378: The daughter of the former Imperial Censor, Lin Qinghan!

Chapter 372: Lin Qinghan, Daughter of the Former Imperial Censor!

Lin Qinghan, the daughter of the former Imperial Censor, possessed a beauty that could make fish sink and wild geese fall, and flowers ashamed, truly a national beauty.

Coincidentally, this Young Miss Lin’s father was tortured to death by the original body, truly a narrow road for enemies.

The reason the original body did this was also because the old emperor secretly issued an imperial decree, ordering the original body to inflict cruel torture on her father.

Now, this debauched and immoral emperor has cast his lustful gaze upon this orphaned girl once more.

However, this matter could not see the light of day after all.

The old emperor could only secretly order the original body again to abduct Lin Qinghan into the palace without anyone knowing, for his amusement.

It was pitiful that this beautiful woman, like a flower and jade, was about to fall into the tiger’s den again.

What surprised Lu Xuan the most was that Shen Wanbao, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, secretly sent people to rescue Lin Qinghan.

If it weren't for the force of circumstances, with his cunning and calculating nature, he would never have acted rashly, even going against the old emperor's imperial will.

After all, this old fox had always kept a low profile, and his specialty was to hide behind the scenes, observing the changing situation with cold eyes.

But this time, he was finally forced to reveal himself.

There were only two possibilities.

Either it was the old emperor, or the Crown Prince in the East Palace.

After all, throughout the world, only two people could truly make Shen Wanbao, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, obey.

Besides the senile and suspicious old emperor on the Dragon throne, there was only Crown Prince Yu Qianmin of the East Palace.

However, these grievances and enmities were but fleeting clouds to Lu Xuan.

In the original body’s memory, Lu Xuan had a good understanding of that Tyrant’s temper.

He could change his face faster than turning a book; one moment he could smile and bestow a jade cup of fine wine, the next he could cast a disobedient person into an abyss of eternal damnation.

If this woman, Lin Qinghan, could not be brought back to the palace secretly this time.

What awaited the original body would likely not only be the Dragon’s wrath, but also a bloody disaster of family extermination.

Just right, the original body’s situation was like a single-plank bridge built over a bottomless abyss.

It must be said that although that Tyrant was addicted to wine and women and inept at governing, his methods of playing with imperial power were astonishing.

That old emperor was well-versed in the Dao of checks and balances; on one hand, he used monstrous power to elevate the original body to the heavens, and on the other hand, he secretly laid down layers of hidden eyes, where a slight misstep would lead to complete annihilation.

The original body's identity as Eastern Depot Director seemed to be at the pinnacle of officialdom, but in reality, he was merely an eagle-dog raised by the emperor.

Without the protection of imperial might, he was even worse than an ant.

The original body also deeply understood this principle; in this undercurrent-ridden chess game, he was both the player and the piece.

Only by dancing on the tip of a knife and walking on a tightrope could he secure a glimmer of hope for himself in this cannibalistic court.

Lu Xuan dared to assert that once that Tyrant withdrew the authority of “Eastern Depot Director.”

The original body would be like a fierce tiger with its claws and teeth removed, and even seeing tomorrow's sunrise would be a luxury.

Others aside, Shen Wanbao, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, whose eyes were hidden beneath his Embroidered Spring Blade, had long wanted to eradicate the Eastern Depot hanging over his head.

Perhaps, at the third watch tonight, Shen Wanbao could lead the Embroidered Uniform Guard's cavalry to break through the vermilion gates of the Eastern Depot.

The Embroidered Spring Blade would ruthlessly pierce the original body's throat, and his head would be hung high at the Meridian Gate for public display.

Not to mention, there were also those ruthless characters in the Jianghu who were lurking in the capital.

The bounty order to “Execute the World’s Foremost Grand Eunuch, Eastern Depot Director,” had long been widely circulated among all walks of life.

Among the Righteous Path Schools, especially the sect leader of the Qingfeng School, he had long been looking forward to using the original body's head to awe the entire martial world.

Xu Jinghong, the Master of Broken Sword Villa, was also coveting this honor that was enough to make one famous.

Even the assassin organization “Black and White Impermanence Taking Lives” hidden in the shadows had listed assassinating him as their top priority.

Rumor has it in the Jianghu that this bounty money, piled up, could fill a small 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 shared the bounty, they could all wash their hands of their bloody past.

Each person could buy a large amount of land and shops, and from then on, live in anonymity, enjoying all the wealth and luxury of the Mortal World, never again having to step into the world of bloodshed.

After all, for those who live on the edge of a knife, who wouldn't want to hold mountains of gold and silver, lie drunk in a gentle embrace, and enjoy the romantic scenery of the Ten-Mile Qinhuai?

“Greetings, Godfather!”

Outside the main hall, hurried footsteps suddenly sounded, and three figures entered one after another.

These three were the most capable of Lu Xuan’s thirteen adopted sons: Lao Yi, Lao Er, and Lao San!

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

He never turned his head, leaving only a tall, pine-like silhouette for the three of them.

“Speak!”

Lao Yi, who was leading, knelt on one knee, his voice filled with unhidden admiration: “Godfather’s foresight is truly divine, preparing for a rainy day.”

“Fortunately, you had already placed a hidden chess piece within the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and only today did we obtain this crucial information.”

“Lin Qinghan is currently hiding in the Grand Estate in West City of Jinfu City, and she is personally guarded by Yuan Qian, the Xuanwu Subduer.”

“This person is highly skilled in martial arts, impervious to blades and spears, with copper skin and iron bones, and excels in horizontal cultivation methods; at this moment, he is accompanying Lin Qinghan as her personal bodyguard.”

Upon hearing these words, Cao Haosheng and Cao Jin's taut heartstrings suddenly relaxed.

Under Lu Xuan’s icy gaze, the two of them momentarily forgot their manners, their knees giving way, and with a “thud,” they collapsed onto the floor.

At this moment, an uncontrollable surge of ecstasy welled up in their hearts: Heaven has eyes! Their lives were finally saved!

They had originally thought that if the mission failed, even if they didn't die, they would be flayed alive.

Who would have thought that a glimmer of hope would appear in this desperate situation, finding a chance to survive in this near-death scenario!

Cao Haosheng forced his weakened legs to try and stand, but found his palms were already soaked with cold sweat.

He stole a glance at his Godfather in front, only to see that the figure in the dark python robe remained as still as a mountain, making it impossible to guess his mood.

And Cao Jin suddenly looked up, meeting Lu Xuan’s smiling eyes.

That gaze was like a butcher sizing up a lamb to be slaughtered.

“God… Godfather…”

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

Only then did he realize that he had lost his composure due to excessive excitement just now.

Cao Jin hastily slammed his forehead heavily onto the cold floor, producing a dull thud.

Seeing this, Cao Haosheng beside him also bowed low, not even daring to breathe too heavily.

Their shadows twisted into shrimp-like shapes on the ground, resembling two ants awaiting slaughter as the sunlight flickered.

“Please, Godfather, allow us two to atone for our sins with meritorious deeds!”

Cao Haosheng's voice was tearful, his fingernails almost digging into his palms.

Their previous oversight allowed the Embroidered Uniform Guard to get a head start, receiving a tip-off from a traitor.

If they showed no further performance now, they feared they wouldn't even be able to keep their own heads.

Lu Xuan, however, seemed not to hear, as he slowly walked in front of the two, his boots crushing the wood chips on the ground.

This time, he wanted to personally witness Lin Qinghan being brought back to the palace—those hidden eyes, the fangs of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

And Yuan Qian, who was said to be impervious to blades and spears, was nothing more than a small trouble.

Lu Xuan would not allow anyone to interfere with the upcoming plan.

Otherwise, it was very likely to lead to the failure of this Mortal World experience.

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

As he turned, the gust of wind from his sleeve swept across Cao Haosheng and the other's faces, like a knife cutting them.

“Go to the torture chamber and receive twenty lashes…”

“Yes, your son obeys!”

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this punishment, Cao Haosheng and Cao Jin felt as if they had received a great pardon.

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

When Cao Jin secretly looked up, cold sweat dripped from his forehead into the cracks of the blue bricks, making the wound from his earlier kowtow sting painfully.

But this pain was nothing compared to the fate they had imagined.

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

Those screams would echo from The hour of Xu to Yin hour, eventually turning into dark red blood in the torture chamber's gutters.

And now they only had to endure twenty lashes; thinking of the Eastern Depot’s specially made thorny whips, Cao Haosheng couldn't help but let out a small, light laugh from his throat.

How was this a punishment?

It was more like Godfather intentionally holding back; the whip striking these Grandmaster experts with True Qi protection would probably be more comfortable than the gentle punches from the girls in the pleasure quarters.

Jinfu City West City Grand Estate!

This place was only one hundred and twenty li from the capital, and a swift horse could reach it in less than half a day.

Ordinary people fleeing would definitely choose desolate places or flee thousands of miles away.

But the other party chose to hide Lin Qinghan right under the emperor's nose; this “light under the lamp” scheme was truly audacious.

“He certainly calculated well, but unfortunately…” Lu Xuan boarded the Eastern Depot’s specially made fast carriage.

The Grand Estate had serene scenery, with rockeries and stacked stones arranged aesthetically, and a clear pond reflecting the sky and clouds.

Exotic flowers and rare grasses dotted the landscape, and several towering ancient trees cast dappled shade, exuding a meticulously designed elegance everywhere.

Outside the main house, four guards in black casual clothes stood like statues, their eagle-like eyes constantly scanning every blade of grass and tree around them.

Although the Embroidered Spring Blades at their waists were not unsheathed, they subtly exuded a murderous Qi, even silencing the chirping insects in the courtyard.

Inside the house, a middle-aged man also dressed in black strong attire sat upright on a zitan wooden chair.

His figure was as straight as a pine, his gaze as sharp as a torch; he was none other than Yuan Qian, the Xuanwu Subduer, a Grandmaster of Major Achievement.

Beside him, a simply dressed woman sat quietly by the window, her slender jade fingers gently stroking the zither strings.

Several palace maids in palace attire stood with bowed heads, their demeanor graceful, controlling even their breathing to be extremely light.

Their overall disciplined aura clearly indicated years of immersion in the palace.

Yuan Qian gazed at the beautiful woman before him; even he, an old Jianghu who had navigated the officialdom for decades, couldn't help but be awestruck by Lin Qinghan's peerless beauty.

He forced himself to compose his mind, lowering his voice: “Miss Qinghan, please rest assured, when His Highness the Crown Prince ascends to the Great Treasure…”

Saying this, Yuan Qian made a throat-slitting gesture, “That old eunuch of the Eastern Depot, he will surely die without a complete corpse!”

“By then, even Lord Zuo Yushi will be able to rest in peace in the Nine Springs.”

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

Her skin was like fresh snow, her features like a painting, and her eyes, as she looked around, seemed to hold a clear autumn pool.

When her vermilion lips parted slightly, that subtle, almost imperceptible smile was like a peach blossom just blooming on a branch in March, making it impossible to look away.

A light pink gauze skirt fluttered gently in the wind, outlining her graceful figure.

Between her flowing wide sleeves, her slender jade fingers occasionally revealed themselves, like they were carved from white jade, with a faint pink blush at the fingertips.

When she gracefully rose, the curve of her instep occasionally exposed by her embroidered shoes was even more exquisitely breathtaking.

This scene made even the usually emotionless and indifferent Yuan Qian unconsciously hold his breath.

This Lin Qinghan was clearly a Fairy who had stepped out of a painting, every gesture and smile carrying a natural, elegant charm.

Especially that impossibly slender waist, and the curves that subtly rose and fell with her breathing, every part exuded a fatal attraction.

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

Damn it, an old fellow who was almost in the grave, having lustful thoughts at such a critical moment.

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

Yuan Qian still felt a shock when he recalled that scene. At that time, Commander Shen Wanbao was so startled that he almost couldn't stand steadily, and the teacup in his hand shattered on the floor with a “crack.”

If the Crown Prince, with his status as the heir apparent, had not made a solemn vow and invoked the life-saving kindness of that year.

His mentor, who had always been prudent, would never have dared to defy the imperial decree.

After all, it was well known throughout the court that Shen Wanbao, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, had always only acknowledged the master on the Dragon throne.

Even if the Crown Prince was half a ruler, once he went against the imperial will… Yuan Qian unconsciously touched his neck.

In this vortex of imperial power struggles, even if you are the Crown Prince of the East Palace, you cannot withstand the emperor’s wrath.

Lin Qinghan curtsied, her long eyelashes casting a shadow beneath her eyes: “This concubine… thanks all the sirs for your assistance.”

Her voice was like a clear spring striking jade, yet it carried a hint of imperceptible tremor.

Lin Qinghan's curtsy seemed respectful, but in reality, it was full of disappointment.

How confident was that high and mighty Crown Prince in the secret chamber a month ago?

He spoke of “surely slaying the old eunuch of the Eastern Depot to comfort Lord Yushi’s spirit in heaven,” and said “I will definitely take his head in my lifetime.”

Now, more than a month has passed, but has there been any movement?

She should have understood long ago that in this court where power clashed, she was merely a plaything in the Crown Prince’s hands.

Lin Qinghan’s vermilion lips parted slightly, her breath like orchids.

To avenge her father, she did not hesitate to use herself as bait, luring the Crown Prince into this gentle trap.

During this past month, she had exerted all her charm—either singing and dancing lightly, or stirring soup with her bare hands, even meticulously calculating her allure in every flicker of her brows and eyes.

The Crown Prince indeed indulged in it, as if he had found a treasure.

Whenever he held her in his arms, he always loved to play with her falling black hair, saying infatuatedly, “I wish to build a golden house to keep A Jiao,” such nonsensical words.

But whenever she casually mentioned that old eunuch of the Eastern Depot, the Crown Prince seemed to be doused with ice water, and the lust in his eyes instantly faded.

“My beauty, don’t rush…”

The Crown Prince would always put on that righteous facade, yet his fingers would still linger on her waist, “When I ascend the throne…”

Before he finished speaking, the Crown Prince had already impatiently pressed his burning lips down, blocking all her attempts at probing back into her throat.

Lin Qinghan gently stroked her temple, a hint of resolute cold light flashing in her eyes.

Since the path through the Crown Prince was blocked, then she would—go straight to the Nine Heavens!

She secretly summoned a few personal maids who had served her since childhood; these girls were all old servants of the Lin family, sharing their prosperity and decline.

Using their opportunity to send embroideries to the palace, carefully designed messages quietly entered the deep palace.

Since she could make the Crown Prince’s Divine Soul turn upside down… then the one on the Dragon throne would probably also not escape the gentle trap of her beauty.