Ming Dynasty: I am truly not the Emperor of Longevity

At the same time, on the Han River.

A fast boat passed the city of Xiangyang and sailed downstream.

Sun Dexiu stood with his hands behind his back at the bow of the boat, watching the scenery on both banks recede into the distance.

The destination of this trip is Chengtian Prefecture, the former residence of Emperor Jiajing before he ascended the throne, and also the hometown of Lu Song and his son Lu Bing!

After leaving the gambling den that day, Sun Dexiu did not leave Wadian Town, but instead found an inn with a view of the Patrol and Inspection Office to stay in.

After seeing Lu Chen and the Imperial Guard officer he had followed all the way from the capital leave the patrol office one after the other, Sun Dexiu secretly approached Patrol Inspector Zhang.

I managed to extract some information from the other party.

It turned out that after Inspector Zhang brought Lu Chen to the Inspectorate, Lord Yuan, the Imperial Guard from the capital, had a private conversation with Lu Chen in the study behind the office.

Although Inspector Zhang was guarding outside the door, he didn't dare to eavesdrop on what they discussed.

However, the two did not talk for long. Lu Chen ordered Inspector Zhang to prepare a good horse for him and soon left in a hurry.

Before leaving, I asked him in detail how to get from Wadian Town to Sheqidian.

After having lunch at the patrol office, Lord Yuan of the Embroidered Uniform Guard also rode north. Patrol Inspector Zhang dared not ask where he was going, but judging from the direction, he was probably heading back to the capital.

This Lord Yuan was dressed in the uniform of an ordinary Imperial Guard, and when he identified himself to Inspector Zhang, he used an anonymous "unidentified token".

From beginning to end, Zhang, the patrol inspector, had no idea what official position this man held in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, except for hearing him say that his surname was Yuan.

This Lord Yuan did reveal some information to Lu Chen.

When Zhang Xunjian was sent to Wadian Town to look for Lu Chen, he mentioned that Lu Chen was a captain of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

This is also why Inspector Zhang and his archers knelt and bowed to Lu Chen in the casino.

However, after carefully observing Lu Chen's expression at the time, he realized that he had not expected these people to suddenly kneel down to him.

In other words, up until that time, Lu Chen probably still didn't know that he had become the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!

That's so strange!

How could someone not know their own official rank?

Who would believe that?

However, compared to Lu Chen's face, which so closely resembled the Emperor's when he was young, this matter was nothing at all!

Lu Chen rode a horse to Sheqi Shop, so I probably wouldn't make it in time, and even if I did, it wouldn't make much difference.

The two could have said they met by chance at the gambling den in Wadian Town, but it would have been very strange if they had met again in Sheqidian.

It was not easy to establish a good relationship with him. If Lu Chen felt that he had ulterior motives, then it would be a loss.

Now that Lu Chen has the identity of a captain in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, things will be much easier!

The official status of the Embroidered Uniform Guard had to be registered with the Ministry of War.

With a name, surname, and official title, it wouldn't be difficult for the Eastern Depot to find out Lu Chen's whereabouts without alerting Lu Bing.

It wouldn't be wrong to say that the task assigned by Huang Gonggong has been completed.

The Zhao squad leader, who was following the Jinyiwei officer surnamed Yuan, has arrived at Wadian Town.

It would be acceptable for me to join him and return to the capital together to report back to Eunuch Huang.

However, this is not a good idea!

The biggest gain from this trip was the discovery of Lu Chen, a royal nobleman whose identity was shrouded in mystery!

Lu Chen has far too many secrets!

He entered the palace at the age of seven and followed Eunuch Huang Jin, and their relationship was like that of father and son.

Only by clarifying the truth can Eunuch Huang make the right response.

The truth may only be known to Lu Bing; even Lu Chen himself may not know what happened.

Of course, it's impossible to ask Lu Bing.

But there's another clue!

That is Chengtian Prefecture!

Based on the available information, Lu Chen should indeed have grown up in Chengtian Prefecture.

If someone lives in a certain place for more than ten years, they will definitely leave behind many clues!

This trip to Chengtian Prefecture will surely be fruitful!

. . .

The next day.

Yunxiang didn't get up slowly from the soft couch until the morning sunlight shone into the bedroom through the window.

"What are you thinking about, my lord?"

Yunxiang turned to look at the desk by the window and asked softly.

A young man was sitting in a chair with his back to her, looking out at the courtyard.

This is Cuihua Tower, the most famous brothel in Biyang County.

Yunxiang was once the most popular courtesan at Cuihua Tower.

However, this industry is typically a youth-oriented field, and as one gets older, a decline in popularity is inevitable.

Three years ago, she was no longer the top courtesan at Cuihua Tower.

Although there are still some customers, their popularity is no longer comparable to that of the newcomers.

"I'm wondering how much silver it would cost to redeem you from your servitude."

The young man turned around and smiled gently at Yunxiang.

"I don't know about the market situation either, but you probably do."

"what!"

Upon hearing the other person's words, Yunxiang couldn't help but gasp in surprise.

"My lord, is this truly true?"

That's right, this young man is none other than Lu Chen, who is using the identity of "Lin Chaoxi"!

After getting off at the inn recommended by the driver last night, Lu Chen did not stay there at all.

After entering the inn, they quickly left through the back door.

In this way, even if someone traces the driver's identity through his appearance, the trail ends there.

After leaving the inn, Lu Chen made a few inquiries and easily found the most famous brothel in Biyang County, Cuihua Tower.

This is the place Lu Chen planned to stay overnight.

Not only because brothels are a mixed bag, making it easy to hide one's identity, but also because of another important reason!

Although I managed to carve out half a month from my journey to my new post, that time was far too short.

It's too short a time to actually register and buy property in a certain place using the identity of "Lin Chaoxi".

It takes four days just to travel from Sheqidian to Biyang County and back.

I only have about ten days left to get things done, maybe two or three days at most, no more than that.

In this short time, without being able to use the special privileges of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Lin Chaoxi, an ordinary person with no background, cannot accomplish much!

Even if it's just about using money to pave the way at the county government office and completing the registration procedures, that little bit of time is enough to make it difficult.

Moreover, even if you complete the registration procedures and purchase property, it won't make a difference.

Once these ten days or so are up, I will have to rush to Linqing to take up my post.

If one day the identity of "Lu Chen" is exposed, and he sneaks back to Biyang County alone, it won't be so easy to seamlessly switch to the identity of "Lin Chaoxi".

Ancient county towns were close-knit communities where neighbors knew each other and were very vigilant.

A stranger who suddenly appears, even if they hold a property deed, can easily arouse suspicion.

If I really want to make use of the "Lin Chaoxi" secret move at a crucial moment, I can't just leave an empty house in Biyang County!