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

Chapter 230

Looking at the report in his hand, Emperor Jingjiang seemed to see another side of Lin Xiaofeng's governance. This report lists in detail the county's gross domestic product, fixed asset investment, total retail sales of consumer goods and other data, each of which is accurate to several decimal places. In addition, there are survey reports on public finance budgets, residents' price consumption, medical care and pension, etc., which are rich and in-depth. These data are extremely detailed and all-encompassing, showing Emperor Jingjiang a clear and comprehensive development status of Yangqu County. What surprised him even more was that the report also included information such as the linkage of various industries and future forecasts, which seemed both professional and forward-looking.

When he first moved to Yangqu, Emperor Jingjiang just casually asked Lin Xiaofeng how to govern the place. Unexpectedly, this good son-in-law generously handed over all these affairs to him. Emperor Jingjiang was quite angry at first, thinking that Lin Xiaofeng, the son-in-law, was too hidden and only revealed himself now. What made him even more dissatisfied was that these new laws and regulations were not reported to the court! This was simply a provocation to his authority.

However, as time went by, Emperor Jingjiang gradually calmed down. He began to study these data statistics and governance models in depth, and found that they were all summaries of Yangqu's experience over the years, with a deep foundation and not achieved overnight. If the court wanted to implement this method, it would be very costly and difficult. So Emperor Jingjiang began to study these new knowledge as if they had found a treasure. He realized that this was a valuable learning opportunity and a brand new challenge. He threw himself into the re-employment position provided by his son-in-law and began to understand and adapt to the changes in this new era in his own way.

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It was a sunny day with a clear blue sky. Lin Xiaofeng walked briskly to the temporary palace to meet Emperor Jingjiang. His attendant Lu Dexing followed closely behind him with a thick stack of reports in his hand, and the two walked through the corridor to the study. Although it is called a temporary palace, it is not large in scale. Compared with the magnificence of the imperial palace, it is more exquisite. Only a few palaces and sleeping halls occupy a small area, and the rest of the place has been built into gardens and water systems. In summer and autumn, the scenery here is as beautiful as a painting, making people linger.

When they walked to the door of the study, they saw Wang Jingwen lying on a rocking chair under the shade of a tree, his right foot wrapped in a thick bandage, and a small table beside him. There was tea and snacks on the table. He squinted his eyes, fanned himself with a cattail leaf fan, and hummed a little tune, looking very comfortable. Seeing Lin Xiaofeng coming, he opened his eyes and said with a little surprise: "My Lord, you are here."

Lin Xiaofeng smiled and replied: "Brother Wang, why don't you serve inside, but run out to have fun?"

Wang Jingwen sighed and a wry smile appeared on his face: "Hey, didn't you see? I accidentally sprained my ankle a few days ago, and the emperor let me go home to recuperate, saying that he no longer needed my service. He was reluctant to let me leave, so he allowed me to stay here." When he said this, a smug smile appeared on his face, and he seemed very satisfied with his special treatment.

After hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng nodded to show his understanding: "Then you should have a good rest. I have important matters to discuss with the emperor." After saying that, he turned around and walked towards the study.

However, at this moment, Wang Jingwen suddenly stopped him, pointed at Lu Dexing and asked, "Wait a minute, Lord Marquis, who is this person? Why have I never seen him before?"

When Lu Dexing heard Wang Jingwen ask this, his face suddenly turned ugly. He glared at Wang Jingwen and said nothing. Lin Xiaofeng was also stunned for a moment. He didn't expect Wang Jingwen to notice Lu Dexing, let alone ask such a question. He explained with a somewhat stiff expression: "He is my family's servant."

"No!" Wang Jingwen said affirmatively, "I think he looks like a eunuch!" He looked at Lu Dexing suspiciously, as if trying to see something from him.

When Lu Dexing heard the word "eunuch", he felt unhappy. He retorted: "How do you know I am a eunuch? What makes you say I am a eunuch?"

Wang Jingwen was irritated by Lv Dexing's attitude. He sat up straight, leaned forward and said, "You smell like a stinky fish! This is the unique smell of eunuchs. How dare you say you are not a eunuch?" His voice was full of obvious displeasure and threat. At the same time, he looked up and down at Lv Dexing, trying to find more flaws in his behavior.

Lu Dexing was also angry. He puffed out his chest and responded without showing any weakness: "Do you smell bad? It's really terrible!" He had followed Lin Xiaofeng for many years, and no one had mentioned that he was a eunuch for a long time. Now that Wang Jingwen, who was also a eunuch, had exposed his scars in front of him, he didn't care about that anymore and decided to confront him head-on.

The two quarreled louder and louder, and were about to fight. Lin Xiaofeng quickly stepped forward to stop them: "Enough! You are all old men in the palace, how can you still quarrel like children?" He glared at the two and continued: "My brother, he is my old servant. He once lost the most important thing for a man due to some accidents. Since we are all people in the palace, why should we look down on each other?" Lin Xiaofeng tried to resolve the dispute and let the two live in peace.

However, Wang Jingwen and Lu Dexing expressed their opposition in unison: "No!" They both seemed very dissatisfied with this proposal, thinking that there was a huge difference between themselves and the other party and they could not be compared.

"My Lord, you can't say that!" Wang Jingwen nervously pulled Lin Xiaofeng's sleeve, "How can there be no eunuchs in the palace? This is treasonous! It violates the ancestral system! You must not say that." His face was full of worry and fear, fearing that Lin Xiaofeng's words would cause unnecessary trouble. At the same time, he secretly glanced at Lu Dexing, with a flash of disdain and ridicule in his eyes.

Lu Dexing also nodded in agreement: "My lord, although I used to be a eunuch, I have now regained my identity as a man. I cannot tolerate others treating me as a eunuch anymore." His voice was firm and powerful, as if to prove that he had gotten rid of the shadow of the past and regained his dignity as a man.

Lin Xiaofeng shook his hands helplessly and got rid of Wang Jingwen's entanglement. He snatched the report from Lu Dexing, pushed the door and walked into the study. The two of them continued to argue outside, neither of them was willing to give in. In the study, Emperor Jingjiang was reading the report carefully with a magnifying glass, his brows furrowed, obviously thinking about something important. Hearing the door open, he looked up and saw that it was Lin Xiaofeng who came in, so he asked, "Xiaofeng, what are you doing here?"

Lin Xiaofeng walked up to him, handed him the latest statistics of weapons and equipment, and said, "Father, this is our latest statistics. Weapons and equipment and supplies are ready, and we can set off at any time." His voice was firm and powerful, revealing an unquestionable determination and confidence. At the same time, he was secretly glad that he had stopped the dispute outside in time, otherwise if Emperor Jingjiang knew about it, it would probably cause another unnecessary disturbance.

"Are you all ready?" With anticipation and determination flashing in Emperor Jingjiang's eyes, he asked Lin Xiaofeng solemnly.

Lin Xiaofeng took a deep breath, then nodded calmly: "Well, everything is ready. Although the progress is a little later than expected, because large-scale production does have many difficulties, the scrap rate is also high. To be honest, making these weapons is simply like burning money." As he spoke, a hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes, but more of it was firmness and determination.

After hearing this, Emperor Jingjiang smiled deeply. "Fortunately, the West has not made any big moves yet, which leaves us enough time to prepare. I have always known Lao Liu. He is always steady and will not act rashly without absolute certainty. He has been lurking for so many years, and I have long seen his ambition. But even if there is no Brotherhood to cause trouble, he dare not act rashly."

As he spoke, Emperor Jingjiang slowly stood up, looking into the distance, as if thinking about something. Seeing this, Lin Xiaofeng hurriedly said, "Father, I have been here for two months, and it is time to go back to the palace. Please tell Dexian to make preparations in advance."

Emperor Jingjiang came back to his senses and looked at Lin Xiaofeng with a glimmer of approval in his eyes: "Okay, go back and take a look. Oh, by the way, have you finished reading last month's county report? The people are eagerly waiting for it."

Lin Xiaofeng showed an awkward smile on his face: "I've finished reading it, Father. I'll bring it to you right away. ... Hmm?" He suddenly realized something, and looking at the half-smile on Emperor Jingjiang's face, he suddenly realized, "Oh, isn't this equivalent to me working for my former boss for free after he abdicated? Fortunately, I have almost finished dealing with my affairs recently."

After hearing this, Emperor Jingjiang laughed out loud: "Okay, I've been sitting for too long, I want to go out for a walk. If you are sure you want to go on the expedition with Dexian, you'd better tell your family first, so as not to make Miaohan and Chenyu worry too much."

"I understand, son." Lin Xiaofeng replied respectfully.

Emperor Jingjiang strode out of the study, followed closely by Lin Xiaofeng. As soon as he pushed the door open, a noisy sound came into his ears.

“Pooh!” “Pooh!” “Pooh!”

"puff!"

It turned out that two white-haired old men were spitting at each other in the yard and having a great time. Emperor Jingjiang's face suddenly became a little ugly. He turned to look at Lin Xiaofeng and asked, "Who are these two people?"

Lin Xiaofeng hurriedly stepped forward and grabbed one of the old men, while explaining to Emperor Jingjiang: "Father, this old man is a demented old man I picked up on the road. He can't find his home. I wanted to report to you first and then help him find a home, but I didn't expect it to turn out like this..."

When the other old man saw Emperor Jingjiang coming out, he quickly came to his senses and started to pretend to have Alzheimer's disease. Wang Jingwen stared at him fiercely without saying a word - he had to give face to Marquis Jianye.

Emperor Jingjiang looked at the two old naughty boys with a helpless smile on his face. He patted Wang Jingwen on the shoulder and said disdainfully: "You can even fight a fool. Go home and retire tomorrow. Don't follow me."

When Wang Jingwen heard this, he immediately wailed, "I am innocent!!!" He looked as if he had suffered a great injustice.

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As night fell, the lights in the princess's mansion were bright. Lin Xiaofeng and her family sat around the dining table, enjoying a rare reunion. However, Lin Xiaofeng suddenly put down his chopsticks and said solemnly, "I have something to tell you. There may be a war in Jingjiang soon, and I will go overseas with your majesty. I may not be able to come back in a short time, so all the affairs at home will be left to the ladies to take care of."

There was silence at the table, and everyone stared at Lin Xiaofeng in amazement. This news was too sudden for them to accept for a while.

Young Master Lin was the first to react. He immediately threw down his chopsticks and shouted, "Dad, I want to go with you!" There was a determination in his eyes, as if he was ready to fight alongside his father.

However, Lin Xiaofeng shook his head firmly: "No, no one can go with me this time. This battle will be fine, don't worry." As he spoke, a hint of reluctance flashed in his eyes, but more of it was determination and firmness. "I tell you so that you can be prepared. Especially you kids, you must be honest at home and don't run around and cause trouble."

After the head of the Lin family spoke, the table returned to silence. Everyone continued to eat in silence, each with their own thoughts. This meal was particularly long.

After finishing the meal, Lin Xiaofeng returned to the study alone. Not long after, Li Hanmiao gently pushed the door and walked in. She sat opposite Lin Xiaofeng and asked softly, "Husband, when are you going to the battle?" Her eyes were full of worry and reluctance.

Lin Xiaofeng smiled and held her hand: "I don't know the exact time yet, but it should be within a month. After all, Your Majesty has been looking forward to this battle for a long time." As he spoke, a hint of determination and expectation flashed in his eyes.

Li Hanmiao held his hand tightly: "Husband, you are just a civil servant, can you not go?" Her voice trembled, revealing deep worry.

Lin Xiaofeng patted the back of her hand gently: "His Majesty has gone there in person, so how can I not go? Don't worry, I will stay away from the battlefield and will only be responsible for commanding the work." As he spoke, a comforting smile appeared on his face.

After hearing what Lin Xiaofeng said, Li Hanmiao could not persuade him any more. She stroked her chest and whispered, "Husband, you tonight..." Before she finished her words, she was interrupted by Lin Xiaofeng, "I have to work overtime tonight, you go to bed first." As he said, a trace of apology flashed in his eyes. Li Hanmiao nodded gently, then turned and walked out of the study. She knew that her husband had more important things to do.

In the following time, Jin Jiaying and other women also pushed the door and walked in one after another. They all wanted to stay with Lin Xiaofeng for a while, even if it was just to say a few words. However, Lin Xiaofeng was busy with the work at hand and didn't even have time to raise his head. He was full of guilt, but he knew that he couldn't be distracted now.

The last person to enter the study was Xie Hongxin. This burly man pushed the door open with an expressionless face and walked in. He walked straight to Lin Xiaofeng and said, "I want to go too." His voice was firm and powerful, as if he had already made full preparations.

Lin Xiaofeng didn't even raise his head: "I see you are old, there is no need to go to the battlefield, right? Why not stand guard at the entrance of the primary school?" He tried to persuade Xie Hongxin to give up this idea in a relaxed tone. However, Xie Hongxin said firmly: "I want to go." There was a resolute light in his eyes, which made it impossible to refuse. Lin Xiaofeng put down his pen and sighed. He looked directly into Xie Hongxin's eyes: "Why are you going? We don't need you to command on the battlefield, nor do we need you to charge into battle." He tried to make Xie Hongxin understand that this expedition was not a joke. However, Xie Hongxin said lightly: "Protect you." His voice was calm, but full of power. Lin Xiaofeng smiled helplessly: "Why are you so stubborn!" He rubbed his eyebrows, raised his head and sighed, "Okay, you win! You can go. But when you get there, you can only follow me." He knew that Xie Hongxin's decision could not be changed. Instead of forcibly stopping him, it would be better to let him follow him, so that he could have more care. Xie Hongxin nodded: "Okay." He answered briefly, then turned and walked out of the study. Lin Xiaofeng was left with a helpless smile and continued to work with his head down. He knew that he still had a lot to do. This campaign was not just a battle, but also a contest about the future of the country. He had to be fully prepared to meet the upcoming challenges.

The sky gradually darkened, and Lin Xiaofeng was still working at his desk. At this time, there was a knock on the door. "Come in." Lin Xiaofeng shouted. The door was pushed open, and two people unexpectedly walked into the study room - Luo Huajun and Xiang Xiehong.

"Huh? Why are you two here?" Lin Xiaofeng asked them with narrowed eyes.

"Master, we heard from Xie Hongxin that you are preparing to go to sea to fight. Xiang Xiehong and I discussed it and decided to go with you." Luo Huajun replied, his eyes flashing with expectation and determination.

Lin Xiaofeng asked in surprise: "Xie Hongxin came to find you?"

"Yes, Xie Hongxin went to the newspaper office to find Xiang Xiehong and asked him to gather his former brothers to go together. I rushed here immediately." Xiang Xiehong nodded and said.

Lin Xiaofeng covered his ears and looked at Luo Huajun: "You are here again. I remember you seemed to be in Yangqu County?"

"I moved to the capital a long time ago. The houses in Yangqu County are too expensive, so I could only buy one in the inner city." Luo Huajun explained a little embarrassedly, with an awkward smile on his face. "Master, take us there!" He and Xiang Xiehong said in unison, with expectation and determination flashing in their eyes.

Lin Xiaofeng crossed his arms and looked at the two of them playfully: "Tell me, what can you two do by coming with me?" He knew that although these two people were a little unreliable, they might be able to come in handy in the battle.

"How can such a big thing not be recorded? If we record this battle, it will definitely cause a sensation!" Xiang Xiehong answered without hesitation, his eyes flashing with excitement and expectation. As people from the newspaper, they naturally knew the importance of records. Moreover, this battle is of great significance to the entire country. If it can be recorded and spread, it will inevitably cause a huge response and attention. This is also a rare opportunity for the development of the newspaper. So they chose to follow Lin Xiaofeng to go overseas without hesitation. Even in the face of unknown dangers and difficulties, they did not retreat and moved forward courageously!

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Lin Xiaofeng stood in the courtyard, the night breeze was cool, blowing the corners of his clothes. He thought over and over again about Xiang Xiehong's words, and felt that they made sense. Xiang Xiehong, the man who had been in charge of the newspaper for a long time, obviously had more news reporting experience than ordinary people, and his sensitivity to news was outstanding.

The emperor personally led an expedition to the Western Regions. What a big event! It should indeed be recorded by someone with experience and vision. A hint of determination flashed in Lin Xiaofeng's eyes. He decided to take Xiang Xiehong with him.

"Okay, you can go with me then, but you must follow my instructions." Lin Xiaofeng's words revealed an unquestionable determination. He turned his eyes to Luo Huajun, "What do you think?"

Luo Huajun looked a little gloomy, he sighed: "As a soldier, my destiny is to die on the battlefield. I lived a muddle-headed life in the first half of my life, and when I am dying, I don't want to go on like this... I'm not afraid of you laughing at me, although I already have a son, he doesn't recognize me." Lin Xiaofeng could understand his feelings, he sighed lightly: "It's nothing, I have never raised my own son for a day, I am not a qualified father at all. But we all want to do big things, so that our sons can look up to us."

He looked at Luo Huajun and asked with some concern: "Can your body... sustain this journey? Don't let it be the last gasp of your strength."

Luo Huajun smiled faintly and said, "I have given up lust for a year, and my body is absolutely fine. I was young and ignorant before, and I indulged in beauty. Now I understand the meaning of life. After giving up lust, I feel like a new person. Now I practice martial arts and fishing with full concentration, without any other thoughts... It can be said that I have found my true self."

Lin Xiaofeng looked at him in surprise, not expecting him to be able to reach this level. Xiang Xiehong on the side looked at him sideways and asked in confusion: "Are you impotent?"

Luo Huajun nodded calmly, "Yes, I am impotent."

Lin Xiaofeng looked at the two of them blankly, "Can both of you face this kind of thing calmly? Don't look at me, I'm in good health."

Xiang Xiehong pondered for a moment and said, "We have all reached the age of knowing our destiny, so impotence doesn't matter. After impotence, our hearts are as calm as still water, we are calm and at ease, we look at everything lightly, and we are free... human nature will have one less flaw because of this."

He paused and continued, "What men value most is their career. Now I can devote myself to my career, so impotence is actually a good thing. Especially for those of us who are passionate about pursuing success, the sooner we become impotent, the sooner we succeed. Impotence is the starting point to greatness."

Luo Huajun folded his arms and closed his eyes, nodding his head in agreement: "Indeed, since I became impotent, I have been completely free and unrestrained. I have my own way in the world, transcending the mundane world." He took a deep breath, "It's all my fault that I didn't understand the true meaning of life when I was young and went astray. Today I understand what I really want."

"Well, you two can share your life experiences again when you have a chance." Lin Xiaofeng interrupted them, "Come with me to the sea when I notify you. If you have nothing to do, go home." He covered his face with his hands and turned his head away sullenly. He was really afraid that he would feel inferior because of his health.

Luo Huajun and Xiang Xiehong smiled at each other, stood up and clasped their hands to say goodbye.

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Night fell outside the princess's mansion, and the twinkling lights illuminated the night sky. Xiang Xiehong and Luo Huajun stood side by side in front of the mansion gate, looking up at the starry sky together. This starry sky witnessed their rebirth and transformation, and will soon witness their new journey.

"Old Xiang, aren't there civil servants on the battlefield? You don't need to be so anxious about recording things, right?" Luo Huajun spoke up to break the silence.

"Their memory is not as good as mine, and I have to observe the safety of the master. Who can predict the situation on the battlefield?" Xiang Xiehong responded. He turned to look at Luo Huajun, "What about you? With your current skills, it will be difficult to defeat those young people, right?"

Luo Huajun smiled bitterly and shook his head: "What's the point of talking about whether I can win or not? My martial arts are outdated. I'm afraid that no one in the future will learn the battlefield martial arts I master. In the future, people will use guns and cannons. Even Xie Hongxin no longer practices swords."

"Xie Hongxin will also protect the master this time. How can I be absent? Besides, I don't want to see the master in danger. My rebirth was given by the master." Luo Huajun said affectionately.

"Speaking of the grace of rebirth, isn't everyone in Yangqu County..." Xiang Xiehong looked up and muttered to himself, his gaze seemed to penetrate the night sky and see somewhere farther away.

The two of them fell into deep thought. Suddenly, Xiang Xiehong gently bumped Luo Huajun's shoulder and asked, "Hey, when did you start?"

"About a year ago... I suddenly felt overwhelmed. I thought people would grow old slowly, but unexpectedly, it happened in an instant... When did you start?" Luo Huajun asked curiously.

"About half a year ago." Xiang Xiehong responded with emotion, "I no longer have any desire for worldly things."

"You are much better than me. I used to indulge myself too much. I am afraid that by the time I am in my seventies or eighties, I will have shrunk to the point of being invisible..." Luo Huajun said with some regret.

"What?! It can actually retract!" Xiang Xiehong asked in astonishment, with an incredible expression on his face, "Doesn't that mean I've become a eunuch?"

"I asked the doctor, and he said it was normal and that it would happen as people get older," Luo Huajun explained.

"I don't believe it! Let me see yours!" Xiang Xiehong said seriously.

Luo Huajun hesitated for a moment, but still agreed, "Just look." Then he unzipped his pants.

Xiang Xiehong stared at it with eyes wide open, an expression of disbelief on his face, "Oh my God! It actually turned out like this!" He exclaimed. The two smiled at each other, as if they had found a common topic and more tacit understanding.

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In the imperial study, sunlight shone through the exquisite window lattices onto the table. Lin Xiaofeng sat in front of Li Dexian and asked solemnly, "What has your majesty considered?"

Li Dexian picked up the music sheet and showed a wicked smile on his face: "No need to say so much, I have been looking forward to this day for a long time!" His eyes were flashing with anticipation and determination.

"When does Your Majesty plan to set off?" Lin Xiaofeng asked.

"Half a month at the earliest, and a month at the slowest." Li Dexian answered after thinking, "When my father talked to me about this matter yesterday, he wanted the crown prince to come to supervise the country and take care of him. I think this is a good idea. I can hand over all the matters at hand to the crown prince, so that he can get familiar with government affairs sooner." He muttered to himself, as if thinking about future plans.

Li Dexian looked at Lin Xiaofeng and frowned slightly: "It's you, Old Lin. Father said that you also want to go to the Western Regions, but I think it's better for you not to go." His tone revealed his concern and worry for Lin Xiaofeng.

"Old Lin, it's not that I look down on you." Li Dexian continued, "With your physique, if something happens to you on the battlefield, how can I live! Father can't lose you either. I see him running to Yangqu County every few days, and he looks radiant every time." He paused, "Why don't you stay at home and wait for my triumphant return? Wouldn't that be better?"

Lin Xiaofeng smiled and waved his hand to refuse: "Your Majesty, there is no need to mention this matter again. My father specifically ordered that I accompany Your Majesty to participate in the war. Moreover," he smiled mysteriously, "I also brought two thousand elite Jinyiwei."

"Empress Uniform Guards?" Li Dexian narrowed his eyes and showed a puzzled expression on his face. "Why are you taking two thousand Imperial Uniform Guards to the Western Regions? Aren't troops already stationed in Feka and the Holy City? The number of people in the fleet going out to sea this time should be enough, right? Moreover, there are a total of five thousand Imperial Uniform Guards, and I know their distribution very well. When did you train those two thousand people?" His series of questions showed his concern and curiosity about this matter.

"This is all what father wanted." Lin Xiaofeng explained, "He carefully selected 2,000 soldiers in Yangqu County to serve as the Jinyiwei. In fact, the total number of Jinyiwei has now reached more than 7,000. It's just that father didn't want you to know the news too early. He plans to give you this surprise when he goes out to sea."

"Surprise?" Li Dexian looked at Lin Xiaofeng in confusion, "I always feel that this matter is a little strange. Are you and father hiding something from me? He runs to Yangqu County for no reason." His tone was full of inquiry.

Lin Xiaofeng just smiled without answering, with a mysterious light flashing in his eyes. This made Li Dexian even more curious, and he was eager to know the truth.

Li Dexian felt even more strange, as if there was a kitten scratching in his heart, wondering what was going on. This was not the first time that Lao Lin was so mysterious. There must be a reason for the sudden appearance of two thousand Jinyiwei! Maybe my father was also involved this time, hiding it from me!
He took a deep breath and tried to calm his excitement. If he asked Lao Lin directly, it would be difficult to get an answer. Lao Lin always liked to be mysterious. It would be better to wait until we go out to sea before asking him...

After some thought, Li Dexian said frankly: "Since you are unwilling to tell me, I will wait for you to tell me first." He changed the subject and said, "I haven't told the ministers about this yet. Although there was an order when my father abdicated, it has been so long after all. If I rashly go to sea, I will definitely be opposed by the ministers. You stay here, I will summon them one by one to explain. Let's act separately to avoid hidden dangers in the future. What do you think?"

After hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng secretly admired Li Dexian's careful consideration. He bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise and powerful! I obey your order!" The two people's eyes met in the air, as if they had reached some kind of tacit understanding. In the days to come, they will face unknown challenges together and write their own legendary story together.

Just as Li Dexian had expected, the difficulties of crossing the sea still existed and did not become easier because of their determination and preparation. However, Lin Xiaofeng had made all the preparations. Together with Emperor Jingjiang, he carefully selected important officials in the court to ensure the smooth progress of the expedition. In just one day, they discussed all the planned matters in detail again, without missing any details.

And those petty officials with low positions and limited power seemed to be of little use in this grand plan. They could only watch from afar, full of envy and admiration.

Time passed quickly. After 20 days, Sishui Port was busy and tense. Five mighty ironclad ships led the neat fleet like a giant dragon, ready to go. The marine supply and cargo ships were also well prepared, showing their determination and strength. All the officials gathered beside the port, surrounding the back of Emperor Jingjiang, forming a unique landscape.

The emperor was accompanied by Li Hanmiao, Wang Jingwen and others, their faces full of determination and expectation. Li Dexian, dressed in military uniform, stood side by side with Lin Xiaofeng. Behind them, a large group of people quietly waited for the order to set off.

Emperor Jingjiang walked slowly in front of the two of them, looked up at the huge warship, and couldn't help feeling a lot of emotion in his heart. The new generation has surpassed the constraints of the old, they have more powerful power and more advanced technology. In his life, he has never experienced such a rich and well-equipped war.

"Dexian," Emperor Jingjiang said affectionately, "I have something to tell you about this war. We must proceed steadily and cautiously, and never seek quick success. Only in this way can victory fall firmly into our hands."

Li Dexian nodded solemnly, "Father, please rest assured. This is also what I think in my heart. Over the years, we have figured out the church's firearms equipment. Within five years, we will definitely return victorious over the enemy!" His voice was firm and powerful, as if he had already seen the moment of victory.

Emperor Jingjiang nodded again and said, "It's good that you have a plan in mind. Remember my words. Okay, you can get on board first." Li Dexian patted Lin Xiaofeng on the shoulder, waved to everyone, and turned to board the huge ship. The rest of the people followed closely and boarded the ship in an orderly manner.

Looking at Li Dexian's departing back, Emperor Jingjiang said, "He said it would take five years to achieve victory, and it seems that Dexian does have a plan to proceed step by step. But five years... is too long, I can't wait that long." There was a hint of helplessness and impatience in his voice.

"When does Your Majesty think is appropriate?" Lin Xiaofeng asked tentatively. He knew Emperor Jingjiang's mood and expectations very well.

"Five months will be enough." Emperor Jingjiang said firmly, "Finish the fight sooner and come back sooner, can Dexian do it?" His eyes were full of expectation and challenge.

Lin Xiaofeng frowned slightly, "Five months... doesn't seem possible." He said realistically, not wanting to give Emperor Jingjiang overly optimistic expectations.

Emperor Jingjiang flicked his sleeves and turned around angrily, "What a loser! If I personally supervise the military training and train the Jinyiwei into the elite among the elite, and if I lead the army myself, the problem can be solved within three months!" His voice revealed a kind of domineering and self-confidence, as if he had already seen the moment when he personally led the army to victory.

However, Lin Xiaofeng said hesitantly: "In fact, in my opinion, advancing step by step and making steady progress... may not be the best strategy." He paused, and continued: "We have the Brotherhood as an insider, and we can obtain a lot of intelligence. By actively revealing some flaws and pretending to retreat, we can seek a decisive battle. Once this battle is successful, the church will never have a chance to turn over. And we can also truly demonstrate our military power overseas and deter other countries." His eyes flashed with wisdom, as if he had seen a grander strategic blueprint.

Although this strategy is good, there are also some uncontrollable factors. After all, war is full of variables, and once an unexpected situation occurs, the consequences will be disastrous.

Hearing Lin Xiaofeng's proposal, Emperor Jingjiang nodded repeatedly, with an approving look on his face. But when he heard Lin Xiaofeng pause, he hurriedly asked, "And what?" He was afraid of missing any important details or suggestions.

"Besides..." Lin Xiaofeng smiled slightly, "If I have the opportunity to go abroad, I would also like to go sightseeing." He said half-jokingly, "It's not easy to have the opportunity to go abroad. I am the main contributor to the opening of the West Sea. If I don't go traveling, wouldn't it be a waste of my life?"

However, Emperor Jingjiang was not amused by his words. Instead, he reprimanded him sternly, "How dare you! This is a war! Even if we have an absolute advantage, we cannot take it lightly! Arrogance will cost you your life!" His voice was full of majesty and warning, "You are usually cautious and foolproof, how come you forget yourself when you are overseas? You must come back safely with Dexian! At the latest... no more than a year!" At the end, his voice trembled and his eyes were slightly red, "I'm old... don't make me wait too long..." The emperor who unified the world seemed so fragile and lonely at this moment. His words revealed his deep concern and reluctance for his children.

Although the Jingjiang Emperor was deprived of power after his abdication, he was lucky to have his two children by his side, making him feel the warmth of family affection. Especially since his abdication, Lin Xiaofeng not only did not neglect him, but took even more careful care of him, coming to greet him and pay his respects every day, which made him feel very relieved. This deep affection has surpassed the feelings of a biological son. Now that they are going to travel across the ocean, it is naturally difficult for the Jingjiang Emperor to let go.

(End of this chapter)