The Trust of Yu Province's Fief, Princess Yunshu's Affection

The long streets of the Flower Deity Festival were brightly lit.

Lin Changqing and Su Wanqing walked side by side through the bustling crowd, with stalls lining the path one after another.

There were vendors selling lanterns, sugar figurines, masks, and sachets.

Su Wanqing held the Rabbit Lantern Lin Changqing had bought for her, the smile never leaving her face.

"Saint Venerable, look! People are releasing River Lanterns over there!"

She tugged on Lin Changqing's sleeve and ran toward the edge of Xuanwu Lake.

The surface of the lake was covered in a dense cluster of River Lanterns, their flickering lights reflecting off the water to mirror the Milky Way in the sky.

Su Wanqing bought two lanterns and handed one to Lin Changqing.

"You have to make a wish when you release a River Lantern, Saint Venerable! You should make one too!"

She cupped the lantern in both hands, closed her eyes, and made a wish with great sincerity.

The candlelight reflected on her face, making her long eyelashes tremble slightly.

Then, she gently placed the lantern into the lake.

She watched as it slowly drifted away.

Lin Changqing casually placed his lantern into the water; he did not make a wish.

As a Ninth-Rank Martial Saint Peak powerhouse, what wish could he possibly need a lantern to fulfill?

It would be more realistic for him to grant a wish to the lantern instead.

However, watching Su Wanqing's earnest expression, he still found it quite amusing.

The two continued to stroll.

Passing a mask stall, Su Wanqing picked out a white fox mask and put it on.

"Saint Venerable, does it look good?"

She tilted her head, looking at Lin Changqing through the eyeholes of the mask.

Lin Changqing picked out a black-faced Zhang Fei mask, clapped it onto his face, and turned to look at her.

"What do you think?"

Su Wanqing laughed until she doubled over.

"That's too ugly! If word got out that the dignified Prince Wu'an was wearing this, people would laugh!"

The two walked and browsed along the way, the commoners on the street parting to make way and bowing respectfully.

But no one dared to step forward and disturb them.

Everyone knew that Prince Wu'an and Princess Yunshu were spending the Flower Deity Festival together; who would dare to ruin the mood?

The night deepened, and the lanterns gradually flickered out.

The pedestrians on the street grew fewer and fewer.

Su Wanqing stood at the entrance of the Prince Wu'an Mansion, still holding the Rabbit Lantern, her face showing a hint of reluctance to leave.

"Saint Venerable, thank you for tonight. This is the happiest Flower Deity Festival I have ever spent."

Lin Changqing dismounted from Golden Radiance and smiled.

"As long as you are happy, go back and rest early."

Su Wanqing nodded, took one last look at Lin Changqing, and then reluctantly turned to mount Golden Radiance.

Golden Radiance stepped out with its four hooves, treading on golden thunder as it flew toward the Imperial Palace.

Only after her figure disappeared into the night did Lin Changqing turn and enter the mansion.

Lin Long, Lin Hu, Lin Que, and Lin Wu had already returned to the mansion ahead of him and were waiting in the front courtyard.

"Venerable One."

The four of them cupped their fists in unison.

Lin Changqing nodded and summoned Uncle Liu.

"Uncle Liu, these four are my trusted aides. Do not neglect them. Arrange some high-quality guest rooms for them; they will be staying at the mansion from now on."

Uncle Liu quickly agreed and led the four to the backyard to get settled.

Lin Changqing returned to his own room.

He was in a good mood tonight and fell into a deep sleep shortly after lying down.

Meanwhile, inside the Imperial Study of the Imperial Palace.

The lights were still burning.

Su Gan sat behind the dragon desk, but his hand, which had been reviewing memorials, remained still.

His brows were tightly locked, and a trace of lingering killing intent remained in his eyes.

The Sixth Ancestor had just returned in person to report everything that had transpired tonight.

The six nodes of the Blood Sacrifice Array were all set in the most densely populated areas of the Flower Deity Festival.

Twenty-three martial artists had been abducted, twelve of whom had been forcibly catalyzed by evil arts; they were left with only a breath of life when rescued.

If Prince Wu'an had not discovered the enemy's conspiracy in advance, and if he had not locked onto every remnant of the Holy Demon God Sect lurking within the Capital City, the consequences would have been unthinkable once the array was activated.

Even with the Boundless Saint Emperor and several Ninth-Rank Martial Saints hidden in the shadows, the entire Capital City would have been plunged into misery and slaughter had the Demon Saint's avatar been summoned through the blood sacrifice.

"Holy Demon God Sect..."

Su Gan tapped his fingers lightly against the dragon desk, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Just then, the sound of light, brisk footsteps echoed from outside the hall.

Su Wanqing walked in, a lingering smile still gracing her face.

"Father, it is so late, why have you not rested yet?"

Seeing his daughter, the killing intent in Su Gan's eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a doting smile.

"I was merely waiting for you to return and report the results of the battle."

He beckoned for Su Wanqing to come closer, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.

"I heard from the Sixth Ancestor that those demons were rounded up by Prince Wu'an, and not a single one escaped. The Flower Deity Festival was not affected, was it?"

Su Wanqing shook her head and sat down beside Su Gan.

"It is fine. The commoners had no idea what happened; everyone had a wonderful time."

Su Gan nodded and asked again.

"How did you get along with Prince Wu'an tonight? What is his attitude toward you now? I am still waiting to bestow a marriage upon you two."

Su Wanqing's cheeks flushed instantly.

"Father!"

She pursed her lips, her voice dropping a notch.

"The Saint Venerable... he treats me quite well."

"He accompanied me throughout the walk tonight, bought me a rabbit lantern, and even released river lanterns with me."

She looked down at the rabbit lantern still glowing in her hand, her lips curling upward uncontrollably.

"And today, he even took the initiative to put his arm around my waist..."

Upon hearing this, the smile on Su Gan's face deepened.

"Good! Good!"

He repeated the word twice, his brow filled with joy.

"At this rate, it won't be long before our Great Yu Dynasty gains a son-in-law at the peak of the Ninth-Rank Martial Saint realm!"

He patted Su Wanqing's hand and urged her earnestly.

"Wanqing, I know you are shy."

"But some things cannot be achieved by waiting alone. You must be more proactive and create more opportunities to spend time together. How are you progressing with the lessons I asked you to learn from Nanny Wang?"

Su Wanqing naturally knew what her father was referring to.

Her cheeks turned crimson down to her neck, and even the tips of her ears burned.

Nevertheless, she nodded gently.

"I... I have learned some."

Su Gan nodded with satisfaction.

"That is good."

"Nanny Wang is the most experienced instructress in the palace; you should learn as much as you can from her."

"This concerns whether you can firmly capture Prince Wu'an's heart after the marriage is bestowed. A peerless talent like him has very high standards."

"A pretty face alone is not enough; you must have methods. Do you understand what I mean?"

Blushing, Su Wanqing nodded again.

"I understand, Father. I will... I will continue to learn well from Nanny Wang."

Su Gan laughed heartily and waved his hand.

"Very well, it is getting late. Go and get some rest. You must spend more time with Prince Wu'an tomorrow."

Su Wanqing bowed, picked up her rabbit lantern, and retreated from the Imperial Study.

As she stepped out of the hall, her cheeks remained flushed.

Yet, the smile on her lips could not be hidden.

The next day.

Lin Changqing slept until he woke up naturally.

Sunlight spilled through the carved window lattices, warm and inviting.

He stretched his limbs, finished washing up, and enjoyed a hearty breakfast.

Afterward, he headed to the backyard.

Lin Long, Lin Hu, Lin Que, and Lin Wu were sitting cross-legged in the courtyard, practicing their cultivation.

Green, white, red, and blue Spiritual Power swirled around their bodies, bathing the entire backyard in a brilliant, shimmering glow.

Golden Radiance lay by the edge of the hot spring pool, eyes narrowed as it basked in the sun.

Lin Changqing stood under the veranda, watching for a while, when a sudden thought occurred to him.

In his fief of Yu Province, he had full autonomy over military affairs, governance, and taxation.

Yet, up until now, he hadn't sent anyone to manage it.

Previously, it was because he lacked suitable candidates under his command.

Now, things were different.

The four of them were all at the early Ninth-tier Martial Saint level; any one of them could hold their own and command respect anywhere.

Moreover, the four were bound to his soul, ensuring absolute loyalty with no chance of betrayal.

They were the perfect candidates to manage his fief.

Lin Changqing walked into the courtyard, and the four immediately ceased their cultivation, rising in unison to cup their fists.

"Master."

"No need for such formalities. I have a task for you all."

Lin Changqing stood with his hands behind his back, his tone casual.

"I have full autonomy over the military, governance, and taxes in my Yu Province fief. It has been left idle because I lacked the right person for the job. Which of you is willing to go to Yu Province and hold the fort for me?"

The four exchanged glances upon hearing this.

Lin Hu spoke up first, his voice booming.

"Master, I'm just a rough man. I'm fine with fighting, but if I were to manage a fief, I'm afraid I'd scare the civil officials to death. I think it's more appropriate for me to stay by your side and protect you."

Lin Que also cupped her fists.

"Master, I also prefer to stay by your side to serve you. The matters of the fief are too trivial, and I fear I wouldn't handle them well."

Lin Wu scratched his head and gave an honest, simple smile.

"Master, same here. However, if the fief needs someone to guard the city, I can go at any time."

Lin Changqing nodded, not forcing them.

His gaze fell upon Lin Long.

Lin Long was the most composed of the four, meticulous and possessing the air of a great general.

As expected.

Lin Long hesitated for a moment before stepping forward and cupping his fists.

"Master, this subordinate is willing to go to Yu Province."

His voice was steady and powerful.

"The fief is the foundation of your power, Master; someone must hold it."

"Since my three brothers wish to remain by your side, I shall make the trip. I will certainly manage the Yu Province fief well for you and will not fail your trust."

Lin Changqing nodded in satisfaction.

"Good, I leave it to you."

"Once you arrive in Yu Province, you have full authority over military, governance, and taxation. If you encounter any trouble you cannot resolve, send a message directly to this Prince."

"Yes, Master."

Lin Long cupped his fists solemnly.

Just then, Uncle Liu hurried into the backyard.

"Your Highness, Princess Yunshu has arrived, and she has brought an imperial decree."

Lin Changqing raised an eyebrow.

Another decree?

Was the Emperor addicted to handing out rewards?

He arrived at the front hall, where Su Wanqing was dressed as radiantly as ever.

Seeing Lin Changqing enter, a smile bloomed on her face, though she quickly adopted a serious expression.

"Prince Wu'an, receive the decree."

Lin Changqing remained standing to receive the decree.

Su Wanqing unfolded the imperial decree and read it aloud in a clear voice.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Prince Wu'an struck again last night, thwarting the Holy Demon God Sect's conspiracy during the Flower Deity Festival and safeguarding the million citizens of the Capital City."

"His merit benefits the state and will endure for generations to come."

"He is hereby granted ten thousand Top-grade Spirit Crystals, fifty stalks of eighth-tier spirit herbs, thirty eighth-tier medicinal pills, two hundred bolts of brocade, and fifty jars of imperial wine to honor his achievements. Respect this."

Lin Changqing took the decree, his tone indifferent.

"I thank His Majesty."

The Emperor really rewarded me again, he muttered to himself.

Although it wasn't as generous as the last time, it was still quite substantial.

Ten thousand Top-grade Spirit Crystals were a small sum to him, but they would always come in handy.

After finishing the proclamation, Su Wanqing had the accompanying guards carry the chests of rewards into the prince's estate.

Once the guards had retreated, she leaned in toward Lin Changqing, reverting to her lively, youthful demeanor.

"Saint Venerable, how did you sleep last night?"

"Quite well."

Lin Changqing nodded and asked casually.

"Care to come in and sit for a while?"

Su Wanqing's eyes lit up the moment she heard that.

"I'd love to!"

She followed Lin Changqing into the front hall and sat down, while Uncle Liu, showing great tact, brought over tea and pastries.

Lin Changqing picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said offhandedly.

"By the way, there is something I would like your help with."

Su Wanqing hurriedly set down the osmanthus cake she had just bitten into and sat up straight.

"Tell me, Saint Venerable! What is it?"

"My fief in Yu Province needs someone to manage it."

"Lin Long was a follower of mine back when I lived in seclusion. I intend to send him to Yu Province to serve as the Governor and manage the fief on my behalf. I will need an imperial decree and a letter of appointment."

Upon hearing this, Su Wanqing nodded vigorously.

"No problem! Leave it to me!"

Her tone was crisp and decisive, carrying a hint of excitement as she was eager to prove herself.

"I'll go back to the palace and speak to my father later; he will certainly agree."

"Lin Long is your man, Saint Venerable, and the fief is yours as well. It is entirely up to you who you send to manage it. I'll handle my father, so you just wait for the news."

Lin Changqing chuckled as he watched her pat her chest in assurance.

"Then I shall trouble you."

Su Wanqing shook her head, a sweet smile blooming on her face.

"It's no trouble at all. Your business, Saint Venerable, is my business."

She paused, then added.

"My father will definitely agree. He is currently dying to do more favors for you."

Lin Changqing took another sip of tea.

"Very well, I shall await your good news."

The two chatted for a while longer before Su Wanqing reluctantly rose to take her leave.

After exiting the gates of the prince's estate, she walked toward the Imperial Palace with a light step.

A bright smile hung on her face, and she hummed an unknown tune.

Cuier followed behind her, and seeing her princess so happy, she couldn't help but smile as well.

Imperial Palace, Imperial Study.

Su Gan nodded almost without hesitation after hearing his daughter's request.

"Lin Long, Governor of Yu Province, to manage the fief for Prince Wu'an."

He picked up his vermilion brush and wrote on the imperial decree with fluid, practiced strokes.

"This is Prince Wu'an's own fief; it is his right to send whoever he wishes to manage it. I stated as much when I granted him his title—the military, political, and taxation affairs of Yu Province are all under his autonomous control."

"It is merely a letter of appointment; I shall grant it to him."

He handed the decree to the eunuch beside him and looked at his daughter.

"As for the matter between the two of you... has there been any new progress?"

Su Wanqing blushed and whispered.

"Oh, Father~ how much time has even passed? What kind of things do you expect to happen in just one morning?"

"The Saint Venerable invited me in for tea today and even asked for my help with some matters."

Su Gan's face broke into a satisfied smile upon hearing this.

"Good. If he is willing to ask for your help, it means he doesn't treat you as an outsider. This is a good sign."

He exhorted her earnestly.

"Keep up the effort. I am waiting for the day I can bestow a marriage upon you both."

Su Wanqing nodded, her face flushed red.

Soon, the appointment edict was drafted.

Su Wanqing personally carried the edict and arrived at the Prince Wu'an Mansion once again.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Lin Long is hereby appointed as the Governor of Yu Province. He shall act on behalf of the Prince of Wu'an to oversee the fiefdom, taking full charge of all military, administrative, and taxation affairs in Yu Province. All civil and military officials within the province shall be under his command. Respect this."

After finishing the imperial decree, Su Wanqing handed the scroll to Lin Long with both hands.

Lin Long knelt on one knee and received the edict with both hands.

"Your subject, Lin Long, accepts the decree and offers his gratitude."

Su Wanqing nodded and looked toward Lin Changqing.

"Saint Venerable, is there anything else you need my father's help with?"

Lin Changqing shook his head.

"Not for the moment. Thank you."

Su Wanqing smiled and chatted with Lin Changqing for a few more moments.

Only then did she leave the mansion, feeling thoroughly satisfied.