u Lianyi nodded in greeting, truly saying that she had searched everywhere for him without success, but now she had found him effortlessly. The man before her was Zhao Fenglin, her biological father."...Lin Zean saw that his younger sister was already seriously injured by the enemy. He also grasped his saber and rushed into the circle, slashing with his sword to cut off the black-clothed man's sword, instantly killing him.

The old chancellor's guards were not idle either, immediately cooperating with the young master and young lady to surround the enemy.

The ripples nodded with satisfaction and said to Lao Shangshu, who was nervously watching the battle from the side:

“Father, don’t worry. Both children know their limits. This is a good opportunity to temper them. After this tribulation, their future path will be smoother.”

"You're right, Ya Zou was spoiled by us back then. He lacked guts and that's why he ended up like this."

The old minister knew in his heart that because he was the only son, both he and his wife subconsciously protected him under their wings. As a result, the son lacked responsibility. If it weren't for the emperor's appointment, perhaps his own son would have lived under their wings for a lifetime.

But the daughter-in-law did a good job. Being an only child herself, she was able to let her child go out and gain experience after the coming-of-age ceremony. Now, when something happens, he knows to be at the front protecting his family. Even the delicate granddaughter can wield a whip to injure the enemy.

"Ripple, you've taught the children well."

The old chancellor's words were sincere.

This also wouldn't be possible without my father's support.

Ripple humbly said.

Suddenly, ripples' ears twitched. She heard the sound of something breaking through the air, its target being her and Lao Shangshu.

"Grandfather, Mother!"

Lin Zhean ducked to the side, avoiding a blade. He then saw that the man in black had merely feigned a strike, his target being his grandfather and mother standing by the study door. As the opponent's hand went up, three arrows shot out from his sleeve, their tips glowing with a sickly green light. It was clear they were poisoned.

With a flick of her wrist, Ripples captured all the flowers in her hand. Without even a command, they automatically grew, their roots and stems lengthening into a green whip that shot out rapidly, wrapping around three poisonous arrows.

"An An, Ning Ning, make way!"

The ripples rose and echoed.

The two of them dodged in perfect sync. With a ripple, Duo Duo sent three poisoned arrows back with her attacks. Immediately, three men in black were hit and fell to the ground, dead within moments.

"Be wary of their sleeve arrows, they are poisoned."

With a flick of her wrist, she gathered the flowers back in. At the same time, she reminded the two children and the guards protecting the mansion who had slain the enemy.

"Mother, rest assured!"

"Understood, Mother!"

The two sides responded with a sound, fighting with even greater care.

Because of the consecutive attacks, in less than a stick of incense time, all the remaining black-clad men were eliminated. The captured man directly bit open the poison pill hidden in his teeth and committed suicide.

The backyard suddenly became very quiet. Lian Ri listened intently, but outside there was still the sound of charging.

"Plum Blossom."

Ripples cried out.

"My lady, I am here."

With a pale face, Mei Zhi immediately stood out. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke. She had seen the ferocity just now with her own eyes.

"Go and call back all the maidservants and servants. Prepare some food and personally supervise them to eat something. We must hold out until dawn. The outcome depends on the prince's abilities."

"Madam, should we clean this courtyard"

The guard captain, bearing a bloodstained blade, respectfully inquired.

Just clean up this courtyard of ours. We don't need to touch anywhere else. Let it look like the Black Coats have already taken over, so we don't attract any more enemies.

After Liàn Yī finished speaking, she turned to look at the old chancellor.

"Listen to the young mistress."

The old Shangshu nodded.

Everything then proceeded smoothly, the commoners silently doing their tasks, everyone with eyes wide open until dawn.

After dawn, the death knell rang through the palace, signaling the passing of the old emperor. Soon after, riders galloped throughout the imperial city, notifying all officials of rank five and above to convene at the palace for an emergency meeting.

Only then did Lao Shangshu let out a sigh of relief. The Lin family had at least been saved.

"Ripple, I'll go to the palace first to see the situation. If it's the Crown Prince, I'll retire and go home. You take care of the house and be ready to leave at any time."

The old chancellor had thought ahead and made two preparations.

"Yes, your daughter-in-law will prepare it as soon as possible."

After sending off the old Chancellor, Lianyi began to prepare, but she wasn't too worried. That prince had the blessing of national fortune, he shouldn't be so easily dealt with.

Indeed, after two hours, Lao Shangshu's confidant arrived with a message, saying that the Crown Prince had ascended the throne and asked her to cooperate with the military police to handle the bodies of the black-clothed men. He said everything else would be discussed when Lao Shangshu returned.

The ripples reissued orders, leading his subordinates to deal with the Imperial Guard's troops and restore the entire Shangshu Mansion to its former state.

Not until noon the next day did Lao Shangshu return, and the first thing he did was summon his grandson to his study.

The ripples also came later, knowing that the prince had long been prepared to defend against his own brothers. The old emperor secretly handed over the Imperial Forest Army and the Royal Guards to the prince, giving him the strength to resist.

Even the prince didn't expect his own brothers to be so vicious. They had made up their minds to die rather than fail, and they attacked the residences of many officials in the imperial city. While families like the Minister of Officials' residence suffered little damage, most of the casualties were among civilian officials. A large number of them perished.

This leaves many vacant positions, which need to be filled. Now is not the time for officials' assessments, and local officials who want to transfer to the imperial city also need time. Not only does it require assessment, but also suitable successors.

Finally, the new emperor decided to hold an imperial examination, and this year's successful candidates would largely be retained in the capital. Such a good opportunity naturally couldn't be missed by the old minister, who wanted his grandson to seize it.

Liàn Yī strongly agreed with the former prime minister's decision. In her view, her son was both talented and capable, able to succeed in any path he chose.

Thus, matters were happily decided. Lin Zhean began to prepare for the Enke Examination a month later.

Because Lin Ze'an has a solid foundation and experience studying abroad, he stood out in this year's civil service examination and was directly placed in the Ministry of Personnel. This is undoubtedly enviable to many people, as it is directly related to the assessment of officials. His future prospects are limitless.

The Marquis of An settled was also affected by this disaster. Only his wife died, and several concubines of his sons died unjustly. A large number of servants also died, while the main figures were all safe and sound. He could be considered fortunate.

Furthermore, the Marquis of Anping acted decisively that night, taking his eldest son into the palace to protect the imperial heir. He thus saved his own rank and, at least this time, when the title passed to his eldest son, it was not reduced upon inheritance. This could be considered a reward from the crown prince for his protection.

The new emperor employed new people, vigorously developed commerce, built roads, and promoted Confucianism. He brought prosperity to the Dawan Dynasty and gradually annexed the covetous surrounding small countries, expanding the territory of the Dawan Dynasty once more.

Lian Ri chose good matches for her children, refusing the An Ding Hou Fu's offer to further strengthen their bond. She completely severed ties with the An Ding Hou Fu. After the old Shang Shu passed away, she took his place as the new Lady Official.

As she grew older, she became increasingly reluctant to socialize. She entrusted the social interactions of the Lin family to her daughter-in-law. After she also had grandchildren, Lian Yi returned to the Time Management Bureau.

But the grave of the original's younger sister had grass growing several inches tall, and Lianyi had perfectly fulfilled the original's wish. This time, she also had merit to take.

She had saved the prince, preventing the Great Huan Dynasty from being engulfed in war and saving countless lives. That's why when ripples saw Shi Ju again, the other's lips never fell.elirious from the heat and his parents, realizing something was wrong, rushed him to the hospital. After a night of struggle, they finally brought down his temperature. However, after recovering, Musi...