Done! Your Majesty is going to prostitute me for free!

Chapter 229

His answer made Bai Yongyuan slightly stunned, as if this answer was beyond his expectation. At this time, a little monk came over with tea and placed the steaming hot tea on the stone table between the two of them. Bai Yongyuan picked up the teacup and took a sip, raised his eyebrows and looked at Lin Xiaofeng and said: "Being alone is the instinct of the strong. The Marquis is indeed a world-shaking genius."

Lin Xiaofeng felt a little embarrassed by the praise. He scratched his head and said, "Mr. Bai didn't come here specially to praise me today, did he? Is there any junior who wants to join the Jinyiwei, or someone who has committed a crime and wants my help?"

"Hahaha!" Bai Yongyuan laughed. "I really didn't come here to praise you today. I'm speaking from the heart. When I met the emperor yesterday, he mentioned you. He said you were a god-given literary star, and you were unparalleled in the world in terms of talent and ingenuity."

He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "No one can match you in poetry. No one can compare to you in creativity. You are also extremely smart as a person." He paused, as if thinking about something. "Sometimes I think in this temple... Are you born with wisdom? If you didn't know these things from birth, how could you have achieved such amazing achievements at such a young age?"

Lin Xiaofeng shrugged his shoulders, thinking that this old man was really shrewd and thought too much. He was just a time traveler, how could he have any wisdom! However, he remained calm on the surface, raised his cup to drink tea, and said: "Mr. Bai, you are too kind. My achievements today are not the work of me alone. There are so many smart people in the world, and it just so happens that some people believe in me, help me, and with a little bit of luck, I am where I am today."

After hearing this, Bai Yongyuan smiled slightly and nodded in agreement. He put down his teacup, looked at Lin Xiaofeng, and said, "You are still as straightforward as ever, without beating around the bush. Then I won't beat around the bush, just get straight to the point." He paused and continued, "You should also be aware of the situation in the court. Especially the cabinet, including me, Zheng Gong, Zhang Gong and others are all old. Logically speaking, we should have stepped down long ago. But do you know why no one is willing to resign voluntarily?"

After hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng's heart was moved. But he said calmly: "Maybe I am getting old and confused."

Bai Yongyuan was so angry that he glared at Lin Xiaofeng and sighed in pretended anger: "Can you change your mouth? Can you respect the old man?" He shook his head helplessly and continued, "Forget it, I won't argue with you. In fact, the reason why we are unwilling to abdicate is because everyone wants to witness a more distant future during their term of office. Today's prosperous times have surpassed the imagination of our predecessors and are a change that has not happened in a thousand years. Ambitious officials all want to participate in it and create history together."

At this point, Bai Yongyuan sighed again, opened his arms, and said with emotion: "Look, in two years, I'm afraid I won't even be able to walk. What else can an old man do except cause trouble? If I don't retire in time, I will only be cursed and despised in history."

When Lin Xiaofeng heard this, his heart moved. He looked at Bai Yongyuan and asked in surprise: "Mr. Bai, what do you mean?"

Bai Yongyuan collected his thoughts, looked at Lin Xiaofeng, and said softly: "It's just what you think. I am now one of the three highest officials in the country, in charge of the cabinet, and I have reached the highest position among officials. It's time to step down, and Lord Zheng and Lord Zhang will step down with me. The cabinet needs an outstanding minister to serve as a new pillar to support the operation of the entire court."

He paused and looked at Lin Xiaofeng deeply: "There is no one more suitable than you!"

Hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng stood up suddenly. He stared at Bai Yongyuan with wide eyes, waving his hands repeatedly to refuse, "No! Absolutely not! Don't you have an heir? Why did you choose me?" He was so anxious that he turned around and around, "No, no! This is totally against the rules!"

Bai Yongyuan looked at him calmly and sighed, "Well, if there was someone half as capable as you, I wouldn't have to come to you. So, the decision is up to you!" His tone was firm and powerful, as if he was announcing something that was already certain.

"Master Bai, aren't you just kidding?" Lin Xiaofeng's dissatisfaction was like a surging undercurrent. He frowned, as if he wanted to squeeze all his worries into those deep wrinkles. "Master, as a veteran of two dynasties, how can you force others to do so? Laws and regulations are as unshakable as mountains. How can we turn a blind eye and trample on them at will?"

He recalled that when he first came into this world, everything was so peaceful and harmonious, but now, a huge problem was placed before him.

Bai Yongyuan's face flashed with displeasure. He obviously did not expect Lin Xiaofeng to have such a strong reaction. In his eyes, Lin Xiaofeng has always been a person who knows the overall situation and takes the overall situation into consideration, but at this moment, he seems like a different person.

Bai Yongyuan sighed inwardly. This person avoided this opportunity that all the talented people in the world dreamed of, like avoiding the plague. His Majesty the Emperor was indeed foresighted and had seen through Lin Xiaofeng's thoughts long ago.

Unfortunately, after being questioned, the emperor did not clearly explain the reason, only leaving the word "feeling", which makes people puzzling.

Now it seems that convincing Lin Xiaofeng to accept this position is really a tricky problem.

Bai Yongyuan tried to persuade him in another way: "Lin Xiaofeng, entering the cabinet is an opportunity that many people dream of. You should cherish it. This is a recognition of your talent and ability, and it is also a better platform for you to contribute to the country and the people."

Lin Xiaofeng sighed helplessly, his eyes revealing a deep worry, "Master Bai, as the son-in-law of the emperor, I am already an exceptional appointment. If I enter the cabinet, how will the officials and the people see me? Wouldn't I become the target of public criticism?"

"You are now the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, with tremendous power. You can be considered the most powerful official." Bai Yongyuan said disapprovingly.

Lin Xiaofeng smiled bitterly and shook his head. "If I get promoted again, I'm afraid some people will speculate because of my high power and position, suspecting that I have ulterior motives. If they say that I, Lin Xiaofeng, am a relative of the emperor interfering in government affairs, how should I respond?"

Bai Yongyuan flatly denied it: "This will never happen! His Majesty the Emperor treats you like a son. You have been in charge of the supervision power for many years. You have neither formed a clique for personal gain nor used personal revenge. All officials know your character very well."

"Your power was granted by His Majesty the Emperor, and it's fair and square. I know you're extremely wealthy, rich enough to rival a country, but what's there to be afraid of? Who would be suspicious of you just because you're rich?"

Lin Xiaofeng sighed and stretched out his hand to rub his frown. Bai Yongyuan is determined to promote me! But once I get promoted, I can't avoid being suspected by others. This suspicion may not only damage my relationship with the emperor and the prince, but also put me in an irreversible situation.

I haven't been promoted yet, but I'm already feeling very uncomfortable. How could Bai Yongyuan know my background?

I am not only the chief military spy in Jingjiang, but also the second largest shareholder of Jingxing Bank, the behind-the-scenes manipulator of Beijing Stock Exchange, and the largest shareholder of Jingjiang's largest shipbuilding family... I hold all these real positions, and my power is still expanding madly. With the advancement of the industrial revolution, these industries under my control are also developing rapidly, like a snowball.

Fortunately, no one has yet dug into these complexities and connected them all. However, these gold mines have become increasingly thorny, and I feel more pressure than ever before.

Lin Xiaofeng was very distressed. This distress was different from those lower-class people who were trapped in difficulties and unable to extricate themselves. He could choose to give up these enviable powers and wealth at any time. But he had not yet figured out how to deal with these industries and powers. This was a complicated project that required him to plan carefully and act cautiously.

"Master Bai, I don't think you understand me at all." Lin Xiaofeng explained earnestly, "His Majesty the Emperor treats me like a son. That is why I cannot covet more power. This deep relationship needs to be cherished at all times and must not be damaged in the slightest. I..."

"My Lord, you've said enough." Bai Yongyuan interrupted him, "Even if you were His Majesty's biological son, you wouldn't be like this, right? This is truly a deep father-son relationship... I've lived for so many years and have never seen you in this state!"

Lin Xiaofeng was silent for a moment, not knowing how to respond to the other person's words. What he said was from the bottom of his heart, but what could he do if others didn't believe him? And this trust was related to the future and must not be lost.

"In short, I can't agree to this, and please stop trying to persuade me." Lin Xiaofeng's tone was very firm, leaving no room for negotiation. "If you still consider me a friend, please respect my decision!"

Bai Yongyuan frowned and his expression became serious, "What if His Majesty wants you to be the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet? You won't agree?" He tried to use the emperor to persuade Lin Xiaofeng to change his mind.

However, Lin Xiaofeng replied without flinching: "Then I will resign and give up my current position." His answer surprised Bai Yongyuan. He did not expect him to be so resolute.

"You...what do you want? I really can't figure you out." Bai Yongyuan said in surprise. He felt that he could no longer understand Lin Xiaofeng's thoughts. He originally thought that today's meeting would be very harmonious and he could successfully persuade Lin Xiaofeng to accept the position of cabinet minister. But now it seems that he can't keep up with Lin Xiaofeng's thoughts and doesn't know what he is thinking.

"Master Bai, I just want inner peace." Lin Xiaofeng took a deep breath and said slowly, "I already have enough wealth and power. Now I just want to live a happy and unrestrained life. I don't want to be bound by more power and responsibility. I just want to enjoy the beauty of life."

Bai Yongyuan couldn't help but sigh with emotion after hearing this. He didn't expect Lin Xiaofeng to be so stubborn and unreasonable! But he also understood that everyone has their own pursuits and ideals, and they can't force others to live according to their wishes. So he sighed helplessly and said, "Okay, since you have made up your mind, I won't persuade you anymore."

The two of them fell into a brief silence, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward and heavy. Bai Yongyuan suddenly slapped his palm on the stone table, "To tell you the truth, His Majesty has decided to personally lead the army to crush the rebels and recover the lost territory. After his injuries recover, he will organize the army to go out, and intends to pass the throne to the prince before leaving." This news was too sudden and shocking, causing Lin Xiaofeng to widen his eyes and look at Bai Yongyuan in disbelief, "What? His Majesty wants to pass on the throne? He wants to lead the army in person?"

"Yeah, I didn't expect this to happen." Bai Yongyuan said bitterly, "I guess your majesty knows that the Hanjiang King has a huge influence overseas, and he is worried that the crown prince will have difficulty dealing with it after he succeeds to the throne, so he made such a decision. No one knows about this yet, and I guess it will be officially announced when your majesty's injuries are almost healed."

"No! He absolutely cannot lead the army in person." Lin Xiaofeng's expression was very serious, and he rejected the proposal without hesitation, "Master Bai, why don't you stop him? Don't you know how dangerous it is to do so?"

Bai Yongyuan shook his head helplessly, "Can I stop him? His Majesty has made up his mind, no one can persuade him. Moreover, the prince is still young and inexperienced, and needs your Majesty's support and guidance."

"No, no, no, we should go together to stop him." Lin Xiaofeng said firmly, "Although Jingjiang is now a strong country, the gap in weapons and equipment has not widened to the point where it cannot be made up. Moreover, it is far from enough to build only one ironclad ship. At least three or five are needed! It is too hasty to send troops now." His tone revealed deep worry and uneasiness.

Bai Yongyuan was silent for a moment and then slowly spoke, "Lin Xiaofeng, Lin Xiaofeng, you are always so cautious and thoughtful. But sometimes being too cautious can also lead to missed opportunities! Your Majesty's personal expedition does have risks, but it is also a helpless move. We need to quell the rebels and recover the lost territory as soon as possible to ensure the stability and prosperity of the country."

"But..." Lin Xiaofeng wanted to say something but was interrupted by Bai Yongyuan, "Okay, okay, no more buts. Let's not talk about letting you join the cabinet for now. The most urgent task is to persuade His Majesty not to act rashly. Moreover, even if we have to go to war, His Majesty must not lead the war in person." Bai Yongyuan's attitude also became firm.

"You're right." Lin Xiaofeng nodded. "The situation at sea is unpredictable. No one can trust His Majesty to lead the army in person. We have to find a way to stop him." There was a determination in his eyes, as if he was fully prepared to meet the upcoming challenge.

"Master Bai, don't mention letting me join the cabinet for now." Lin Xiaofeng reiterated his position. "The most urgent task is to persuade His Majesty to act cautiously and not rush for success. We must not let His Majesty go out and take risks. We should take a long-term view and make sure everything is safe before taking action."

After listening to this, Bai Yongyuan was silent for a long time, then nodded slowly, "You are right. I will try my best to persuade His Majesty to think twice before acting and not rush into the war. The most important thing is to ensure the stability of the country and the smooth succession of the prince to the throne." He was finally convinced by Lin Xiaofeng and realized the seriousness of the problem.

"As for the matter of joining the cabinet..." Bai Yongyuan paused for a moment, as if thinking about how to word it, "I think we can put it aside for now. It won't be too late to discuss it again when the situation stabilizes. You are now in a high position and have tremendous power. It's time to consider how to retire." His words revealed a depth and wisdom.

Lin Xiaofeng couldn't help but feel deeply moved after hearing this. He didn't expect Bai Yongyuan to be so reasonable and considerate of the overall situation. So he took a deep breath and said slowly: "Thank you for your understanding and support, Mr. Bai. I will keep your advice in mind and plan my future well." His tone was full of gratitude and respect.

The two smiled at each other, and the barriers and misunderstandings in their hearts instantly disappeared. They sat back at the stone table, toasted and talked about world affairs, as if they had returned to the good old days when they fought side by side and worked hard together.

······
"You absolutely cannot do this!" Bai Yongyuan suddenly stood up from his seat, glared at Lin Xiaofeng, and turned away with obvious anger. He knew the prince's character very well, that was a desire for adventure and new things, which was almost uncontrollable.

The news that the emperor was about to go on a sea expedition had quietly spread within the court. Once the prince learned about it, he would definitely be eager to try and request to go with him. The prince would definitely not miss the lively scene of fighting and riding the wind and waves. Perhaps the reason why the emperor planned to go on the expedition after abdicating was precisely because of this consideration, in order to pave a way for the prince.

Bai Yongyuan's anger gradually subsided, replaced by doubt and confusion. The prince hadn't made any move yet, but Lin Xiaofeng had brought it up first, which caught him off guard. Bai Yongyuan began to re-examine the young man in front of him, and he couldn't help but begin to doubt Lin Xiaofeng's true intentions. The emperor hasn't abdicated yet, but he's already started to curry favor with the prince? Besides, currying favor with the prince doesn't require such a big risk, right?

Lin Xiaofeng looked at Bai Yongyuan's puzzled expression and asked helplessly, "Mr. Bai, what do you think of the prince's ability and character?"

Bai Yongyuan answered almost without thinking: "They are all excellent. Although the prince sometimes acts beyond the norm, it is not necessarily a bad thing. Now the times have changed, and we need some new means and ideas..."

Lin Xiaofeng nodded and asked further: "Mr. Bai, in your opinion, is it possible for the prince to achieve achievements that surpass your majesty in the future?"

Bai Yongyuan couldn't help but ponder after hearing this question. Speaking of the achievements of Emperor Jingjiang, they were extremely brilliant and almost unmatched: population surge, grain production soared year after year, foreign invasions were quelled, the West Sea was opened up, and industry flourished... It was really hard to imagine surpassing these achievements.

He pondered for a long while, and finally uttered two words: "It's hard to say."

"It's really hard to say..." Lin Xiaofeng also nodded, put his hands behind his back and looked up, muttering to himself, "If Your Majesty can pacify the church this time, it will be even more difficult for the Crown Prince to surpass him."

"Why should the Crown Prince surpass others?" Bai Yongyuan said, "It is enough for him to be a monarch who maintains the status quo. This era, which can almost be considered a prosperous era, is not the foundation that Your Majesty has specially left for him?"

However, Lin Xiaofeng slowly shook his head: "Others may be able to maintain the status quo, but the prince cannot. With his character, he will never be content to live a mediocre life. His mind and ambition are far greater than we can imagine. This is his inner motivation and also his destiny."

"What's more, the current situation is still changing. Perhaps in the next few decades, the interests of all parties, from the people to the court, will change dramatically. A monarch who only cares about the status quo will definitely not be able to cope with such changes."

"More importantly, the prince will be in charge of an unprecedentedly large empire in the future. The complexity of this world is far greater than anything your majesty has faced in the past. So... if you want to conquer the West and pacify the church, this historic task must be accomplished by the prince, and he must lead the expedition in person!" Lin Xiaofeng's voice gradually became louder: "The prince is a person who shoulders the heavy responsibility of the world. He must have a pioneering and enterprising spirit and courage and self-confidence. This is his destiny, and it is also the expectation and requirement of the people of the world for him."

"Moreover, a successful man can never live under the glory of his father. The brilliance of Emperor Jingjiang is too dazzling, almost overshadowing everyone else's achievements, but the prince needs this opportunity and this honor."

"In the future, only if he personally pacifies the West Sea can the people of the world be convinced, and only then will he be qualified to truly govern the world."

Bai Yongyuan couldn't help but show some worry on his face after hearing what Lin Xiaofeng said: "Even if what you said makes sense, how can the prince's safety be guaranteed? The journey is long and full of unknown risks. If anything goes wrong, it will shake the foundation of this country. Can you bear this responsibility?"

"Everyone has to be responsible for himself. As the future emperor, he has to bear greater risks than ordinary people. This is reasonable." Lin Xiaofeng said decisively, "But don't worry, I won't let him take risks alone. If he decides to go on the expedition, I will personally accompany him."

"Over the years, I have devoted all my efforts to this country and this world. Everything I have done is to protect it and strengthen it. Like you, I do not want the Crown Prince to be in any danger, but there are some things that the Crown Prince must do."

At this point, Lin Xiaofeng suddenly turned around and looked at Bai Yongyuan with sharp eyes: "Mr. Bai, I hope you can come to the palace with me and explain the interests of this matter to His Majesty in person."

······
What a joke! This kid is really a restless person! If he really enters the cabinet and becomes a prime minister in the future, I am afraid he will instigate the prince to do more ridiculous things! Bai Yongyuan stamped his feet, turned around and strode away, leaving behind a sentence floating in the air: "Go and talk to His Majesty yourself! Just pretend that I have never been here today!"

The two parted unhappily. After bidding farewell to Bai Yongyuan, Lin Xiaofeng, feeling heavy-hearted, went straight to the palace to meet Emperor Jingjiang.

In the warm room, the aroma of medicine filled the air. Emperor Jingjiang was leaning on the couch with his eyes closed, while Li Dexian sat beside him, reading the memorial to him in a soft voice. Upon hearing the news that Lin Xiaofeng was coming, Li Dexian left first, and Emperor Jingjiang slowly opened his eyes and looked at Lin Xiaofeng with complicated eyes: "Xiaofeng is here, what's the matter?"

"Your Majesty, how is your injury?" Lin Xiaofeng did not answer his question directly, but asked with concern.

"Well, I just changed the medicine and I feel much better." Emperor Jingjiang nodded, "In another ten days or half a month, it should be fine."

Lin Xiaofeng nodded and asked, "Your Majesty, did Master Li tell you about that?"

"I have said that." Emperor Jingjiang's expression suddenly became complicated, "But I want to hear your thoughts."

"I don't want to." Lin Xiaofeng looked at him calmly and gave his answer without hesitation.

"Oh? Why?" Emperor Jingjiang seemed quite interested in this answer and couldn't help raising his eyebrows.

"Because this is against the rules." Lin Xiaofeng said solemnly, "The appointment and promotion of court officials should be carried out according to established rules and procedures. If it is arbitrarily changed because of someone's wishes, then where is the law and dignity of the court? I have to do this to maintain the legal system and face of the court."

"Oh, it's really rare to hear the word 'rules' from you, Lin Xiaofeng." Emperor Jingjiang looked at him with a smile, "But what you said does make sense. If that's the case, I won't force it."

He changed the subject and said, "By the way, I plan to pass the throne to the crown prince in a while. You already know about this, right?"

"Yes, I have heard about it." Lin Xiaofeng nodded, "Your Majesty is wise and brave, and the prince is also smart and wise. He will definitely inherit the throne and make the country more prosperous."

"Well, this matter is settled." Emperor Jingjiang nodded, "But I still have something to discuss with you."

He paused, then continued, "I intend to personally go overseas to fight and completely pacify the church to prevent future troubles. What do you think?"

"Your Majesty, you can't do that!" Lin Xiaofeng was shocked when he heard this and quickly tried to dissuade him, "Your Majesty has worked hard all his life and is now old. It is really not appropriate for him to go to war in person. Moreover, war is unpredictable. What if something goes wrong?"

"Nonsense! I know my own body very well!" Emperor Jingjiang glared at him, "Besides, the prince is still young and lacks experience and training. If I don't go, do I want him to go? That would be really nonsense!"

"Your Majesty is right, but the prince has grown up, and he needs to take on more responsibilities and obligations." Lin Xiaofeng said in a deep voice, "Some things are time for him to face and solve."

"Moreover, I believe that if the crown prince can personally lead the battle, it will surely boost morale and inspire people. When he returns triumphantly, he will be famous and feared by the world. By then, no one will dare to have any disloyal thoughts towards him."

"That's easy for you to say!" Emperor Jingjiang turned his head away unhappily. "If anything happens to him, can you bear the responsibility?"

"I am willing to guarantee it with my life." Lin Xiaofeng looked at him fearlessly, "If anything happens to the prince, I will not live alone."

His eyes were firm and resolute, as if he was saying something that was perfectly natural. Seeing him like this, Emperor Jingjiang couldn't help but waver in his heart: "Are you really willing to sacrifice your own life for him?"

"Yes." Lin Xiaofeng's answer was simple and straightforward. "My life was saved by the prince. If he hadn't rescued me, I would have been a pile of bones. So no matter what, I will protect him and assist him until the last moment of my life."

After hearing these words, Emperor Jingjiang couldn't help but feel a lot of emotion in his heart. He looked at Lin Xiaofeng's determined eyes and suddenly felt a little relieved and proud - such a loyal and brave person is the arm he can really trust and rely on!
But he did not express his opinion immediately. Instead, he remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, "Well, since you are so persistent... then I will give you a chance."

He looked at Lin Xiaofeng deeply and said, "I will go to Yangqu in person to see if what you said is really worth changing my mind."

Emperor Jingjiang sat on the dragon throne, looking at the different expressions of the officials in the court. Her eyes were like two pools of spring water, deep and bright, with the vicissitudes of life and the light of wisdom. She took a deep breath, and the breath seemed to carry endless majesty and power. She slowly said: "I am old, and it is time to pass the throne to the prince. Ministry of Rites, please choose a good day to hold the coronation ceremony for the prince."

In the court, a middle-aged man in gorgeous court clothes, Li Dexian, an important official of the court, was stunned for a moment. This news was too sudden for him, as if a gust of wind had blown him off his steady course. His eyes seemed to be covered by fog, and he looked confused and at a loss.

The originally solemn atmosphere in the court was instantly broken by this news, and there was an uproar. The ministers whispered to each other and discussed it. This sudden and important news caught them off guard.

Emperor Jingjiang's eyes flashed with cunning, and she added: "Before I abdicate, there is one more decree. Prince, please listen carefully."

Li Dexian woke up as if from a dream. He hurriedly walked out of the court, knelt on the ground, and said respectfully: "Your son is here."

"After I abdicate, you must not start a war against the church within two years." The tone of Emperor Jingjiang was firm and unquestionable. "We need time to prepare and accumulate strength. When everything is ready, you must lead the battle in person and use your wisdom and courage to demonstrate the national prestige of Jingjiang."

"Son... your son obeys your order." Li Dexian's voice trembled a little, and he obviously had not fully recovered from the shock.

The court was in an uproar again. The ministers looked at each other in disbelief at Emperor Jingjiang's decision. Bai Yongyuan, the old minister who had always maintained a calm expression, also showed a look of astonishment at this moment.

However, in the midst of the uproar, there was a man standing aside with a calm expression. He was Lin Xiaofeng. All of this was discussed by him and Emperor Jingjiang. Yesterday, they visited Yangqu County together and saw the prosperity and harmony there. At that moment, they decided on this plan. Although Emperor Jingjiang's wounds had not healed yet, she decided to announce the abdication edict because she wanted the prince to take over state affairs as soon as possible and assume the responsibility of a monarch.

While Li Dexian was still in a daze, Emperor Jingjiang had already waved his hand to let all the ministers leave. Only she and Lin Xiaofeng were left in the court.

"Your Majesty, what do you want me to do?" Lin Xiaofeng asked with a fist clasped, his eyes firm and sincere.

Emperor Jingjiang pondered for a moment, her eyes flashing with an indescribable light. "You really surprised me yesterday." She said, "How many secrets do you have that I don't know?"

Lin Xiaofeng hesitated for a moment, took a deep breath, and replied: "I do have some secrets, but I have never hidden anything from my country. Some means have not been revealed yet, simply because the time is not yet ripe." He took the opportunity to play the family card, hoping to narrow the distance with Emperor Jingjiang.

"You should also tell me about the weapon you secretly developed!" Emperor Jingjiang's voice suddenly became stern. "If such a weapon falls into the hands of the wrong people, it will be a disaster!"

Lin Xiaofeng was silent for a while. He could sense the worry and anger of Emperor Jingjiang. "I have committed the crime of deceiving the emperor. I deserve death." He whispered, his tone full of guilt and self-blame.

"You did deceive me, and it's not the first time." Emperor Jingjiang said with a sullen face, "If it were someone else, he would have been sentenced to death long ago." Her words revealed a deep disappointment and helplessness.

"If the emperor wants to sentence me to death, I am willing to do it." Lin Xiaofeng said calmly, his eyes flashing with determination. He knew that the mistakes he made were irreversible, but he was willing to accept any punishment.

Emperor Jingjiang looked at him, with a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. She shook her head helplessly and said, "Xiaofeng, you really make me helpless. Forget it, let the past be the past. You build a palace for me in Yangqu County as part of your atonement. It doesn't have to be too big, but it must be exquisite and comfortable." Her tone softened a lot, as if she was giving Lin Xiaofeng a chance to reform.

Lin Xiaofeng thought to himself: Is this a test for me? But he did not show any abnormality, and only respectfully agreed to the request of Emperor Jingjiang. "Your son obeys your order." He said, but his heart was full of doubts and speculations. He did not know what Emperor Jingjiang's real intention was, but he knew that he had to be careful in every step that followed.

The two chatted for a while, reminiscing about the past. Emperor Jingjiang also talked about her plans and expectations for the future. She hoped that Li Dexian could surpass herself and become a more wise monarch. Lin Xiaofeng said that she would fully support Li Dexian and help him achieve this goal.

"Xiaofeng, I believe you can create a miracle." Emperor Jingjiang looked at Lin Xiaofeng and said in a firm tone, "I also believe that you can help Dexian. He can't become emperor by mediocrity, he needs to surpass me. Can you do it?" Her eyes were full of expectation and encouragement.

"Yes." Lin Xiaofeng answered without hesitation. His eyes flashed with confidence and determination. He knew that this was his promise to Emperor Jingjiang and also a challenge to himself. He would definitely do his best to help Li Dexian become a more outstanding monarch.

Emperor Jingjiang nodded with satisfaction. She waved her hand to let Lin Xiaofeng leave and told him to take good care of his wounds. When Lin Xiaofeng stepped out of the door, he suddenly felt an inexplicable pressure surge in his heart. He knew that the road ahead was still long and difficult, but he also firmly believed that he could go on and succeed.

Li Dexian pulled Lin Xiaofeng aside and asked anxiously: "Old Lin, what's the situation with our father? Why didn't I make any preparations in advance?" His face was full of anxiety and confusion, and he was obviously at a loss for what to do with this sudden change.

Lin Xiaofeng looked at Li Dexian deeply and said meaningfully: "Your Highness, destiny waits for no one. Now, it is your turn to carry the banner." Although his tone was calm, it revealed an indescribable heaviness and expectation.

Then, Lin Xiaofeng told Li Dexian in detail what he had discussed with Emperor Jingjiang. He explained why they had to wait two years before taking action against the church, and the preparations they needed to make during those two years. He also revealed Emperor Jingjiang's pride and expectations for Li Dexian, hoping that he could surpass himself and become a more outstanding monarch.

Li Dexian listened to Lin Xiaofeng's words, and the anxiety and doubt on his face gradually dissipated, replaced by a kind of firmness and determination. "I understand." He nodded and said, "I will be ready and will not let my father down." His eyes flashed with expectation and confidence for the future.

As the two stood at the door and talked, a figure suddenly appeared in their sight. It was Wang Jingwen, who hurried over and interrupted their conversation. The Emperor of Jingjiang also appeared behind them, angrily ordering them to go in and close the door. It seems that abdication does not mean that she will completely let go of state affairs!

In the first year of the new era of the Ming Dynasty, the new emperor has firmly established his throne, but the previous emperor has not completely given up power. The two emperors jointly rule this vast empire. This year, high-rise buildings in the capital have sprung up like mushrooms after rain, and businessmen and wealthy people are competing to invest in construction, hoping to leave their mark in this new era. At the same time, the Academy of Sciences also accepted Li Dexian's order and began to develop four-wheeled steam vehicles in order to occupy a place in the future transportation field. Everything is fine in the country, and the people live and work in peace and enjoy this rare peace and prosperity.

Time flies, and the second year of the new era of the Ming Dynasty has arrived as expected. In this year, the Yangqu Palace was finally completed, magnificent and full of royal style. Emperor Jingjiang decided to move to the Yangqu Palace to handle state affairs, which also marked an important shift in the political center of the Ming Empire. Two and a half years later, in the spacious and bright study of the Yangqu Palace, Emperor Jingjiang sat upright, holding a detailed report in his hand, carefully sketching and reviewing it.

Although he had abdicated, Emperor Jingjiang's hardworking spirit had not diminished, but became even stronger. Because he knew that he still had great responsibilities and too many things to deal with. In addition to discussing the political affairs of the court with Li Dexian, many matters in Yangqu County also gave him a headache. In particular, the county industry managed by Lin Xiaofeng, its unique governance model made him feel deeply troubled. He never thought that someone would govern the county in this way, which simply subverted his traditional cognition.

(End of this chapter)