"Oh?"
Feng Ninghe raised her delicate eyebrows and turned to look at Eunuch Jiang. Her clear, cool voice drifted from her lips, "The Princess is quite eager."
No one offers kindness without a motive.
They had just set foot in Lin Country, and someone from the palace arrived right behind them.
Eunuch Jiang chuckled hastily, "You are the First Sect, who once led the major sects of Jinling. The Princess naturally wishes to be courteous. The Princess has arranged for many sect disciples to stay at the post station, and only a few sects have been invited into the Imperial Palace by the Princess."
Such words dispelled any lingering doubts.
Lin Yuran had not only arranged accommodations for them but also for the disciples from other Jinling sects who had come to offer congratulations.
Feng Ninghe slightly lowered her gaze, her cool expression not changing much, but her mind was already deep in thought.
Soon, she withdrew her thoughts, "Since that is the case, Eunuch Jiang, please lead the way."
Having been away for a hundred years, she greatly missed the palace.
It was time to go back and see.
Eunuch Jiang smiled, "Your meals have just been served. Please eat first, and it won't be too late to depart after you've had your fill."
At the same time, at the border gate of Lin Country.
A carriage slowly entered Lin Country.
"Sixth Master, we have arrived."
Su Xian, who was driving the carriage, said respectfully.
Inside the carriage, Su Hongxiu was leaning quietly. He raised his eyelids slightly and unhurriedly glanced at the bustling street.
Su Xian hesitated slightly, "Sixth Master, Lin Country is not small. It will take considerable effort to rendezvous with Miss Feng."
Su Hongxiu smiled unhurriedly, his well-defined hands gently fanning himself with a bone fan, "Miss Feng is here to offer congratulations. If we go to the palace, we might get lucky and encounter them."
The meeting between the Princess of Lin Country and Feng Ninghe on the streets of Jinling had already spread like wildfire. Those with intentions could find out with a little inquiry.
Su Hongxiu had learned of the matter at the first opportunity.
Su Xian, being an intelligent person, immediately understood Su Hongxiu's meaning and quickly responded, "Su Xian understands. I will depart now."
Many carriages were parked outside the grand palace.
The familiar palace made Feng Ninghe clench her fists. All of this should have belonged to her.
She had been away for a hundred years, and villains had been wielding power during this time.
Little Zhao's bright blue eyes were fixed on the majestic palace gates. He moved his lips and spoke proactively, "We're here. Let's go in quickly. I've long heard that Lin Country is a great nation, incredibly magnificent. I can't wait to see it."
Absent for a hundred years, traitors were in power.
The vast Lin Country, who knew what it had become.
Little Zhao could no longer contain his excitement, wanting to see what the villains had done to the palace.
Eunuch Jiang, assuming Little Zhao was young and inexperienced, smiled, "Esteemed guests, please follow me. You must be tired from your journey. Rest well for a few days first."
Eunuch Jiang generously led the way, and everyone followed closely.
The palace had changed drastically; everything was completely different from before.
White begonia flowers were planted all around.
These were Lin Yuran's favorites.
When she was here before, the palace was filled with medicinal herbs, and not a single common weed could be found.
Feng Ninghe lightly raised her eyelids and calmly withdrew her gaze, "Eunuch Jiang, there are quite a few begonia flowers planted in the palace. Why are there so many here?"
Facing the inquiry, Eunuch Jiang smiled heartily and replied softly, "The Princess loves begonia flowers, so she ordered people to plant them all around."
As expected...
They were planted because Lin Yuran liked them.
Little Zhao's young face furrowed, and he conveyed to Feng Ninghe, "Master, I don't like the palace becoming like this. This palace is no longer our home."
His words reached her ears.
A smile appeared on Feng Ninghe's face, and a subtle change flickered in her eyes, "Little Zhao, this has always been our home. What is ours, others cannot take away."
Little Zhao nodded earnestly, his fists clenched tightly beneath his sleeves.
Lin Yuran had framed her master, plotting step by step, and was now on the verge of ascending the throne to become the new Empress of Lin Country!
Such a woman was unworthy of her position and should not covet the throne of Empress of Lin Country!
Not long after, Eunuch Jiang stopped and escorted everyone into their rooms.
Even the guest rooms were spacious and clean, displaying the grandeur befitting Lin Country.
"Zhenzhu!"
Little Zhao's eyes lit up as if he had discovered something.
Zhenzhu stood respectfully to the side, "The Princess sent me to serve you."
Seeing Zhenzhu standing unharmed before her, a faint smile graced Feng Ninghe's face, "It seems you have been doing well in Lin Country these past few days."
*Plop!*
Zhenzhu suddenly knelt on the ground, her delicate face filled with solemnity, "Thank you, Miss, for saving me! If not for you, I would likely be a corpse by now!"
She knew that her survival was due to Feng Ninghe's words.
"There's no need for politeness. Get up."
Feng Ninghe helped Zhenzhu up and gently patted her shoulder, "Don't worry, you won't die. No one will harm you from now on."
Zhenzhu did not fully understand the meaning of Feng Ninghe's words but nodded respectfully.
Si Jianye's room was right next to Feng Ninghe's, very close.
Zhenzhu dared not delay and brought hot tea and pastries.
The enthronement ceremony for the new Empress of Lin Country was still a few days away, and they would be staying in the palace during this time.
That night.
The door to the room was gently knocked. Zhenzhu stood at the door, "Miss Feng, have you rested?"
Si Xinxin was sitting on the bed, preparing to rest, her eyelids drooping as if she were sleepy.
Feng Ninghe glanced at Si Xinxin, withdrew her gaze, and opened the door.
As the door opened, Zhenzhu bowed respectfully, "Miss Feng, the Princess requests your presence. May I know if it is convenient for you?"
"Looking for me at this hour?"
Feng Ninghe tilted her head to look at the sky.
It was late. Even if she were to be summoned, it shouldn't be at this time.
Zhenzhu understood her doubts and proactively stated, "Miss Feng, the Princess did not specify the matter, only that she wishes to see you."
A hint of intrigue crept into Feng Ninghe's eyes.
Being invited to meet at this hour was unusual.
To uncover the truth, she had to go and understand Lin Yuran's intentions.
After a moment of thought, she nodded, "Since the Princess has invited me, I shall respectfully accept."
Little Zhao eagerly stepped forward, his blue eyes filled with a touch of urgency, "Master, I'll go with you."
Lin Yuran was cunning and treacherous. Who knew what schemes she might employ?
Little Zhao was not at ease.
Even Little Zhao had been targeted and nearly killed back then. He had fought desperately to escape death.
That woman's mind was too terrifying.
Sensing Little Zhao's concern, Feng Ninghe smiled dismissively and looked at him calmly, "You stay here and guard Xin Xin. I'll be back soon, so don't worry about me. I am not the same as I was before."