all her tenderness and affection were instantly extinguished by this bucket of cold water.

"you……!"

Wu Yuanmin stomped her foot in anger, all her previous romantic thoughts vanished, leaving her only with a mixture of laughter and tears.

How could this person be like this! I, the princess, have already given him such a hint, and he's still thinking about money!

"Okay, you money-grubber!"

Wu Yuanmin rolled her eyes at Lin Yun, annoyed.

"I'll give you the money and medicine next time we meet! You'll get your share!"

"That's good, that's good." Lin Yun withdrew his hand with a helpless expression.

"Making money is not easy these days. Small businesses do not offer credit."