Arrival in the Capital

"Your Prince, Your Princess Consort, Second Master Lin has arrived."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yunwan instructed Cuiqin, "Let him wait in the Through Hall; we'll be right there."

Cuiqin was already married, and she had styled her hair in a married woman's bun. She had trained two young maids to serve Lin Yunwan, but she still assisted Lin Yunwan in handling important matters in the inner courtyard.

She said, "This servant will go right away."

Her every move exuded a more composed and dignified air than before, befitting a servant woman from a wealthy household.

Cuiqin went to see Lin Huabin, exchanged a few words with him, and then returned to Lin Yunwan.

"Your Princess Consort, the Second Master has come to say that he would like to invite you and the Prince to his residence as a farewell banquet for you and the Prince."

Lin Yunwan changed her clothes, did her hair in front of the mirror, and asked casually, "Anything else?"

Cuiqin said, "This servant noticed that the Second Master seemed... urgent, as if he wanted to inquire whether you and the Prince would return."

Lin Yunwan smiled, "It seems you want to come to the Capital with us?"

Qi Lingheng had his son taken away and went over to put a hairpin in her hair.

He leaned down and said, "After the flood, his life in Jiangqian wasn't easy."

"It seems they can't hold back any longer and have set their sights on the Capital."

Lin Yunwan, holding the hairpin, was quite satisfied and smiled, "He doesn't even consider whether he has the ability. Jiangqian at least has the Lin Clan as his backer, and he still can't get ahead. Does he think he can get ahead just by going to the Capital?"

Qi Lingheng smiled.

Stupid people are never aware that they are stupid.

Lin Yunwan got dressed and went to see Lin Huabin with Qi Lingheng.

"Second Master."

She went in and greeted him first, without needing to pay her respects. Lin Huabin didn't dare accept her greeting now, hesitating between bowing and curtsying, and finally said, "Your Prince, Your Princess Consort."

Qi Lingheng offered him a seat.

Lin Huabin was very nervous and sat down timidly.

My official career these past few years has been really tough, and life at the Lin Residence has been difficult as well.

He can't even keep up the pretense of being gentle anymore; he's become quite moody.

However, he did not dare to lose his temper in front of Prince Huan and Prince Huan Consort.

Lin Huabin, beaming, explained his purpose, "I've heard that Your Prince Princess Consort will soon be leaving Jiangqian and returning to the Capital."

Lin Yunwan already knew what he meant, so she said, "The imperial decree came suddenly, and the Prince and I cannot delay His Majesty's orders. We won't trouble the Second Master to see us off."

After she said that, Lin Huabin didn't want to put her in a difficult position.

But if he can't go to the Capital now, he might not have the chance later!

It's been several years now, and he's never put on airs in front of the Prince. The Prince Princess Consort are about to leave, so it's not unreasonable for him to ask them for some help!

Lin Huabin, too shameless to mince words, simply said, "Your Prince, Your Princess Consort, I... I really... haven't achieved anything significant in the government these past few years. I feel ashamed; I have a heart set on benefiting the people, but I haven't been able to achieve my goals. I suppose that government office isn't right for me."

"Since you two are leaving, could you perhaps transfer me away from Jiangqian before you go?"

Fearing they wouldn't agree, he brazenly gritted his teeth and said, "Your Princess Consort, no matter what... I... I've never come to you two to beg before, and this is the last time!"

Prince Huan Consort owes the Lin Residence a debt of gratitude, which must be repaid!

Qi Lingheng: "I know what I'm doing, Second Master Lin, don't worry."

How could it go so smoothly?

This was something Lin Huabin hadn't expected. He looked at Qi Lingheng with surprise and asked, "Your Prince, is it true?"

Qi Lingheng smiled gently, "Indeed. You've been out of the limelight in Jiangqian for several years; it's time for a promotion. But right now, there are many things to attend to at home, Second Master Lin, please go back and wait for news."

He thought for a moment and then gave a specific date, "Your transfer order will arrive no later than the day we leave Jiangqian."

"Your Prince, this humble official, this humble official..."

Is this a promotion for him right away?

Lin Huabin was somewhat incoherent.

"Don't get agitated."

Lin Huabin had no choice but to suppress his anger and said, trembling, "This humble official takes his leave."

Lin Yunwan and the others left, she asked Qi Lingheng, "Your Prince, are you really going to take him to the Capital?"

The Capital was both incredibly prosperous and incredibly dangerous.

"Lin Huabin's personality has changed; he's a problem now that he's using the emperor's brother-in-law's name."

Lin Yunwan frowned and said, "You don't really intend to take him to the Capital, do you?"

After being married for several years, she had come to understand his character somewhat.

Qi Lingheng laughed and said, "He only said he wanted to leave Jiangqian, not that he wanted to go to the Capital."

He went to find Qi Zaijun with a smile.

Lin Yunwan: "..."

She shook her head and sighed for Lin Huabin: "He was careless."

The Prince Huan's Residence's Mansion hastily held a farewell banquet. Lin Yunwan and Qi Lingheng, along with their luggage and servants, first traveled by boat, then by land and finally by water to the capital.

Many people went to the dock to see him off that day.

Lin Huabin also went. Back in his carriage, he happily told Concubine Man, "... I'm going to the yamen soon; my transfer order should be arriving soon. I'm about to be promoted to a high-ranking official in the capital!"

Concubine Man was skeptical.

She saw through it all; in recent years, the old man had held no real importance in the Princess Consort's heart.

"Go to the yamen (government office)."

After the three boats had all left, Lin Huabin took Concubine Man to the yamen (government office).

Concubine Man waited in the carriage for a long time. When Lin Huabin came out again, his face was dark and gloomy.

She asked cautiously, "Master, what's wrong? Weren't you supposed to be a high-ranking official in the capital? Is the position too lowly...?"

Lin Huabin returned in silence, having reportedly taken leave and not leaving the house for three days and three nights.

Concubine Man, however, felt much better.

"Mother Consort, I want to go fishing."

Qi Zaijun had never been on a large ship before and was very excited.

Qi Lingheng said, "Father will teach you how to fish."

"Does Father know how to fish?"

Qi Lingheng picked up the fishing rod.

After the father and son were seated, and the fish still hadn't taken the bait, Lin Yunwan whispered to Qi Lingheng, "Sending the Second Master to such a harsh and cold place is really going to kill him."

Lin Huabin was promoted, but he was sent to such a faraway place. He had lived a life of luxury for most of his life and simply couldn't handle it.

Shouldn't he have his lifespan shortened?

Qi Lingheng said casually.

Lin Huabin indirectly caused two deaths.

Lin Yunwan: "When Jiangqian was around, the Old Madam was there to keep him in check, so he never dared to act recklessly. Now that no one is around to control him, he can do whatever he wants."

Qi Lingheng said indifferently, "I will spare his life. Your matter with the Lin Residence is now settled."

Over the past few years, Old Madam Lin has made several excessive attempts to test him.

It all depends on whether she wants to save her son's life or something else.

Lin Yunwan smiled slightly, "What a brilliant two-birds-with-one-stone strategy."

The wind was strong on the ship, Qi Zaijun couldn't hear what they were saying. He said with dissatisfaction, "Father, Mother Consort, Jun'er wants to hear too."

Qi Lingheng gently twisted his ear and said, "Go ahead and fish."

"Mother Consort, Father beat me."

Qi Zaijun had already squeezed out tears.

Lin Yunwan pretended not to see it; this child's tears always came so easily, like a sponge that could be squeezed out.

She's not buying it anymore.

At the same time, Old Madam Lin was furious and almost tore up the transfer order.

She asked Lin Huabin, "Why would the Prince suddenly transfer you to such a place?!"

Lin Huabin said dejectedly, "Mother, it was your son... who went and begged for it himself."

Old Madam Lin: "..."

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After traveling at a rapid pace for about twenty days, Prince Huan and his family arrived in the capital.